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A Tibetan independence activist, Lobsang Rangzen, died after setting himself on fire outside the United Nations headquarters in New York on July 2, around 6:30 p.m. local time, following a speech calling for independence and unity, according to the Voice of Tibet, a media outlet for exiled Tibetans.
New York police arrived at the scene after receiving a report and transported Rangzen, who had suffered burns over his entire body, to a hospital, but he eventually passed away.
While police stated that the motive has not yet been confirmed, acquaintances said that Rangzen was deeply angered by the Chinese government's policies on Tibet.
Local media are noting that the self-immolation occurred immediately after the implementation of China's "Law on Promoting National Unity and Progress" (National Unity Law).
Starting July 1, China began enforcing a law that mandates the priority use of the Chinese language and punishes acts of ethnic separatism among 55 ethnic minorities, including Tibetans and Uyghurs.
The law includes provisions that allow for the punishment of individuals who undermine ethnic unity and development or incite ethnic separatism, even when outside of Chinese borders.
The overseas Tibetan community is strongly protesting the law, arguing that it will serve as a tool to further suppress Tibetan culture, religion, and identity.
The United States and the European Union (EU) have expressed concern over China's implementation of the National Unity Law.
The U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations issued a statement on the same day, declaring, "We will continue to stand against the Chinese Communist Party's attempts to undermine the sovereignty of other nations and will support the human rights of ethnic minorities, including Tibetans and Uyghurs."
In response, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jikun said during a regular briefing today, July 3, "We are paying attention to the relevant reports," adding, "We trust that the country concerned will handle it in accordance with its own laws."
"What we want to emphasize is that Tibet has been an inseparable part of Chinese territory since ancient times," the spokesperson added.
China defines the Tibet issue as an internal affair and has consistently expressed opposition to Tibetan independence movements or related protests occurring abroad.
(Photo: Getty Images)
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