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Tibetan Kids In China’s Boarding Schools: Cultural Erasure Or Hidden Agenda?

May 30, 2025, 1:15 am

Chinese officials have come under fire from human rights activists for compelling Tibetan kids to attend state-run boarding schools, with Beijing accused of undermining Tibetan culture and identity through an assimilation policy. The Tibet Action Institute, set up by Tibetan-Canadian activist Lhadon Tethong, published a report on Thursday explaining how young children as aged as four are being indoctrinated to be loyal to the CCP.

The report puts the number of Tibetan children attending these centralized boarding schools in Tibet Autonomous Region and Tibetan districts at about one million, although figures are hard to come by. The last ten years have seen China shut down hundreds of village schools and force families to enroll their children in these schools, which in many cases are far away. Most of the students reside at the schools year-round, where they are restricted from studying the Tibetan language and engaging in religious practice activities essential to maintaining Tibetan identity.

The Tibet Action Institute’s report, sourced from interviews in 2023 and 2024, also records neglect and abuse, such as the tragic situation of a 13-year-old girl with health complications who died after being deprived of timely medical treatment at her school. The report cautions that this forced segregation and cultural oppression are inflicting long-term emotional scarring on Tibetan children.

China dismisses such claims, with Tibetan regional authorities saying the boarding schools offer better education, including Tibetan language and culture courses. But activists and UN officials complain that Beijing is using the education system as a means to assimilate Tibetans into Han Chinese culture and demand pressure from the international community to cease these practices.

Lhadon Tethong called for the international community to act, highlighting the extreme and long-term harm this policy causes to Tibetan children, families, and society at large.

Tibet Quake: Earthquake of 5.7 Magnitude Strikes at 2:41 AM

May 12, 2025, 3:30 am

An earthquake measuring 5.7 on the Richter Scale hit Tibet at 2:41 am on Monday, according to the National Center for Seismology (NCS). The quake occurred at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers beneath the surface.

Location Details

The NCS reported that the epicenter was located at a latitude of 29.02 N and a longitude of 87.48 E. The area is known for its tectonic activity due to the collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates.

No Damage Reported Yet

As of now, there are no reports of any structural damage or injuries resulting from the tremor. Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation and assess the impact.

Walk 3,300 km, They Said—It’ll Be Fun, They Said! Chinese Man Feels 20 Years Older After Brutal Trek

March 24, 2025, 9:27 pm

A 31-year-old Chinese male, Liqi, took on an unprecedented quest, walking 3,300 kilometers from Hubei to Lhasa, Tibet, pulling a two-wheeled cart across some of China’s most challenging terrains. His odyssey, which took close to a year, had him braving snowstorms, typhoons, treacherous mountains, and perilous wildlife.

From Jingzhou to Lhasa: The Road Less Traveled

Liqi embarked from Jingzhou, Hubei, in April last year on a mere budget of 1,000 yuan (Rs. 12,000) per month. Eating just plain food and sleeping under the open heaven, he hardly bathed and had to manage with minimal resources. When he finally arrived in Tibet, his hair had turned shaggy, his complexion had tanned, and he was bearing the brunt of the journey—physically and mentally.

“I am 20 years older than when I began my journey,” he said, as quoted by the South China Morning Post (SCMP).

Fighting Extreme Weather and Wildlife

The trip was anything but smooth. Liqi was faced with blizzards, rainstorms, and perilous mountain roads. He once was stuck on top of a hill for a day without food while caught in the middle of a snowstorm. To add insult to injury, he had two run-ins with wild wolves and had to fix his cart when it fell into a ditch.

In spite of receiving a severe knee injury as he neared the end, he kept pushing. He usually prepared his meals by means of foods he foraged along the way and sometimes took refuge in forest protection offices or gas stations.

Criticism and Last Moments of the Walk

Some of his critics had accused him of making the trip for publicity, but Liqi denied it in his live streams. He stuck to his determination for the experience and endured despite the challenges.

On March 11, Liqi finally reached Lhasa, utterly fatigued and broke. Before he returned home by train, he intended a well-deserved bath, a new haircut, and an opportunity to tell the world his remarkable tale.

Tibetans, Japanese Mark 112th Tibetan Independence Day

February 13, 2025, 1:28 am

The Shinjuku Historical Museum Hall in Tokyo recently hosted a gathering of Tibetans and Japanese supporters to commemorate the 112th anniversary of the Declaration of Tibetan Independence Day. The event, organized by the Tibetan Community in Japan (TCJ) and Students for Free Tibet (SFT), aimed to challenge China’s historical claims over Tibet and educate the public about Tibetan history.

A Tribute to Tibetan Heritage and Resilience

The event began with welcoming remarks from SFT President Tsering Dorjee and TCJ President Dorjee Shiota. Participants stood for the national anthems of Japan and Tibet, followed by a minute of silence in memory of Kazur Gyalo Dhondup, who passed away at the age of 97, and the victims of the recent earthquake in Tibet.

Scholarly Discussions on Tibet’s History

The session featured two guest speakers:

Prof. Ishihama Yumiko of Waseda University provided insights into Tibetan history, the role of Dalai Lamas, and the experiences of Japanese travelers to Tibet in the early 20th century. She also discussed the geopolitical involvement of China, Russia, and India in the Great Game.
Tsewang Gyalpo Arya, Representative of the Dalai Lama’s Liaison Office in Japan and East Asia, emphasized Tibet’s historical independence and criticized the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) claims over Tibet. He stated that China’s assertion of inheriting Tibet from the Yuan and Qing dynasties is historically inaccurate, as both were foreign empires that once ruled China.

