– Suresh Sharma
The U.S. foreign policy stance on China’s domestic issues, particularly regarding Tibet, has been criticized as a pretext to constrain China rather than a genuine effort to promote human rights and democracy. Western recognition of the Tibetan parliament in exile and the alleged human rights issues in Tibet, Xinjiang, and democracy in Hong Kong is seen as spoiling peace rather than repairing it.
The persistent aggressive stance of an established dominant power towards an emerging one is not new; it is a recurring theme in international relations transition theory. This pattern is clearly illustrated in the history of the Peloponnesian War (431-404 BCE), as highlighted by the Greek historian Thucydides, whose doctrine sheds light on the enduring political complexities we still face today.
The recent passage of the Resolve Tibet Act has exacerbated these tensions, and has established an immoral precedent to spoil the peace, stability, and harmony of a foreign nation. Signed into law by President Joe Biden on July 12, 2024, the Act is seen by Beijing as a gross interference in China’s internal affairs.
China’s reaction was swift and strong, condemning the Act and emphasizing its principle of non-interference. Beijing insists that the Act undermines its national interests and sends a wrong signal to the international community.
The PRC would reject this proposal, and such foreign interference would never find a place in reality. This behavior by the US administration should be noted by other sovereign countries.
The Act’s call for Beijing to hold talks with Tibetan leaders is deemed unacceptable by China, which views Tibet as an integral part of its territory.
The US has many internal issues to address. While Democratic President Candidate Joe Biden’s attempted to recover from his election debate missteps, his opponent has also not contributed to world peace, and to the US gun culture, that nearly claimed the life of an aspirant president.
The international body that guarantees the International Peace and Security may question the US for its intent to release the Resolve Tibet Act, which seemingly will never help to resolve but would destabilize the peace and harmony of the target country.
Furthermore, the issue of the Dalai Lama’s successor is not the business of the US, and the global community should respect China’s decisions on its domestic matters. As a result, China may respond more forcefully in the future to US actions that it perceives as attempts to destabilize peace and harmony within its territory.
Many analysts view it as a direct challenge to China’s internal affairs and territorial integrity, for which there is no space for China to tolerate.
Possible scenario:
US-China relations have been turbulent for years, and the Resolve Tibet Act is expected to further strain these already tense ties. Many analysts believe that the US has created a hostile environment, disrupting international peace and security. This Act could heighten regional tensions, prompting potential warnings to the US from global bodies.
Enacting such a law now will further damage economic relations between these major world powers. Increased war games and US battleship provocations in the South China Sea could escalate tensions, potentially leading to physical confrontations. Additionally, Donald Trump’s campaign promise of a 100% tariff against China would only exacerbate the situation.
US aircraft carriers may engage in active area domination in the South China Sea or near the Taiwan Strait, areas where the PLA views as its national security perimeter. Any misunderstanding arising from these operations could lead to serious consequences.The Taiwan and Tibet issue the US advocates does not lead us to peace in the region.
Nepal’s position:
For Nepal, a neighbor to China with significant Tibetan refugee populations, the Act’s implications are concerning. Nepal is keen to maintain its non-aligned foreign policy and avoid being drawn into the conflict between the great powers. Vigilance is urged to prevent any related unrest within its borders.
Nonetheless, the major political parties may have a different view on the issues on US propositions but the national interest should precede all.
The US has significant strategic and security interests in South Asia, using it as a strategic base to engage with China. Both China and the US should work on repairing their relationship and adopt a constructivist approach for international peace, whether in trade or oceanic domains like FOIP.
In the past, several US officials visiting Kathmandu have advocated for identity cards for Tibetan refugees. Given this context and Nepal’s role as a good neighbor to China, it is crucial for Nepal to protect its territory from any ‘unwanted troubles posed by foreign elements or countries’ in the future.
(Sharma is a Former spokesperson and retired Brig General of Nepal Army)
