But Obama has since the start of the year gone ahead with decisions opposed by Beijing – including approving a US$6.4-billion arms package to Taiwan, which China regards as its territory awaiting reunification.
Leonard Leo, chair of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom, a government advisory board, said he hoped that Obama’s meeting with the Dalai Lama was “not just checking a political box.”
Instead, Obama should seek advice on “how to think creatively” on the thorny issue of Tibet.
“Beijing’s objections to Obama meeting the Dalai Lama should not deter the administration from trying to bridge China’s plans to improve the living standards of Tibetans and Tibetan demands for religious freedom and protection of their unique culture and language,” Leo said.