Concerns Over Chinese Policies in Tibet

Representative Arya also highlighted the Chinese government’s efforts to suppress Tibetan culture, including:

The denial of Tibetan students’ right to learn their mother tongue
The erosion of Tibetan identity through forced colonial boarding schools
The misrepresentation of Tibetan history to justify China’s control over the region

Public Support and Awareness Campaigns

The discussion was attended by academics, activists, and members of the Japanese public who support Tibetan autonomy. SFT member Fujita Yoko moderated the event, ensuring a structured dialogue. Pamphlets containing information about Tibet’s cultural struggle and China’s colonial policies were distributed to attendees.

The event also coincided with Japan’s National Day, marking the ascension of Emperor Jimmu in 660 BC, a symbolic moment reinforcing Japan’s shared historical interest in Tibet.

By hosting such discussions, the organizers hope to raise awareness about Tibet’s history, culture, and struggle for autonomy, countering China’s narrative and advocating for Tibetan self-determination.

Tibet Struck By 4.0 Magnitude Earthquake

February 9, 2025, 5:27 pm

A 4.0-magnitude earthquake struck Tibet on Sunday, according to a statement from the National Center for Seismology (NCS).

The NCS reported that the earthquake occurred at a depth of 16 km, making the region vulnerable to potential aftershocks.

“EQ of M: 4.0, On: 09/02/2025 13:07:04 IST, Lat: 29.13 N, Long: 86.64 E, Depth: 16 Km, Location: Tibet,” NCS said in a post on X.

EQ of M: 4.0, On: 09/02/2025 13:07:04 IST, Lat: 29.13 N, Long: 86.64 E, Depth: 16 Km, Location: Tibet.
For more information Download the BhooKamp App https://t.co/5gCOtjdtw0 @DrJitendraSingh @OfficeOfDrJS @Ravi_MoES @Dr_Mishra1966 @ndmaindia pic.twitter.com/59x1JzJPXC

— National Center for Seismology (@NCS_Earthquake) February 9, 2025

On February 2, a 4.1-magnitude earthquake was recorded in the region at a depth of 5 km.

The National Center for Seismology (NCS) provided details of the seismic event, highlighting its shallow depth.

“EQ of M: 4.1, On: 02/02/2025 21:52:48 IST, Lat: 28.52 N, Long: 87.59 E, Depth: 5 Km, Location: Tibet,” NCS said.

EQ of M: 4.1, On: 02/02/2025 21:52:48 IST, Lat: 28.52 N, Long: 87.59 E, Depth: 5 Km, Location: Tibet.
For more information Download the BhooKamp App https://t.co/5gCOtjdtw0 @DrJitendraSingh @OfficeOfDrJS @Ravi_MoES @Dr_Mishra1966 @ndmaindia pic.twitter.com/PDU0zJtMSV

— National Center for Seismology (@NCS_Earthquake) February 2, 2025

On February 2, another earthquake with a magnitude of 4.2 struck the region.

“EQ of M: 4.2, On: 02/02/2025 12:47:20 IST, Lat: 28.33 N, Long: 87.52 E, Depth: 10 Km, Location: Tibet,” NCS said.

EQ of M: 4.2, On: 02/02/2025 12:47:20 IST, Lat: 28.33 N, Long: 87.52 E, Depth: 10 Km, Location: Tibet.
For more information Download the BhooKamp App https://t.co/5gCOtjdtw0 @DrJitendraSingh @OfficeOfDrJS @Ravi_MoES @Dr_Mishra1966 @ndmaindia pic.twitter.com/LWiVFbDBHK

— National Center for Seismology (@NCS_Earthquake) February 2, 2025

The Tibetan Plateau is highly susceptible to earthquakes due to the collision of tectonic plates. Tibet and Nepal are situated along a significant geological fault line where the Indian tectonic plate presses against the Eurasian plate, giving rise to the Himalayas. As a result, earthquakes are frequent in the region. This seismic activity leads to tectonic uplifts, which can become powerful enough to alter the heights of the Himalayan peaks, according to Al Jazeera.

China Tightens Grip on Tibet, Escape to India Now Rarer

January 14, 2025, 10:33 pm

Stricter Chinese control in Tibet has significantly reduced the number of Tibetans escaping to India. In 2024, only eight Tibetans reached Dharamshala, a sharp drop compared to over 40 in 2023 and 3,000 annually between the 1990s and 2008.

Sikyong Penpa Tsering, President of the Tibetan government-in-exile, attributed the decline to heightened Chinese control post-2008. “Since the 2008 uprising, control over Tibet has intensified, and this has impacted migration severely,” Tsering said.

Impact on Tibetan Communities and Schools

The reduced influx has left the Tibetan Reception Centre in Khaniyara village largely vacant and significantly affected Tibetan Children’s Village (TCV) schools in exile. Some schools reported no new admissions last year, with one in Dharamshala on the verge of closure.

“Fewer children in Tibet now, due to smaller family sizes, have also contributed to the declining numbers. Earlier, families could have more children, some of whom joined monasteries or cared for their parents,” Tsering explained.

Preserving Cultural Identity Amid Challenges

The dispersal of the Tibetan diaspora poses challenges to preserving their cultural identity. Compact Tibetan communities established in India since 1959, under the guidance of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, have played a critical role in safeguarding Tibetan language, arts, and traditions.

“Our objective now is to repopulate these compact communities, a program called ‘building back compact communities,’ to bring Tibetans back to the settlements,” Tsering said.

