China Condemns US Appointment Of Tibet Rights Envoy

Beijing: (Web Desk) – China accused the United States of “interfering in China’s internal affairs” after Washington appointed Riley Barnes as special coordinator for Tibetan issues, a role intended to promote Tibetan rights, language, and religious heritage.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced Barnes’s appointment on Tuesday, coinciding with Losar, the Tibetan New Year, and reaffirmed America’s commitment to defending Tibetan cultural and religious practices.

In response, China’s foreign ministry said the move “interferes with China’s internal affairs” and emphasized that Tibet-related issues are solely China’s domestic concern, adding that the US position is “not recognized” by Beijing.

The special coordinator role is mandated by a 2002 act of Congress and has traditionally been held by senior US officials, though some administrations, including President Donald Trump’s, delayed appointments. The current Dalai Lama, condemned by Beijing as a separatist, has lived in exile in India since fleeing Lhasa following the 1959 uprising.

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US policymakers have long sought to safeguard the Dalai Lama’s religious traditions, particularly the selection of his spiritual successor, which has prompted concern in China that a compliant successor may be appointed to weaken Tibetan advocacy.

As a senator, Rubio championed human rights in China, notably supporting Uyghur rights through legislation restricting imports from Xinjiang involving forced labor. As Secretary of State, Rubio has continued focusing on human rights issues while navigating complex diplomatic relations.