Promoting a Resolution to the Tibet-China Dispute Act

Bill: 118-hr-533
Sponsor: Rep. McGovern, James P. [D-MA-2]
Introduced: 2023-01-26 in the House
Policy area: International Affairs
Subjects: Asia
China
Diplomacy, foreign officials, Americans abroad
Human rights
International law and treaties
Sovereignty, recognition, national governance and status
Tibet

Summary:
action_date: 2023-01-26
text: 

Promoting a Resolution to the Tibet-China Conflict Act

 
This bill addresses issues relating to Tibet, including by establishing a statutory definition of Tibet that includes areas in Chinese provinces outside the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR). 
 
For the purposes of U.S. policies and activities relating to Tibet, this bill defines Tibet to include the TAR and the Tibetan areas of the Qinghai, Sichuan, Gansu, and Yunnan provinces. (Generally, when China's government refers to Tibet, it means only the TAR, while Tibetan exile groups consider historical Tibet to include the TAR as well as areas in the provinces included in this bill's definition. China's government formally established the TAR in 1965.)
 
Furthermore, the objectives of the Office of the U.S. Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues shall include working to ensure that U.S. government statements and documents counter disinformation about Tibet by China's government and the Chinese Communist Party, including disinformation about Tibet's history and institutions. The bill also authorizes the office to take other actions to counter such disinformation. 
 
This bill also states that it is U.S. policy that the conflict between Tibet and China is unresolved and that Tibet's legal status remains to be determined in accordance with international law. 

action_date: 2024-02-15
text: 

Promoting a Resolution to the Tibet-China Dispute Act

 
This bill addresses issues relating to Tibet, including by establishing a statutory definition of Tibet that includes areas in Chinese provinces outside the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR). 
 
For the purposes of U.S. policies and activities relating to Tibet, this bill defines Tibet to include the TAR and specified areas designated by China's government as 
Tibetan Autonomous
 in Qinghai, Sichuan, Gansu, and Yunnan provinces. (Generally, when China's government refers to Tibet, it means only the TAR, although there are also predominantly Tibetan prefectures and counties designated as Tibetan Autonomous by China's government and reflected in this bill's definition of Tibet. China's government formally established the TAR in 1965.)
 
Furthermore, the responsibilities of the Office of the U.S. Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues shall include working to ensure that U.S. government statements and documents counter disinformation about Tibet by China's government and the Chinese Communist Party, including disinformation about Tibet's history and institutions. 
 
This bill also states that it is U.S. policy that the dispute between Tibet and China must be resolved in accordance with international law by peaceful means through dialogue without preconditions. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2024-02-26
text: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
action_date: 2024-02-15
text: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
action_date: 2024-02-15
text: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 392 - 28 (Roll no. 53). (text: 2/13/2024 CR H555-556)
action_date: 2024-02-15
text: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 392 - 28 (Roll no. 53). (text: 2/13/2024 CR H555-556)
action_date: 2024-02-15
text: Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H661-662)
action_date: 2024-02-13
text: At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
action_date: 2024-02-13
text: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 533.
action_date: 2024-02-13
text: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H555-558)
action_date: 2024-02-13
text: Mrs. Kim (CA) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
action_date: 2023-11-29
text: Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by Voice Vote.
action_date: 2023-11-29
text: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
action_date: 2023-01-26
text: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
action_date: 2023-01-26
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2023-01-26
text: Introduced in House