New Initiatives in Western Countries

Efforts are underway in North America, Europe, and Australia to establish new Tibetan compact communities. A project in Manasota, for instance, aims to acquire 80 acres of land to house 300 families. Plans for a Tibetan charter school are also in motion.

“Over the past 30 years, many Tibetans in the United States have established themselves, buying homes and securing their future. These new initiatives could set an example for other Tibetan communities worldwide,” Tsering remarked.

Looking Ahead

While migration to India has become rare, the Tibetan diaspora continues to adapt and grow globally. Initiatives to create new ecosystems in the free world offer hope for cultural preservation and community strengthening.

Tibet Earthquake Destroys 3,000 Homes; 400 Rescued, Thousands Relocated | Watch

January 8, 2025, 10:48 am

A powerful earthquake in Tibet has trapped more than 400 people. However, Chinese officials confirmed that many have been rescued. The search for survivors continues, as over 30,000 residents have been relocated.

Details of the Earthquake

On Tuesday, a magnitude 6.8 earthquake struck Tingri in Tibet, about 80 km (50 miles) from Mount Everest. This was one of the region’s strongest earthquakes in recent years. The shockwaves also affected neighboring countries like Nepal, Bhutan, and India. The quake occurred in a high-altitude area, where temperatures plummeted overnight, putting survivors at risk of hypothermia and dehydration.

Damage and Casualties

The earthquake caused massive destruction. In Tibet’s Shigatse region, over 3,600 homes were destroyed. This area, home to 800,000 people, was hit hard. Initial reports show that 126 people have died and 188 others have been injured in Tibet. Thankfully, there have been no reported fatalities in Nepal or other affected areas. Rescue teams, including 500 personnel and 106 ambulances, have been sent to assist.

A massive 7.1M earthquake struck the Nepal-Tibet border, claiming 53 lives in Tibet and 9 in Nepal, with over 62 injured. Rescue efforts with 1,500+ workers ongoing. Thoughts with the victims and their families. #NepalEarthquake #TibetQuake pic.twitter.com/9I4HCMOFop

— JAS (@JasADRxquisites) January 7, 2025

Harsh Conditions and Relief Efforts

Temperatures dropped to as low as minus 18°C (0°F), making life even harder for the displaced. By late Tuesday, essential supplies like tents, food, and generators reached the affected region. Additionally, roads that were damaged in the quake were cleared, allowing for better access. The region’s frequent earthquakes are linked to the collision between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates.

Aftershocks and Seismic Activity

Since the initial quake, over 500 aftershocks have been recorded, some reaching up to magnitude 4.4. The Qinghai-Tibetan plateau is known for its seismic activity. In the last five years, there have been 29 quakes with magnitudes of 3 or higher near the epicenter of Tuesday’s tremor. This earthquake is the worst since the 2023 quake that killed 149 people and the 2008 Sichuan earthquake that claimed 70,000 lives.

6.8 magnitude earthquake struck Shigatse, located in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China

⚠️ Epicenter in Tingri County, known for its proximity to Mount Everest, at a depth of 10 kilometers. Earthquake resulted in significant casualties, with at least 95 people reported dead… pic.twitter.com/rPa2NWx4R2

— Culture War (@CultureWar2020) January 7, 2025

China’s Response and Criticism

China has been criticized for its treatment of Tibet, particularly regarding religious and cultural rights. Despite this, the government is focused on the ongoing rescue and recovery efforts.

Tremors with a magnitude of 6.8 (according to the United States – 7.1) destroyed more than 1,000 houses in China's Tibet Autonomous Region near the border with Nepal.

According to the latest reports, 53 people were killed and 62 were injured.

Search and rescue efforts continue.… pic.twitter.com/x99Eu7cGa1

— F̳̿͟͞l̳̿͟͞i̳̿͟͞c̳̿͟͞k̳̿͟͞ (@Flick1_) January 7, 2025

China Defends Proposal to Construct World’s Largest Dam on Brahmaputra River in Tibet

December 27, 2024, 7:41 pm

China, on Friday, downplayed concerns over plans to construct the world’s largest dam on the Brahmaputra River in Tibet. This $137 billion project was called a “totally safe” project by the foreign ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, who emphasized that its construction would not affect countries downstream. She claimed safety issues have been addressed, “after decades of study,” she said. Mao emphasized that because the mega project is constructed in the sensitive Himalayas, it would not hurt the low-lying parts and assured that China had always handled cross-border rivers responsibility. She said that China would keep its lines of communication open to the downstream countries and expand international cooperation in disaster relief efforts. The dam was approved by China on Wednesday for construction at a major gorge in the Himalayas, where the Brahmaputra River curves into Arunachal Pradesh before entering Bangladesh.

The ambitious project will cost over a trillion yuan and could take at least a decade to complete.

While China intends to tap the hydropower from the river, the impact of the project on the flow of water downstream has raised concerns, especially in India. David Fishman, a senior manager at Lantau Group, pointed out the scale of the project and the concerns of countries downstream. “Everybody downstream is going to be concerned about what it means if water flow is reduced,” he said, acknowledging India’s anxiety over the potential effects.

Tibet’s Pure Land Vineyard Breaks Records as the World’s Highest

November 9, 2024, 12:24 pm

Tibet’s Pure Land & Super-High Altitude Vineyard, located at an impressive 3,563.31 meters (11,690 feet) above sea level, has officially earned the Guinness World Records title for the highest vineyard in the world. Situated near the Lhasa River in Caina Town, Qushui County, Lhasa, China, the vineyard thrives in a unique terroir that nurtures exceptional grape growth.

