Thread by @SaveTibetOrg

Now that the #Tibetan Policy and Support Act is law, let's take a look at what the legislation does--and why the #TPSA matters /THREAD

2/ The #TPSA provides a much-needed update to US policy on #Tibet. It's the most comprehensive Tibet legislation in the United States since the Tibetan Policy Act of 2002

3/ The #TPSA creates an official US policy recognizing the authority of ONLY the @DalaiLama and Tibetan #Buddhists to decide on his succession. If any Chinese officials try to name their own Dalai Lama in the future--as China has long said it will do--they'll be sanctioned

4/ The #TPSA addresses water security and #climatechange in Tibet. The secretary of state will have to pursue collaboration with China & international institutions to monitor Tibet’s environment and support the Tibetan people’s efforts to preserve it

5/ The #TPSA supports negotiations between the Chinese govt. and representatives of the #DalaiLama or elected Tibetan leadership. It strengthens diplomatic efforts through the State Department's office of special coordinator for Tibetan issues to push for a negotiated solution

6/ Applying the diplomatic principle of #reciprocity, the #TPSA says that UNTIL China allows a US consulate in Lhasa, Tibet's capital, China will NOT be permitted to open a new consulate in the United States

7/ The #TPSA provides direct help to Tibetans. It formalizes funding for humanitarian projects for them inside and outside #Tibet until at least 2025

8/ The #TPSA also addresses US business practices in Tibet. It requires the secretary of state & secretary of commerce to work with US businesses and individuals to make sure their activities in Tibet follow the UN Guiding Principles on Business and #HumanRights

9/ Finally, the #TPSA praises the Dalai Lama and the #Tibetan people for adopting a democratic system of government in exile. It says the Central Tibetan Administration represents and reflects the aspirations of Tibetans around the world

10/ The #TPSA is the result of years of hard work from Congressional leaders, Tibetan leaders and #Tibet supporters. It was introduced in 2019 by @RepMcGovern, @RepChrisSmith, Sen. @marcorubio and @SenatorCardin. Our eternal thanks to them & every member who supported this bill!

11/ We're also so grateful to Tibetan Americans, our ICT members and other supporters who sent more than 26,000 petitions to Congress! They also took part in several of our #Tibet Lobby Days.

Learn more about how the #TPSA became law savetibet.org/tpsa-timeline/

12/ The #TPSA adds to HUGE momentum in support of #Tibet, including the passage of the Reciprocal Access to Tibet Act, the first-ever US ban of Chinese officials over their actions in Tibet, and the passage of a House resolution supporting Tibetans just last month

13/ Now that the #TPSA is law in the US, we call for similar legislation in other countries. Already, leaders in #Europe and the UN have expressed support for Tibetans' right to choose their own leaders savetibet.org/eu-opposes-chi…

14/ With the passage of the #TPSA, a new era in US support for #Tibet has begun. Thank you to ALL of you who helped make it a reality! /END savetibet.org/congress-passe…