China Accuses U.S. Of Trying To ‘Destabilize’ Tibet With Human Rights Envoy

Topline

China accused the U.S. of meddling in its internal affairs and seeking to “destabilize” Tibet on Thursday, Reuters reports, after the Trump administration appointed a senior human rights official as the U.S.’ coordinator for Tibetan issues—a position that has been vacant since 2017 — in a move that will likely strain an already fragile U.S.-China relationship, which has sunk to new lows this year with the Covid-19 pandemic, ongoing trade wars and disputes over Taiwan. 

Key Facts

Key Background

China still claims Tibet, a region to its west, as its own sovereign territory. While Washington has historically made calls to respect human rights and the Tibetan identity in the region, it still formally recognizes Beijing’s claim.

Further Reading

China angered as U.S. names human rights envoy for Tibet (Reuters)