According to Guinness World Records, the grapes in this high-altitude vineyard have adapted to the extreme conditions, where there is a significant temperature difference between day and night. “These grapes are specially adapted to grow in the region, which has a huge temperature difference between daytime and night-time,” allowing them to develop higher sugar content during the day while the cooler nights help build acidity. The grapes are “almost having their own ‘sunglasses’ to cope with the conditions.”

Watch:

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The vineyard’s creation has also benefited the local community by providing job opportunities for Tibetan villagers. After testing 60 grape varieties, wine experts identified four that could flourish in these high-altitude conditions. This remarkable feat, which originally secured the world record title in 2018, has generated increased interest in the region.

Guinness World Records has long been known for recognizing extraordinary places, such as the Philippines’ hotel with 15 rooms, and the largest building shaped like a chicken, awarded its title in September 2024.

Ex-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi And Congressional Delegation Visit Dalai Lama, Highlights US Support For Tibet

June 19, 2024, 10:58 am

On Wednesday, former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other members of a Congressional delegation arrived at the Dalai Lama Temple to meet with the Tibetan spiritual leader. Disciples of the Dalai Lama were also seen at the temple complex this morning.

The bipartisan US delegation, led by Republican Chair of the US House Foreign Affairs Committee Michael McCaul, was welcomed by officials from the Central Tibetan Administration at Kangra Airport in Himachal Pradesh on Tuesday.

Ahead of the meeting with the Dalai Lama, Dolma Tsering Teykhang, the Deputy Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, emphasized that the visit of the US lawmakers signifies “Tibet is not alone.” She stated, “They are here to experience a different way of culture that Tibetans have…we are going to have the official get-together in the meeting…It sends (the message) that Tibet is not alone. United States is with Tibet and human rights still matter. This is a message not only for Tibet but anybody who is aspiring for human rights and for freedom…” Tsering Teykhang further remarked, “All those who are suffering under the intimidation of China and the expansionist mentality of Xi Jinping, I think this is a very big message for them…”

She criticized China’s authoritarian approach, noting that Beijing is “annoyed” with those who support Tibet. “China is annoyed with anyone who supports Tibet. We are here not to annoy or humiliate China…representatives and senators are here to support just the cause. So, when there is truth, you have a supporter and if there is any truth or when they rectify the wrong politics they are practicing in Tibet, they will also get a lot of support…” she said.

Earlier this week, the US Congress passed a bill encouraging Beijing to re-engage with the Dalai Lama and other Tibetan leaders to peacefully resolve their dispute over Tibet’s status and governance. The US House of Representatives approved the ‘Promoting a Resolution to the Tibet-China Dispute Act’, also known as the ‘Resolve Tibet Act’, which now awaits President Joe Biden’s signature to become law, as reported by Radio Free Asia.

The legislation rejects Beijing’s claim that Tibet has been part of China since ancient times and calls on China to “cease its propagation of disinformation about the history of Tibet, the Tibetan people, and Tibetan institutions, including that of the Dalai Lama.” It also urges China to resume talks with the Dalai Lama and other Tibetan leaders regarding Tibet’s governance. No formal discussions have occurred since 2010.

Upon her arrival in Dharamshala, Pelosi expressed her excitement, saying, “It’s very exciting to be here.” Notably, Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan in 2022 had previously strained US-China relations. McCaul confirmed President Joe Biden’s intention to sign the ‘Resolve Tibet Act’, emphasizing the bill’s importance and expressing enthusiasm about the upcoming meeting with the Dalai Lama.

Meanwhile, China voiced its concerns over the US delegation’s visit to Dharamshala. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian, during a regular press conference, urged the US to recognize the “anti-China separatist nature of the Dalai Group” and to “stop sending the wrong signal to the world.” Jian stated, “It’s known by all that the 14th Dalai Lama is not a pure religious figure, but a political exile engaged in anti-China separatist activities under the cloak of religion.” The spokesperson continued, “We are gravely concerned over the relevant reports and urge the US side to fully recognize the anti-China separatist nature of the Dalai group, honour the commitments the US has made to China on issues related to Xizang, have no contact with the Dalai group in any form, and stop sending the wrong signal to the world.” Notably, China refers to Tibet as Xizang.

During their visit on Tuesday, the US delegation also toured the Tibetan Parliament in exile and the Tibet Museum Library of Tibetan Works and Archives in Gangchen Kyisjong in Dharamshala.

India To Rename 30 Tibetan Locations In Response To China’s Actions In Arunachal

June 12, 2024, 3:11 am

The newly elected NDA government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, has given the green light for the renaming of 30 locations in Tibet, in response to China’s recent renaming activities in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh.

The approved names, chosen based on historical research and their connection to the Tibet region, will be officially announced by the Indian army and updated on their maps along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

Relations between the two countries have been strained, particularly since the border standoff in eastern Ladakh began on May 5, 2020, following clashes in the Pangong Tso area. Despite 21 rounds of military talks aimed at resolving the standoff, tensions persist.

This decision serves as a countermeasure to China’s renaming of 30 places in Arunachal Pradesh earlier in April, a move strongly opposed by India. Under Modi 3.0, India seeks to assert its territorial claims by assigning its own names to locations in occupied Tibet.

The list consists of 11 residential areas, 12 mountains, four rivers, one lake, one mountain pass, and a parcel of land, with names presented in Chinese characters, Tibetan, and pinyin. China has previously released lists of standardized names for places in Arunachal Pradesh since 2017, with the latest list containing nearly as many new names as the three previous lists combined.

