Press Release

Representative Ami Bera, M.D. (D-CA), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific, Central Asia, and Nonproliferation, released the following statement on the 62^nd anniversary of the Tibetan Uprising:

"On the 62^nd anniversary of the Tibetan Uprising, we remember the brave Tibetans who died for resisting PRC occupation and reaffirm our support for the Tibetans' quest for genuine autonomy and their right to live free from the PRC's oppression. I call on Beijing to respect Tibetans' religious freedoms and human rights, including ensuring complete independence for the Tibetan Buddhist religious leadership in all decisions related to the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama. I also urge the Chinese government to provide U.S. diplomats, other officials, journalists, and tourists seeking access to Tibetan areas reciprocal access and treatment the United States affords Chinese diplomats and other officials, scholars, and others in the United States. If Beijing has nothing to hide, there should be no reason not to afford that access. I will continue to work with the Biden administration and my fellow Members to ensure the implementation of the Tibetan Policy and Support Act of 2020 and other relevant legislation to work toward a future where all Tibetans can receive the rights and dignity they deserve."