(TibetanReview.net, May24, 2017) – Iowa Governor Mr Terry Branstad was on May 22 confirmed by the Senate to be the US Ambassador to China following a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on May 2 during which he had vowed to stand up for human rights, Tibet and related issues.
On Tibet, Mr. Branstad had said in response to written questions, “If confirmed, I will urge Chinese authorities to engage in meaningful and direct dialogue with the Dalai Lama and his representatives without preconditions to lower tensions and resolve differences.”
He further committed to raise concerns about the lack of regular access to Tibet and to “also continue to press the Chinese government to allow for the option to open a US Consulate in Lhasa.”
On the human rights situation in Tibet in Particular, Mr Branstad had stated: “I remain deeply concerned about the lack of respect for human rights and rule of law in Tibet. … I will engage the Chinese government regarding interference in Tibetan religious matters, particularly the selection and education of the reincarnate lamas who lead the faith.”