A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers, led by former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Rep. Michael McCaul, met with the Dalai Lama in India and addressed Tibetan exiles on Wednesday, a move that has sparked anger from Beijing, which considers the Tibetan spiritual leader a separatist and supporter of terrorism.

The Congressional delegation visited the Dalai Lama at his residence in Dharamshala, a North Indian town that also serves as the headquarters of the Tibetan government in exile.

The delegation included Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-NY), Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA), Rep. Ami Bera (D-CA), and Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA).

McCaul expressed honor in meeting the Dalai Lama and praised him for maintaining peace of mind, compassion, and forgiveness in the face of adversity.

The lawmakers presented the Dalai Lama with a framed copy of the "Resolve Tibet Act," condemning all oppression and coercion of Tibetans and affirming their right to self-determination.

Penpa Tsering, head of the Tibetan government in exile, appreciated the U.S. Congress for passing the legislation. When asked about China’s reaction to the visit, he remarked, "Who can make China happy? They have to look at the reality of the situation and understand it from a better perspective."

Following the meeting, the delegation addressed a gathering of Tibetan exiles. Pelosi, addressing the gathering, praised the Dalai Lama’s message of compassion and love, stating that his legacy will endure forever. She directly addressed Chinese President Xi Jinping, stating, "You'll be gone and nobody will give you credit for anything."

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian criticized the visit, asserting that the Dalai Lama is not merely a religious figure but a political exile engaged in anti-China separatist activities. Lin urged the U.S. to recognize the Dalai Lama's separatist nature and to refrain from any contact with him, cautioning against sending "wrong signals" to the world.

The visit of the U.S. Congressional delegation to the Dalai Lama is likely to escalate tensions between the United States and China over the issue of Tibet.

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