WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and John Curtis (R-UT) sent a letter congratulating Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues, Riley Barnes, on his appointment and urging him to prioritize and advance U.S. policy towards Tibet. Barnes also serves as the Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor. In his capacity as Special Coordinator, the Senators called on Barnes to work with Congress to promote Sino-Tibetan dialogue, support the people of Tibet no matter where they reside, and counter Chinese malign influence. A position created in 2002 by the Tibetan Policy Act, the Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues coordinates U.S. government policies, programs, and other projects concerning Tibetan issues.
“We congratulate you on your appointment as the U.S. State Department Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues. This position has long reflected bipartisan and unwavering U.S. support for the Tibetan people’s ongoing struggle for human rights and democratic freedoms—consistent with American values, universal human rights standards, and protecting U.S. interests from the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) influence,” wrote the Senators. “We know what is possible when the Administration and Congress work together to promote America’s interests regarding Tibet. We look forward to working with you as Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues to implement these laws and appropriations provided by Congress, to advance a renewed and reinvigorated push to peacefully resolve the dispute over Tibet’s future, and to continue the U.S. government’s unwavering support for our Tibetan allies.”
The full letter can be found HERE.
Senator Rosen has been a supporter of Tibet and its people. Last year, Senator Rosen urged the Trump Administration to quickly appoint a qualified Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues. Last October, she requested an expanded report on the Chinese military strategy on the Tibetan Plateau as part of the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Senator Rosen also supported a resolution commemorating the Dali Lama’s 90th birthday and expressing support for the human rights and cultural identity of the Tibetan people.
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