US Official Meets Dalai Lama in New York

On August 21, 2024, U.S. Under Secretary of State Uzra Zeya met with the Dalai Lama in New York City, reaffirming the U.S. commitment to Tibetan human rights and cultural preservation. This meeting, which included White House human rights officials, comes amidst ongoing tensions with China, which regards the Dalai Lama as a separatist. Zeya conveyed President Biden's best wishes for the Dalai Lama's health and highlighted the importance of addressing human rights abuses in Tibet. The discussions also focused on the necessity of resuming dialogue between China and the Dalai Lama's representatives. China's government has protested the meeting, reiterating its opposition to such engagements. This diplomatic gesture signals continued U.S. support for the Tibetan cause at a time of heightened global attention on Tibet's challenges.