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US Appoints New Envoy for Tibet - China Outraged

Published February 18, 2026, 12:11
US Appoints New Envoy for Tibet - China Outraged

The US announced the appointment of a new envoy for Tibet, Riley Barnes, who will be responsible for promoting the protection of Tibetans and their cultural heritage. China expressed strong opposition to this decision, condemning it as “interference in its internal affairs.” China considers Tibet an integral part of its country and does not recognize the US position of Special Coordinator for Tibet. The US decision comes at a time of growing concern about the human rights situation in Tibet and China's potential involvement in the selection of the Dalai Lama's successor. The US fears that China will try to impose its own candidate for successor, which could lead to religious and cultural oppression. The position of Special Coordinator for Tibet was enshrined in US law in 2002. China has repeatedly accused the US of interfering in its internal affairs regarding Tibet. China maintains that Tibet is an integral region of China and that its affairs are the sole concern of the country. The dispute over Tibet is a long-standing problem in US-China relations. The US has consistently supported the protection of human rights in Tibet and the preservation of Tibet's unique cultural heritage, while China insists on its sovereignty over the region and denounces any external interference.