Despite China’s repeated claims, India has consistently asserted Arunachal Pradesh as an integral and inseparable part of the country. The Ministry of External Affairs has stated that the attribution of “invented” names does not change this reality. This firm response from India comes amid global disapproval of China’s expansionist policies in regions like the South China Sea.

Assuming the role of Minister of External Affairs for the second time, S. Jaishankar today reiterated India’s strong stance on matters concerning China and Pakistan, affirming that India will address both border disputes and cross-border terrorism.

“As far as Pakistan and China are concerned, the relations with those countries are different, and the problems there are also different. Our focus with regard to China will be on finding a solution for the border issues and with Pakistan, we would want to find a solution to the issue of years-old cross-border terrorism,” Jaishankar said after assuming office.

Tibetan Leader Dalai Lama to take part in Global Buddhism Summit

April 21, 2023, 3:23 pm

Hundreds of Dalai Lama followers gathered outside Delhi airport on Wednesday to welcome the Tibetan spiritual leader who arrived in the national capital.
Dalai Lama reached Delhi today to take part in the Global Buddhism Summit to be held here on Thursday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will also address the inaugural session of the Global Buddhist Summit, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) informed through a release on Tuesday.

The two-day summit is being hosted by the Union Ministry of Culture in collaboration with International Buddhist Confederation on April 20-21 at Hotel Ashok, following address of PM Modi. The theme for the summit is ‘Responses to Contemporary Challenges: Philosophy to Praxis’.

“The summit is an effort towards engaging the global Buddhist Dhamma leadership and scholars on matters of Buddhist and universal concerns, and to come up with policy inputs to address them collectively.” read the release.

“The discussions will be held under four themes — Buddha Dhamma and Peace; Buddha Dhamma: Environmental Crisis, Health and Sustainability; Preservation of Nalanda Buddhist Tradition; Buddha Dhamma Pilgrimage, Living Heritage and Buddha Relics: a resilient foundation to India’s centuries-old cultural links to countries in South, South-East and East Asia,” the release stated further.

BJP MP Namgyal condemns “baseless” allegation against the Dalai Lama

April 16, 2023, 3:33 pm

BJP MP Jamyang Tsering Namgyal condemned the “baseless and malicious” allegations against Tibetan spiritual leader 14th Dalai Lama after a purported video of his went viral and urged his followers to remember the teachings of Buddhism.

In a statement, Namgyal said, “It is disheartening to see baseless and malicious allegations being levelled against the His Holiness. We must remember that the teachings of Buddhism are grounded in principles of peace and non-violence, and baseless accusations have no place in such principles.” He further stated that Dalai Lama’s contributions to the world are not limited to his teachings of compassion and empathy.

“As the Member of Parliament representing the people of Ladakh, I am proud to stand in solidarity with His Holiness the Dalai Lama and express our gratitude for his continued support and inspiration,” Namgyal said in the statement.

“We recognise the immense contributions that he has made towards creating a more compassionate and peaceful world, and we pledge to continue to work towards this goal together,” he added.

Freedom House Index: Tibet ranked world’s least free country

April 10, 2023, 6:08 pm

According to the Freedom in the World Index for 2023 published by international watchdog Freedom House, Tibet is the least free nation in the world, according to a report by Tibet Press.

On 9 March, Freedom House, a global watchdog of human liberties, published its study titled “Freedom in the World 2023 Report.” According to the news story, Freedom House listed Tibet, South Sudan, and Syria as the “world’s least-free countries” in its report. After Freedom House surveys in 2021 and 2022 rated Tibet at the bottom of a community of nations, the report was released for the third year in a row. In its study, Freedom House said that Tibet’s residents lacked both Chinese and Tibetan basic rights. However, the Chinese government is stern in crushing any indications of dissent among Tibetans.

While this is going on, the UN Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights underlined in its Third Periodic Review report on March 6 that a number of concerns pertaining to the human rights of the Tibetan people require the international community’s serious and immediate attention.
The rest of the world is intently watching every action the CPC takes to Chineseize Tibet. According to the news article, what counts is the extent to which action is made to stop the assault upon Tibetan culture and identity.

The CCP’s attempts to simirise Tibetans have taken one step ahead with the inauguration of a `Chinese Nation Community Consciousness Building Research Centre’ in the Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR) to promote “national consciousness,” Tibet Press reported, citing the Tibet Rights Collective (TRC).

China told to back off from interfering in Dalai Lama’s succession process

January 21, 2023, 4:06 pm

In a sharp message, China told to back off from interfering in the succession process of the next Dalai Lama. The Japanese Buddhist Conference for World Federation has placed on record its position that the Tibetan people must decide the successor of His Holiness the 14^th Dalai Lama based on Tibetan Culture and history, and not China.

Protests against China held in Europe to mark International Human Rights Day

December 11, 2022, 6:01 pm

Protests were held in a number of locations throughout Europe to condemn Chinese atrocities.

On December 10, in observance of International Human Rights Day, some 100 protesters joined the demonstration to denounce China for abusing human rights in the Dutch city of Amsterdam. Numerous groups participated in the protests, including the Congress of Southern Mongolia, the Netherlands for Hong Kong group, the Stichting Support Uyghurs organisation, the International Campaign for Tibet, and the Tibet Support group in the Netherlands.

Harry van Bommel, a former Dutch lawmaker, also joined the demonstrators.

Meanwhile another protest march was held in Geneva, from Palais Wilson to Broken Chair Square. Free Tibet-related slogans were raised, and they urged the UN to put pressure on China in this regard.

About 200 people took part in the event. There were protests in Toronto, London, and other significant cities.

