Decisions on the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama should be made by the current Dalai Lama, and there should be no interference by Beijing, it says

With outgoing US President Donald Trump signing the ‘Tibetan Policy and Support Act of 2020’ (TPSA) on Sunday, Washington DC has not only given a final push to its policy towards Tibet, but also reiterated its commitment to back the cause of Tibet and the Tibetan Government in Exile (Central Tibetan Administration or CTA), a report by India Today has said.

The TPSA makes it clear that decisions regarding the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama should be made by the current Dalai Lama, and there should be no interference by Beijing, the report said. The Act has further recognized the CTA as the legitimate representative of the people of Tibet, and its president Lobsang Sangay as their leader.

Earlier, the US Congress had cleared the Omnibus Spending Bill that had the TPSA attached.

According to the report, the TPSA will allow the US to provide Tibet with funds required for strengthening environmental safety of Tibet, which is currently at peril due to the actions of China. The TPSA is aimed at protecting the environment and water resources of the Tibetan plateau, apart from boosting greater global cooperation for monitoring the environment of the region.

CTA President Sangay has welcomed the US’ move, calling it a historic moment for Tibet, the report noted.

On Twitter, he wrote: "History made again! President Trump signs the Omnibus Bill, which means the Tibetan Policy and Support Act of 2020 is now LAW!" The CTA president further said: "This legislation sends a powerful message of hope and justice to the Tibetans inside Tibet and bolsters US support for the protection of Tibetan people's religious freedom, human rights, environmental rights and exile Tibetan democracy like never before."

He added: "On behalf of the CTA and 6 million Tibetans, I extend deepest gratitude to President Trump for signing the profoundly historic Bill. I would also like thank once again the US Congress for passing the Bill, especially the bill sponsors Senators Marco Rubio and Ben Cardin; and Congressmen Jim McGovern and Chris Smith for introducing in the House and Senate. Thanks to everyone who contributed to making this a reality.”

The report quotes retired Indian official Amitabh Mathur saying: "With Trump signing the omnibus Bill, Tibet Support and Policy Act is now Law. It's time for India to also follow suit. Declare reincarnation of Lamas is for Tibetans to decide, blacklist companies engaged in environmental damage through indiscriminate mining and river water diversion."