The lawmakers in the US House of Representatives have introduced legislation requiring the State Department to determine whether China has committed genocide or crimes against humanity against Tibetans, adding fresh congressional pressure on Beijing over its human rights record. 

 

Representatives Chris Smith, a Republican from New Jersey, and Tom Suozzi, a Democrat from New York, yesterday introduced the Tibet Atrocities Determination Act, which would require the Secretary of State to submit a report to Congress within one year of enactment assessing China’s actions in Tibet.

 

The legislation also calls for a review of Chinese government actions aimed at sinicising Tibetan Buddhism and repressing Tibetan language and culture. The report would draw on State Department findings and third-party analyses and recommend possible US responses, including sanctions, visa restrictions and diplomatic measures.