The People’s Republic of China (PRC) has not upheld its international obligations to preserve the human rights and fundamental freedoms enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, according to a statement by US Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns.

We call on the PRC to stop its ongoing genocide and crimes against humanity in Xinjiang, its repressive policies in Tibet, its dismantling of the autonomy it promised for Hong Kong, its arbitrary detention of those who speak out peacefully, and its global campaign of transnational repression,” he said in a statement.
Ambassador Burns said the United States will continue to support the right of peaceful protest, freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and the rule of law

OUTLINES OF A TIBET POLICY

January 7, 2021, 4:03 am

When Indian and Tibetan flags were waved at the funeral of Company Leader Nyima Tenzin of Special Frontier Force, there was widespread belief that Tibet would be leveraged. Since then things have moved forward. Tibet is gaining weight in international relations. In the previous articles we had examined the India, Tibet and China triangle through related perspectives. In this concluding article, issues which impact on a ‘Tibet Policy’ to make China look inward are highlighted.

China has embarked on solidification of Tibet. It includes enhanced military infrastructure upgradation of the LAC, control over the Tibetan population and cynicism of Tibetan Buddhism. Ominous. There are credible reports that more than half a million Tibetans are interred in detention centres for skill training and indoctrination under the guise of “poverty alleviation”.

Recently, the US enacted the “Tibetan Policy and Support Act of 2019”. It addresses human rights, religious, cultural, and national identity issues of Tibetans. It stresses on the right of the Tibetan people to choose their religious leaders. A significant point it makes is that Tibetan Buddhism is practised in many countries, including the PRC, Bhutan, Nepal, Mongolia, India, the Russian Federation, and the United States. Hence China cannot nominate a Dalai Lama unilaterally. It talks of dialogue without preconditions between PRC and the Dalai Lama or his reps. It also clarifies that PRC will not be allowed to establish another consulate (in the US) till a US consulate is established in Lhasa.

Meanwhile the next Sikyong (or president) of the Tibetan government-in-exile based in India is to be elected and the primary election was held on 3 January 2021 with the final election slated on 11 April. Tibetans living in exile in India, the United States, Europe, and other countries around the world will cast votes. Allowing this election in India is a tacit message to China. It needs to be taken forward.

China has reacted to both these events. It has warned India against playing the “Tibet Card”. It has reminded India about the 2003 joint declaration in which the Tibet Autonomous Region was recognised as part of the PRC. It also issued a statement denouncing the Tibet Act 2020 of the US. PRC is being very sensitive about Tibet. It is China’s greatest vulnerability. Combine this with Xinjiang and the vulnerability increases. Already Washington Post has come out with an article hyphenating both issues.

If one looks beyond, China has clipped Jack Ma’s wings and is assuming control over financial markets. The high profile arrests/ sentencing of Hong Kong based media mogul Jimmy Lai, real estate tycoon Ren Zhiqiang and citizen journalist Zhang Zhan are indicative of internal turmoil being dealt with a heavy hand. Also, the extent to which China hid the incidence of the Wuhan Virus is now being exposed. The ‘Vaccine’ War it has embarked on is not going well. Most importantly all this is happening in the CCP’s centenary year. If these issues are rolled in with Tibet, along with economic instability and failure in achieving ‘One China Dream’ it will reflect a larger political failure. Overall, things are politically not rosy for China. However, for now we will get back to Tibet.

The US intent to take up issues with China is straight forward. The CTA and the Tibetan diaspora have welcomed the move. Given time, a fair degree of support can be built up within Tibet. However any meaningful headway can occur only if India takes the call. As it is even without Tibet as a lever, Chinese behaviour towards India has mellowed from its initial highhandedness. My guess is that China has realised that it cannot take on the US and India together. It has also probably realised that it will fail if it takes the ‘Teach India a Lesson’ line and also gets badly singed. Hence it is now adopting a conciliatory approach. One thing is clear. If the US, India and CTA act in concert, China will have to change its behaviour. On that there is no doubt.

To reiterate the larger picture China should know that there are red cards if lines are crossed. India must also adopt an overarching ‘Needles in Haystacks’ policy. Build needles in the haystack called Tibet. Roll this haystack with other haystacks- Taiwan, Hong Kong, Xinjiang, Inner Mongolia and Manchuria. Team up with other countries. Build more needles into other haystacks. Ensure these needles move between haystacks. However, we now will stick to Tibet for which India must build political consensus.

The first issue to be pursued is that Tibet was never part of China historically. Hence the relationship between the two should revert to one of suzerainty. This should be the political objective internationally. The basis for this is the Middle Path as enunciated by the Dalai Lama in Strasbourg in 1980: The Tibetan people do not accept the present status of Tibet under the People’s Republic of China. At the same time, they do not seek independence for Tibet, which is a historical fact. Treading a middle path in between these two lies the policy and means to achieve a genuine autonomy for all Tibetans living in the three traditional provinces of Tibet within the framework of the People’s Republic of China…The Government of the People’s Republic of China could remain responsible for Tibet’s foreign policy. The government of Tibet should be founded on a constitution or basic law… a self-governing democratic political entity.

