Reciprocal Access to Tibet Act

Reciprocal Access to Tibet Act is a US law that was enacted in December 2018 by the Trump Administration. This law calls for denying access to the US for Chinese officials known to be involved in restricting visits to the Tibet. The objective of this law is to push China to ensure greater access and transparency to the Himalayan region. Recently, a top American diplomat has called on other countries to implement similar laws like that of Reciprocal Access to Tibet Act.

Background

In 1959, the 85-year old Dalai Lama fled to India after a Chinese crackdown over an uprising by local population in Tibet. India had then granted political asylum to Dalai Lama. The Tibetan Government in exile is now based in Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh.

China-Tibet

Tibet is now a province level autonomous region in South West China. It is now the second largest province level division of China. In 1950, the Chinese army marched into Tibet and defeated the Tibetan Army in the Chamdo area. In 1951, China and Tibet signed a 17-point agreement affirming the incorporation of Tibet.

Dalai Lama

It is the title provided to the spiritual leader of Tibet. The 14^th and the current Dalai Lama is Tenzin Gyatso. The Chinese insist that the next Dalai Lama should be chosen within China.

India-Tibet

The Special Frontier Force formed in 1962 consists of Tibet refugees in India. During the 2020 India-China standoff, Nyima Tenzin, the leader of the Special Frontier Force was martyred on the banks of Pangong Tso lake. His body was covered with both India and Tibetan flags.

Tibet

Tibet is the highest region in the world. It is located in the Himalayas. The world highest peak Mt Everest is located in Tibet. The Tibetan Plateau called the “Roof of the World” is located in the autonomous region of Tibet.

Month: Current Affairs - December, 2020