By Tsering Dhundup
DHARAMSHALA, Aug 24: China voiced its strong opposition to the U.S. government’s decision to impose visa restrictions on senior Chinese officials involved in the “forcible assimilation” of Tibetan children in government-run boarding schools in Tibet. The move by the US sparked a fiery response from Beijing, with strong words exchanged on both sides.
In a press conference on August 23, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Wang Wenbin denounced the US sanctions, categorizing them as “illegal sanctions” that constituted a severe interference in China’s internal matters. Wang emphasized that the US decision not only ran counter to China’s interests but also violated the basic norms of international relations.
Wang further cautioned that unless the US reversed its decision, China would respond with resolute action. Chinese state-run Global Times quoted Wang warning that China would retaliate strongly if the US persisted with its stance. Wang explained that the establishment of boarding schools in the Tibetan region was necessitated by the challenging high-altitude environment, mountainous topography, and scattered population.
The Chinese official claimed that enrollment in boarding schools was a voluntary choice based on the preferences and needs of students and parents, asserting that students were free to return home every weekend and holiday. However, contrary to these claims, independent reports earlier this year suggested that the Chinese government had issued a notice in Dzatoe County, in occupied Tibet, mandating parents to send their children to Chinese-controlled residential schools under the threat of legal action and loss of benefits. A report by advocacy and activist group Tibet Action Institute said the project is aimed at eradicating Tibetan identity, language and culture by effectively separating Tibetan children from their homes and their way of life.
Wang retorted that these boarding schools were tailored to accommodate the students’ and parents’ preferences, while also rebuking the United States for its stance on human rights. He asserted that the US had no authority to lecture China on such matters.
The issue arose after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced on August 22, that the US was implementing visa restrictions on Chinese officials linked to the alleged “forcible assimilation” of over a million Tibetan children in government-operated boarding schools. Blinken criticized China’s policies, claiming that they aimed to erase Tibetan linguistic, cultural, and religious traditions among the younger generation. He called on China to end the “coercion of Tibetan children” into boarding schools and halt “repressive assimilation policies” in Tibet and across other parts of China. These remarks sparked China’s swift and stern response.
While China asserts that its presence has fostered economic development, social harmony, and improved living conditions for Tibetans, the United Nations has raised concerns about the voluntary nature of certain programs, which are believed to be used for political indoctrination and control. UN reports suggest that Tibetans in these programs are restricted from using their language and expressing their religious identity.
