By Kalyani Yeola and Neeraj Singh Manhas
The recent visit of a United States’ (US) delegation to Dharamshala, India, the home of the Tibetan government-in-exile, has significant implications for global geopolitics. The delegation included former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, House Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY), House Rules Committee Ranking Member Jim McGovern (D-MA), House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Indo-Pacific Ranking Member Ami Bera (D-CA), and Representatives Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA) and Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY). This visit preceded the Dalai Lama’s scheduled medical treatment in the United States and followed the passage of the “Resolve Tibet Act” by the US Congress, which urged Beijing to resume dialogue with the Dalai Lama. Pelosi’s previous visits to Dharamshala reflect Washington’s ongoing support for the Tibetan cause.
During 2002 and 2010, the Dalai Lama’s representatives and the Chinese government engaged in nine rounds of dialogue, which failed to yield substantive outcomes. Since then, no formal talks have been conducted. During these discussions, the Tibetan side advocated for genuine autonomy for the Tibetan people under the Dalai Lama’s middle-way policy. In April 2024, the Sikyong (political head of Tibet’s government-in-exile), Penpa Tsering, announced that his administration had initiated back-channel talks with Beijing to explore potential resolutions to the Tibet issue. These remarks were interpreted as a sign of both parties’ willingness to re-engage after over a decade without formal dialogue. Shortly, after Tsering’s comments, Beijing reiterated its position that it would only engage in talks with representatives of the Dalai Lama, not with the government-in-exile.
Following a failed uprising against Chinese rule in 1959, the 14th Dalai Lama fled Tibet and established the government-in-exile in India. China has accused the Dalai Lama of engaging in separatist activities, viewing him as a divisive figure. However, the Dalai Lama has consistently maintained that he seeks genuine autonomy for all Tibetans living in the three traditional provinces of Tibet under the “Middle-Way approach.” The relations between the two sides further deteriorated following protests in Tibetan areas against China in 2008.
Strategic Implications
In the context of ongoing global conflicts such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the Israel-Palestine conflict, and China’s recent military drills around Taiwan, the visit of the US lawmakers to the Dalai Lama holds significant importance. This visit is more than just a diplomatic gesture; it has far-reaching implications for the reinforcement of democratic values, strategic geopolitical signaling, and the strengthening of diplomatic alliances. The US’s support for Tibet within India exemplifies its policy of promoting democracy globally and sends a clear message against authoritarianism.
By engaging with the Dalai Lama, a globally recognized symbol of nonviolent resistance, Pelosi and the delegation emphasize the US’s stance on human rights and democratic values. This symbolic support sends a clear message to oppressed populations worldwide that the US stands with them in their struggle. Furthermore, by highlighting human rights issues in Tibet, Pelosi’s visit draws international attention to the plight of Tibetans and other conflict zones, potentially galvanizing global support for addressing these issues more robustly.
The visit signals the US’s unwavering support for oppressed populations and resistance movements, potentially deterring aggressive actions by authoritarian regimes like Russia and China. It also reaffirms US support for regions resisting Chinese dominance, including Taiwan, and underscores the US’s commitment to Taiwan’s security amidst increasing Chinese military pressure.
Pelosi’s visit may have a significant impact on the Russia-Ukraine conflict by serving as a reminder of global solidarity against autocratic aggression. Highlighting the struggle for autonomy and human rights in Tibet can draw parallels to Ukraine’s fight against the Russian invasion, potentially strengthening the support of Ukraine. Moreover, the Dalai Lama’s advocacy for peaceful resolution and dialogue aligns with global efforts to resolve conflicts such as those in Ukraine and Palestine. Pelosi’s visit will promote similar peaceful approaches in these conflicts, encouraging diplomatic solutions over military ones. The visit emphasizes dialogue and negotiation and supports the idea that lasting peace can only be achieved through understanding and cooperation.
The high-profile nature of Pelosi’s visit will likely attract significant media coverage, raising public awareness about the issues in Tibet and drawing connections to other global conflicts. This can bolster support for US foreign policy initiatives and increase pressure on other governments to take similar stances, fostering a more united and proactive international community in defending human rights and democratic principles.
Response from China
Following the US delegation’s meeting with the Dalai Lama in Dharamshala, China has expressed strong dissatisfaction and lodged formal protests. Beijing perceives this interaction as a coordinated challenge to its sovereignty and internal affairs, particularly concerning its position in Tibet. The visit has further strained China-US relations, with Chinese state media and netizens condemning the meeting as interference in China’s domestic issues.
In the near future, this development could lead to increased political tensions between China and the U.S. It could intensify its propaganda effort to discredit the Dalai Lama and portray the U.S. as interfering in its internal affairs. This includes bolstering soft power campaigns in international forums to counteract any perceived negative impacts from the visit.
The US delegation’s visit to Dharamshala is a significant event in the context of global geopolitics. The visit aligns with the broader Indo-Pacific strategy to counter China’s regional influence. Strengthening US’s partnership relations will contribute to a more coordinated approach to ensuring stability and security in the Indo-Pacific. However, it is likely to provoke a strong reaction from China, potentially leading to some propaganda measures. The visit also has broader strategic implications, influencing regional alliances and the dynamics within the Indo-Pacific framework. As the geopolitical landscape continues to evolve, this visit marks a critical point in the dynamics of US-China relations in the future.
Kalyani Yeola is Senior Research Fellow at the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, BITS, Pilani, KK Birla Goa Campus. Neeraj Singh Manhas is Special Advisor for South Asia at the Parley Policy Initiative, Republic of Korea.
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