WASHINGTON (TIP): U.S. President Donald Trump signed into law a Bill which calls for establishing a U.S. consulate in Tibet and building an international coalition to ensure that the next Dalai Lama is appointed solely by the Tibetan Buddhist community, without China’s interference.

The Tibetan Policy and Support Act of 2020 modifies and re-authorizes various programs and provisions related to Tibet. The U.S. Senate last week unanimously passed the Bill despite China’s protest.

It authorizes assistance to non-governmental organizations in support of Tibetan communities in Tibet, and places restrictions on new Chinese consulates in the United States until a U.S. consulate has been established in Lhasa, Tibet. The law now authorizes the Office of the U.S. Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues and expands the office’s duties to include additional tasks such as pursuing international coalitions to ensure that the next Dalai Lama is appointed solely by the Tibetan Buddhist faith community. It also directs the Secretary of State not to open a new Chinese consulate in the U.S. unless China allows the opening of an American consulate in Lhasa.