Next. The interpretation of the 2003 Agreement is one-sided—Chinese. It needs a revision through ‘Lawfare’. The 2003 agreement reads: The Indian side agrees to designate Changgu of Sikkim state as the venue for the border trade market; the Chinese side agrees to designate Renqinggang of the Tibet Autonomous Region as the venue for the border trade market. These words establish recognition of Tibet as part of China and Sikkim as part of India. In 2003, it was never put forth by China that the Tibet Autonomous Region extended South of McMahon Line. The common understanding was that Tibet was generally north of the McMahon Line. Chinese claim on Arunachal Pradesh as South Tibet started after 2003. The post-agreement claim on Arunachal Pradesh repudiates the 2003 agreement. All agreements stand violated by China through military aggression in eastern Ladakh. In view of this, India should not recognise Tibet as part of China. Tibet, India recognised in 2003 is disputed. Hence the definition of Tibet should be clarified first. Additionally, based on religious history, the entire area of the Mansarovar Lake is part of Uttarakhand. The entire issue needs renegotiation. Till then treat Tibet as an independent entity.

India needs an intelligence base in Tibet. We need to develop intelligence in depth to cover a wide array of subjects—with or without the US. It is only then that we will have an edifice to progress matters. In any situation, the normal drawback in India has been lack of intelligence. It is a national deficiency which needs to be addressed. Trans LAC human intelligence will play a significant part and needs focus. We must combine media with information and intelligence operations. It is often recognised that our Media gets under the Chinese skin very fast. We need to give our media the free hand to express itself. We also need to project our media into Tibet. It can be done with some innovation.

India is under exploiting Buddhism. All major Buddhist centres lie in the heart of India. We have not leveraged them. One look at Bodh Gaya, Sarnath, Kushinagar, Rajgir, Nalanda, Sanchi and so on tells you the degree of under-leveraging. Further, many important centres of Tibetan Buddhism are in India. These can also be leveraged. Needs a national rethink. If Political Islam can be leveraged, Political Buddhism needs to be propagated. Buddhists in China are not Tibetan alone. They are elsewhere also. There is a wider reach through other countries also. Many hues? Exploit them. Dalai Lama succession is just one aspect.

China is trying to control major Asian rivers emanating from Tibet and exert geopolitical influence over the lower riparian nations. There is adequate scope to take an initiative to form an association of lower riparian nations of Mekong, Salween and Brahmaputra to tackle China politically through international/ multilateral forums. India needs to take the initiative since it is most affected. Our think tanks need to come up with formulations.

The Chinese are worried that India as a whole is going against them. India needs to utilise the wholehearted public support for any action against China and for Tibet more purposefully. It is therefore perplexing as to why India is not leveraging public opinion and democracy. If one notices, China deals with one issue with one country each at a time. Almost a divide and rule philosophy. India is not exploiting the bandwidth of democracy to handle issues multilaterally and the lack of bandwidth in China to do so. People will achieve what governments cannot. Just one placard on Shantipath put ants up Chinese pants. There is plenty of scope in this sphere of activity.

India needs to defend its borders in depth across the LAC. We need to evolve innovative methods in doing so. The areas up to the Eastern and Western highways should be under our lens. We need to organise forces which will deepen the battle field in any future military escalation. India must also develop the capabilities to conduct operations further in depth. It will improve our military depth and stamina. Unless we think differently, China will continue to merrily do whatever it wants to along the LAC and elsewhere.

A major drawback in our approach is lack of knowledge of Tibet and China. In the recent past, I have attended a number of webinars on China. Many of our China experts (and there are only a handful) speak the same language and parrot the same ideas. One gets the feeling that they are speaking from a script. Most of them project a sense of helpless India vis-à-vis a great China whose wrath we have to endure. An informed analysis of China is rare. I wonder if all this is a product of sponsored tours by China! There are credible reports that China is buying and paying to manipulate international media as part of its influence operations. I think there is a necessity for a hard reset. India needs to invest more in knowledge rather than mere information. ‘Knowledge’ is power.

China needs to be shown a red card and served with one if it does not back off. Tibet is a recognised red card. However, it is not a fully credible one. One has to build it into a potent red card along with others. It will not happen overnight. Everything need not be done immediately. It will be a long haul for India. It should be a slow bleed for China.

Lt Gen P.R. Shankar was India’s DG Artillery. He is highly decorated and qualified with vast operational experience. He contributed significantly to the modernisation and indigenisation of Artillery. He is now a Professor in the Aerospace Dept of IIT Madras and is involved in applied research for defence technology. His other articles can be read on www.gunnersshot.com.

INDIA, TIBET & CHINA: HELPLESS AND COMPLETELY TANGLED

December 30, 2020, 4:11 am

When Indian and Tibetan flags were waved at the funeral of Company Leader Nyima Tenzin of the Special Frontier Force who died during the Kailash Range operations, there was widespread belief that the ‘Tibet’ issue will be leveraged. It was short-lived due to haziness in Indian thinking, absolute clarity in China and a return to resigned helplessness amongst Tibetans worldwide. The issue has morphed significantly from the last century and needs deep understanding of new issues and must be played with finesse. Undue military action or rebellious violence will end any action being snuffed out like the Khampa Rebellion in the 1950s. Relevant issues pertaining to India, China and Tibet need to be brought into focus for India to chart out a future course of action. In this part we will see the various facets of Tibet which are very relevant in the crucial strategic triangle of India, Tibet and China.

