WASHINGTON (Chatnewstv.com) — The United States on Saturday extended birthday greetings to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, marking his 90th birthday with praise for his message of peace and renewed calls to protect the rights of Tibetans.
In a statement, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader continues to be “a source of inspiration for people around the world.”
“The Dalai Lama continues to inspire people by embodying a message of unity, peace, and compassion,” Rubio said.
The U.S. reaffirmed its commitment to promoting human rights and preserving the cultural identity of the Tibetan people, amid ongoing tensions between China and Tibetan advocacy groups.
“We support efforts to preserve Tibetans’ distinct linguistic, cultural, and religious heritage,” Rubio added, “including their ability to freely choose and venerate religious leaders without interference.”
The statement comes at a time of heightened sensitivity over Beijing’s control of Tibetan religious institutions, including its insistence on selecting the next Dalai Lama. Washington has repeatedly rejected that claim.
The Dalai Lama fled Tibet in 1959 following a failed uprising against Chinese rule. He has lived in exile in India ever since, continuing to advocate for Tibetan autonomy through non-violent means.
Editor: Gabriel Ani
