Secretary of State Mike Pompeo appointed senior human rights official Robert Destro, as a special coordinator for Tibetan issues, in a move that could increase tensions between the United States and China.
Destro, the assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, would “lead U.S. efforts to promote dialogue between the People’s Republic of China and the Dalai Lama or his representatives; protect the unique religious, cultural, and linguistic identity of Tibetans; and press for their human rights to be respected,” Pompeo said in a statement, reported by Reuters.
The position to coordinate issues with Tibet has been vacant since the beginning of President Trump’s term in 2017.
China seized control over Tibet in 1950 in what they say was a “peaceful liberation” that helped the region stray from its “feudalist” past. Critics, including the Dalai Lama, have called Beijing’s actions toward the remote Himalaya region “cultural genocide.”
In response to Destro’s appointment, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian called the move an attempt to interfere in China’s internal affairs, referring to Tibet as the Chinese name, “Xizang.”
“The setting up of the so-called special coordinator for Tibetan issues is entirely out of political manipulation to interfere in China’s internal affairs and destabilize Xizang,” Zhao said, according to the New Indian Express.
Zhao added that he believes the “ethnic groups in Xizang are part of the big family of the Chinese nation,” and that China will take the necessary steps to uphold its interests.
The International Campaign for Tibet, a Washington D.C.-based organization that aims to promote freedoms in Tibet, said they welcomed the new appointment but had concerns about the timing and ranking of the official to oversee the duties.
“Since the passage of the Tibetan Policy Act of 2002, the Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues has been appointed at the Under Secretary level,” the organization said in a statement. “Lowering the position to Assistant Secretary sends the wrong message to the Chinese government and the Tibetan people at a critical time.”
Pompeo also announced over the summer that the U.S. would restrict visas for some Chinese officials involved in blocking diplomatic access to Tibet, alleging they are engaging in human rights abuses.
“The United States remains concerned with the PRC’s repression of the Tibetan community,” Pompeo said.
The secretary added that the U.S. supports a “meaningful autonomy” for Tibet.
