[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 38 (Monday, March 10, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Pages S3405-S3406]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TIBETAN DAY OF COMMEMORATION

  Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Mr. President, today commemorates the forty-fourth 
anniversary of the 1959 ``Lhasa Uprising.''
  I offer my comments today in the sincere hope that it will promote a 
constructive dialogue between Chinese and Tibetan leaders, and with the 
goal of ending the bitter divisiveness now plaguing relations between 
China and Tibet.

[[Page S3406]]

  When, following the Chinese invasion in 1949-1950, Tibet was 
established as an autonomous region in the People's Republic of China, 
the Tibetan people were granted the right of autonomy in determining 
the shape of their religious, cultural and social institutions. China's 
leadership is on record as agreeing to this principle.
  Unfortunately, between 1951 and 1959 the government of the People's 
Republic of China did not uphold these guarantees of autonomy, leading 
to the 1959 Lhasa Uprising and the flight of the Dalai Lama from Tibet. 
During the past 44 years, tens of thousands of Tibetans have been 
forced to flee their homeland in the face of continued Chinese 
repression and violation of their right to religious and cultural 
autonomy. I find this a tragedy.
  Nonetheless, the Dalai Lama, in seeking to engage with China's 
leadership to discuss the future of the Tibetan people, has 
specifically cited that he is not seeking independence for Tibet, that 
he is willing to confine his discussions to achieving cultural and 
religious autonomy for his people, and that he is willing to negotiate 
within the framework enunciated by Deng Xiaoping in 1979.
  Indeed, in his statement today on the ``44th Anniversary of the 
Tibetan National Uprising,'' the Dalai Lama stated that ``As far back 
as the early seventies in consultation with senior Tibetan officials I 
made a decision to seek a solution to the Tibetan problem through a 
``Middle Way Approach.'' This framework does not call for independence 
and separation of Tibet. At the same time it provides genuine autonomy 
for the six million men and women who consider themselves Tibetans to 
preserve their distinctive identity, to promote their religious and 
cultural heritage that is based on a centuries-old philosophy which is 
on benefit even in the 21st century, and to protect the delicate 
environment of the Tibetan plateau. This approach will contribute to 
the overall stability and unity of the People's Republic of China.''
  Over the past 12 years I have made every effort to encourage 
rapprochement between China and Tibet, including helping to pass 
messages from His Holiness, the Dalai Lama to China. I believe the 
Dalai Lama is absolutely sincere in his desire to negotiate a peaceful 
solution to what has been a great tragedy for the Tibetan people.
  This past September the Chinese government made it possible for two 
envoys of the Dalai Lama to visit Beijing to re-establish direct 
contact with the Chinese leadership, and to visit Tibet to meet with 
local Tibetan officials. This trip was, in my view, very significant, 
very encouraging, and very meaningful.
  Nonetheless, much remains to be done if the people of Tibet are to 
achieve freedom and autonomy in determining the shape of their society. 
It is my sincere hope that China's new leadership will extend the hand 
of cooperation in resolving differences with Tibet.

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