During his 2020 presidential campaign, US President Joe Biden made a promise that resonated deeply with advocates of human rights and religious freedom: He pledged to meet the Dalai Lama and invite him to the White House if elected.
This commitment was seen as a significant gesture toward supporting the Tibetan cause and standing up to China’s oppressive policies in Tibet.
However, as Biden’s four-year tenure draws to a close, this promise remains unfulfilled, raising questions about the administration’s diplomatic priorities and its stance on human rights.
Despite his campaign pledge, Biden has not met with the Dalai Lama during his presidency. This absence is notable, especially considering that some former US presidents, including George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama, have met with the Tibetan spiritual leader.
The Dalai Lama, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, symbolizes the struggle for Tibetan autonomy and the broader fight for human rights and religious freedom.
One of the primary reasons for this unfulfilled promise appears to be the Biden administration’s concern over offending China. The US-China relationship is complex and fraught with tension over issues ranging from trade to human rights to military presence in the South China Sea. Meeting with the Dalai Lama, who Beijing views as a separatist, could exacerbate these tensions and potentially derail diplomatic efforts on other fronts.
By not meeting with the Dalai Lama, Biden has missed an opportunity to reaffirm the US’ commitment to human rights and religious freedom. Such a meeting would have sent a powerful message to the world about Washington’s stance on these critical issues. It would have also provided a platform to highlight the ongoing human rights abuses in Tibet and to support the Tibetan people’s struggle for autonomy.
While the Biden administration has taken steps to address the Tibet issue, such as signing the Resolve Tibet Act, which pressures China to resume negotiations with Tibetan leaders, the symbolic power of a presidential meeting with the Dalai Lama cannot be overstated. Symbolic gestures in diplomacy often carry significant weight, influencing public perception and international relations.
Biden’s decision not to meet with the Dalai Lama during his tenure reflects the delicate balance of international diplomacy.
However, it also underscores a missed opportunity to stand firmly for human rights and religious freedom. As the world watches, it is crucial for leaders to not only make promises but also to follow through on them, especially when they pertain to fundamental values and principles.
Khedroob Thondup is a former member of the Tibetan parliament in exile.
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