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The statement said Zea “conveyed good wishes for His Holiness’s health on behalf of President Biden and reiterated the United States’ commitment to promoting the human rights of the Tibetan people and supporting efforts to preserve their unique historical, linguistic, cultural and religious heritage.”
Zea discussed U.S. efforts to address human rights violations in Tibet and support for China’s resumption of dialogue with the Dalai Lama, the statement said.
Liu Pengyu, a spokesman for the Chinese Embassy in Washington, said China was “deeply concerned” about the meeting and urged the United States not to engage with the Dalai Lama.
Some U.S. lawmakers met with the Dalai Lama in India ahead of his visit and said they would not allow China to influence the choice of his successor.
Last month, China expressed strong opposition to a US law signed by US President Joe Biden that forces Beijing to resolve a dispute over Tibet’s demands for greater autonomy, and vowed to “resolutely defend” its interests.
The Dalai Lama has met with U.S. officials, including the U.S. president, during previous visits to the United States, but Biden has not met with him since taking office in 2021.
In 2020, Biden criticized then-President Donald Trump for being the only president in 30 years who had not met or spoken with the Tibetan spiritual leader, calling it “shameful.”
Wednesday’s meeting comes as Biden seeks to stabilize strained relations with China ahead of the Nov. 5 presidential election, in which Vice President Kamala Harris will face Trump.
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