U.S. Dept. of State - IIP: The United States and China

Text: Rep. Cox Criticizes Chinese Government's Treatment of Tibet
(Cox cites "intense repression" in Tibet)

The Government of the People's Republic of China should be held accountable for "the immense damage that has resulted from its invasion and occupation of Tibet," Representative Christopher Cox (Republican of California) said in an extension of remarks June 26.

Cox, the chairman of the House Policy Committee and the Select Committee on U.S. National Security and Military/Commercial Concerns with the People's Republic of China, cited "the almost complete destruction of Tibet's unique cultural treasures, the attempt to eradicate the Buddhist religion, and the intense repression" in Tibet.

"Although the Dalai Lama has repeatedly stated that he seeks only autonomy and not the independence that his people so rightly deserve, the communist Chinese dictatorship refuses to negotiate," Cox said.

HONORING THE DALAI LAMA
HON. CHRISTOPHER COX
(Extension of Remarks)
HON. CHRISTOPHER COX
in the House of Representatives
MONDAY, JUNE 26, 2000

Mr. COX. Mr. Speaker, today I join the Taiwanese-American Community of Southern California in welcoming His Holiness the Dalai Lama. His Holiness' speech on `Love, Compassion and Universal Responsibility' is certain to motivate and inspire this historic gathering.

In 1991 Congress passed a resolution stating that Tibet is an occupied country whose true representatives are the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan Government-in-Exile.

Forced to flee brutal repression in his homeland, the Dalai Lama is now living in enforced exile. Although the Dalai Lama has repeatedly stated that he seeks only autonomy and not the independence that his people so rightly deserve, the Communist Chinese dictatorship refuses to negotiate. And yet the Dalai Lama continues to exhort his followers to adhere to the Buddhist principle of nonviolence. His message of hope and freedom through non-violence is an inspiration to us all.

We must never forget the suffering that the people of Tibet have been forced to endure. The government of the People's Republic of China should be held accountable for the immense damage that has resulted from its invasion and occupation of Tibet. The almost complete destruction of Tibet's unique cultural treasures, the attempt to eradicate the Buddhist religion, and the intense repression has never been adequately redressed.

I know I speak for all the Members of this House who voted for freedom in Tibet when I say we welcome His Holiness and look forward to the day when Tibet is free and its people can express themselves without fear. We will look back on these meetings and know that the cause of freedom was advanced and that we did the right thing to stand by His Holiness the Dalai Lama's side.

(Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)