Recently, due to security measures linked with the 60th anniversary of the 1959 Tibetan Uprising against China on March 10, foreign tourists have been prohibited from visiting Tibet until April 2019. Tibet, resting on the Tibetan Plateau in Asia, spans nearly a quarter of China’s territory at an approximate size of 2.4 million km2. It’s the home of the Tibetan people along with other ethnic groups. With its highest point being Mount Everest, the Earth’s tallest mountain, Tibet is the highest region worldwide with an average elevation of 4,900 metres.
Tibet Before Chinese Occupation
From 1912 until the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, no Chinese government exercised control over what is today China’s Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR). A large number of Tibetans argue that they were essentially independent throughout this duration and have protested against what they view as the forced Chinese rule after the People’s Liberation Army took over TAR in 1950. Until 1951, Tibet was ruled solely by the Dalai Lama’s government and became officially “Chinese” only when Mao Zedong’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) invaded and established control. This takeover is often interpreted by the Tibetans and third-party commentators as “a cultural genocide”.
The Tibetan Uprising of 1959
The unsuccessful uprising by the Tibetans in 1959, aimed at overthrowing the Chinese administration, led to the 14th Dalai Lama seeking refuge in India. The goal was to oust the Chinese government, but unfortunately, the rebellion did not succeed.
Aftermath of the Tibetan Uprising
Post the 1959 uprising, the central Chinese government has strengthened its grip on Tibet. Presently, freedom of speech, religion and press are absent in Tibet, and arbitrary detainments are still prevalent. The survival of Tibetan culture is threatened due to forced abortions, sterilizations of Tibetan women, and the relocation of low-income Chinese citizens.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Impact on Tibetan Culture | Threatened by forced abortions, sterilizations of Tibetan women, and the relocation of low-income Chinese citizens |
| Freedom in Tibet | No freedom of speech, religion, and press, with the occurrence of arbitrary detainments |
| Evidence of Unrest | Periodic unrest still evident, especially around significant dates such as the anniversary of the 1959 Tibetan Uprising |
Role of the Dalai Lama and China’s Perspective
Despite being exiled, the 14th Dalai Lama still heads the Tibetan government-in-exile in India, where he advocates greater autonomy for Tibet rather than complete independence. However, the Chinese government mainly declines to negotiate with him. Periods of unrest continue to affect Tibet, especially around significant dates like the anniversary of the 1959 Tibetan Uprising.
The Sino-Indian Conflict Over Dalai Lama
Besides border conflicts, another major source of friction for China has been the Dalai Lama, who enjoys high spiritual status in India. China perceives Dalai Lama as a separatist with extensive influence over Tibetans. In 1974, the Dalai Lama abandoned his support for Tibetan independence and now only requests China to end repression against his community. India’s role in the rehabilitation of Tibetan refugees, although criticized by China, has been praised by international bodies and human rights organizations.
