How has China reacted to US lawmakers meeting the Dalai Lama?

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China has strongly criticised a recent meeting between US lawmakers and the Dalai Lama.

China has voiced significant disapproval of a gathering that took place in Dharamsala between a delegation of senior US lawmakers, notably including former House speaker Nancy Pelosi, and Tibet’s spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama. This diplomatic friction arises in the context of recent US legislative actions concerning Tibet.
US Congressional Support for Tibetan Negotiations

The meeting between the US lawmakers and the Dalai Lama occurred shortly after the US Congress passed a bill. This legislation explicitly aims to encourage Beijing to engage in negotiations with Tibetan leaders. Such talks have been effectively frozen since 2010, highlighting a long-standing impasse in the dialogue between China and representatives of the Tibetan exile community.
Context of the Dalai Lama's US Visit

This diplomatic development coincides with the Dalai Lama's arrival in New York for medical treatment on his knees. The 88-year-old spiritual leader, who resides in Dharamsala, India, was warmly welcomed by thousands of his followers. While the specifics of his treatment remain undisclosed, his presence in the US has drawn attention amid the ongoing geopolitical discussions surrounding Tibet.
Concerns Over Tibetan Succession

The international attention on the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government-in-exile is amplified by concerns among many exiled Tibetans regarding Beijing's potential actions. There is a prevalent fear that China may seek to appoint a rival successor to the Dalai Lama. Such a move would likely be intended to consolidate Beijing's control over Tibet, a region that saw significant military intervention by Chinese forces in 1950.
Historical Background of the Dalai Lama's Exile

The Dalai Lama himself has a history of fleeing Chinese control. At the age of 23, he escaped from Lhasa, the Tibetan capital, fearing for his life following an uprising against Chinese forces. His subsequent journey across the Himalayas led him to India, where Dharamsala became his adopted home. He transitioned from being the political head of his people in 2011, ceding secular authority to a democratically elected government representing the global Tibetan diaspora.

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How has China reacted to US lawmakers meeting the Dalai Lama?

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