Convenience Big Store: This Texan keeps ticking off the Chinese government

China isn't pleased

A lot of members of Congress talk tough about combating Chinese influence around the globe, but few are getting under the skin of communist leaders there quite like Texas Congressman Michael McCaul.

The Austin Republican has already been personally sanctioned by the Chinese government and helped trigger an intimidating war games display during a visit last year to Taiwan. He was at it again this week, leading a congressional delegation to meet with the Dalai Lama in India's Dharamshala despite vocal Chinese opposition.

China invaded the independent Himalayan country of Tibet in 1950 and has controlled the territory ever since. The Dalai Lama, the head of Tibetan Buddhism, fled into exile to India amid a failed 1959 uprising against Chinese rule.

Lin Jian, a spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry, urged McCaul and other Washington officials to stop supporting the Dalai Lama and Tibetan independence. But it's clear McCaul was not going to be stopped from meeting with the Dalai Lama.

"I hope our visit served as a symbol of the U.S. government's support for the people of Tibet and the friendship between our two peoples," said McCaul, who as chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee has used his position to counter Chinese influence in Asia.

More on the many ways McCaul has angered the Chinese government here in my latest story.

Jeremy Wallace, Texas politics reporter

jeremy.wallace@houstonchronicle.com

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What do you think? Hit reply and let me know.

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