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U.S. Appoints Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues Amid China Criticism

2/18/2026

24 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

On February 18, 2026, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced Riley Barnes as the United States special coordinator for Tibetan issues.
The role was created by Congress in 2002 to support Tibetan rights and culture.
Rubio's announcement coincided with Losar, the Tibetan New Year.
China criticized the move as interference in its internal affairs.
Radio Free Asia resumed broadcasting into China in Mandarin, Tibetan, and Uyghur.

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Story summary

On February 18, 2026, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced Riley Barnes as the United States special coordinator for Tibetan issues.
The role was created by Congress in 2002 to support Tibetan rights and culture.
Rubio's announcement coincided with Losar, the Tibetan New Year.
China criticized the move as interference in its internal affairs.
Radio Free Asia resumed broadcasting into China in Mandarin, Tibetan, and Uyghur.