Unless of course we are talking about Tibet. The US doesn't think Tibet should be free and independent as they were before the Chinese decided to become their lord and master.
This statement shows the total lack of understanding of our Declaration of Independence. America was founded on certain universal truths:
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, —
Independence only became necessary (and risky) as a last resort:
Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed.to achieve the former.
In fact the reason for the Declaration was that the founders thought it necessary to explain in detail the decision to take the action.
When in the Course of human events it becomes NECESSARY . . . a decent respect to the opinions of mankind REQUIRES that they should declare the causes which IMPEL them to the separation.
Abraham Lincoln, one of the great scholars of the Declaration of Independence, knew the distinction well. The south separated not for the principles of liberty but for slavery; political independence is only a means, not a truth or ideal.
If Sean Connery wants to make the case for independence it better be in service to life or liberty. Likewise, when the Dali Lama reveals himself as an avowed marxist, his case for independence should fall on deaf ears.
How can any American President criticize either China or Saudi Arabia, considering the amount of our currency they own?