The State Department has reiterated its call for China to engage in direct dialogue with the Dalai Lama, following the self-immolation of a Tibetan man near United Nations headquarters in New York last week. The incident has brought renewed attention to the long-standing tensions surrounding Tibet's autonomy and human rights.

The man, identified by activists and exiled Tibetan media as Lobga Rangzen, died a week ago from severe burns sustained outside the U.N. building. Voice of Tibet reported that he "self-immolated outside the U.N. headquarters in New York after a live appeal for Tibetan independence and unity."

In response, a State Department spokesperson affirmed Washington's commitment to Tibetan rights, stating: "The United States is committed to supporting the unalienable human rights and aspirations of Tibetans to celebrate and preserve their unique culture, language, and religion without fear of inte...