Lt Gen P.R. Shankar (retd)

INDEPENDENCE OR SUZERAINTY, NOT SOVEREIGNTY

Songtsen Gampo (627-649) ruled Tibet as an independent kingdom in the 7th century. He married a Chinese princess to establish relations with China. Buddhism entered Tibet from India around that time. Tibet was independent till Mongols conquered China and Tibet in the 13th century and ruled them both. When Mongols waned, the succeeding Ming dynasty (1368-1644) did not take over Tibet. The next (and last) imperial Qing dynasty (1644-1911), was of Manchus. In 1720, Manchus took over Tibet due to political turmoil and stayed on till their dynasty collapsed. The Qings treated Tibet as part of their empire and maintained a resident in Lhasa. However, Tibet retained its autonomy–own officials and legal system. The Qings did not attempt to formalise Tibet as a Chinese province. This nebulous and unclear relationship was termed as ‘Chinese Suzerainty over Tibet’ by the Britishers. In 1904, Col Younghusband’s expedition established the British presence in Lhasa. In 1912, Chiang Kai Shek’s Nationalist Government declared Tibet as part of China. In February 1913, the 13th Dalai Lama declared the independence of Tibet and expelled all Chinese. This created a de-facto independent Tibet with its own flag, army, government, language, currency and border control. The British presence forced the Chinese out of the area. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) came to power in China in 1949. They instigated the Panchen Lama to appeal to them to liberate Tibet. In 1950, the PLA invaded Tibet and the rest is History. The long and short of it is that Tibet was forced to amalgamate into China and it was never an integral or sovereign part of China as often claimed by PRC.

TIBETAN SEPARATIST UNREST

Tibetans have never acknowledged that they are a sovereign part of China. Ever since the CCP invaded Tibet and established their government, there has been strife. The 1959 revolt in Tibet led to the Dalai Lama fleeing to India and setting up a Government in exile. During Mao’s Cultural Revolution (1966 to 1976) monasteries were destroyed, religious persecution intensified and political struggle erupted on a major scale. In September- October 1987, Buddhist monks led major demonstrations for independence. The Chinese reacted harshly and crushed the move. This was repeated in March 1988. The Chinese again suppressed the demonstrations ruthlessly. On 5 March 1989, demonstrations for independence re-erupted in Lhasa. It led to martial law in Lhasa till May 1990. Serious public demonstrations for independence occurred again in May 1993. In 2008, five months before the Beijing Olympic Games, anti-China protests escalated into violence not seen in Tibet in 20 years. Pro-Tibet activists even attempted disrupting progress of the Olympic torch relay in many countries. 2011-12 has seen incidents of self-immolation by Buddhist monks and nuns in protest against Chinese rule over Tibet. Though the past decade has been relatively calm and devoid of any serious protests, it would be fair to say that at heart Tibetans have not yet accepted Chinese rule and an underlying sentiment for independence is still alive.

DEVELOPMENT AND INTEGRATION

The CCP has carried out reforms in public life and improved social conditions in step with the rest of China. PRC has also undertaken extensive infrastructure development in Tibet under their Western Development Strategy. Though much of the infrastructure is military in nature, Tibet is now better connected and more firmly integrated into China than ever before. There is a modernization process underway. The economy is stronger and the standard of living has improved for the majority of the people, although disparities are also widening. The cities have benefitted much more from economic growth than the countryside. Despite everything, the Tibet Autonomous Region remains China’s poorest administrative unit. It is also very clearly established that the Western Development Strategy as whole has not benefitted the autonomous regions vis-à-vis others. Overall there is a sense of being discriminated against.

PEOPLE MATTERS

Demographic Issues. Tibetans now comprise 90.48% of the population, Han Chinese make up 8.17% and other population groups 1.35%. There has been clamour of Han inward migration. There is no doubt that Han inward migration has taken place with projects. Construction, management and maintenance is all done mostly by Han. Most of these are not permanent settlers. Many come in as part of project teams and are constantly rotated. However ‘population invasion’ is visible only in the major cities and towns of Tibet. Here Hans are outnumbering Tibetans. It is also an established fact that the Hans get better jobs. To that extent the Tibetans are discriminated against in economic opportunities. More importantly, the PRC still does not trust Tibetans. It is already being reported that 50000 Tibetans have been put in labour camps as part of Xi Jinping’s Tibet Solidification process. An important point is that the Tibetans are a majority in the countryside. This will be a critical factor as days go by.

Tibetan Diaspora: The Tibetans diaspora is mainly in India with major concentrations in Karnataka (44,468), Himachal Pradesh (21,980), Arunachal Pradesh (7,530), Uttarakhand (8,545), West Bengal (5,785) and Jammu and Kashmir (6,920). The Tibetan Government in exile functions from Dharmshala.it is reported that the Tibetan community in India has dropped by 44 percent, from around 150,000 in 2011 to 85,000. Tibetans also reside in other countries such as Nepal, Bhutan, the US, Canada, and Switzerland among others. The annual inflow of refugees used to be 3000. It has now reduced to about 100 annually. This downward trickle is attributed to the attitude of Indian Government, the changed conditions in Tibet and the difficulty in crossing over. With time, the Tibetan Diaspora are better educated and have acquired an international presence. They will be great assets in mobilising international opinion.

RELIGION

Buddhism: Buddhism like Hinduism is not so much a religion but a way of life. The overwhelming majority of Tibetans continue to practice Buddhism. Tibetan Buddhism and culture is still rooted in people. It is not in any great danger. However, Buddhism is weaker than it used to be. Like other religions it is partly due to modernization and partly due to active Chinese attempts to suppress it. However as per historic tradition, the Dalai Lama is the political and temporal head for all Tibetan Buddhists. He is revered as such. He is still the prime figure whether he is in or out of Tibet. Any push back against the Chinese will have to come from the Buddhist structure as it always has. The Chinese know that. They see the monasteries as the main centres for anti-Chinese activities. As per the Chinese leadership, the real problem is the Dalai Lama and not the Tibetan people. Though Chinese society has undergone dramatic changes during the past few decades it shows little tolerance for any dissent from ethnic minorities. Any sign of dissent from any ethnic minority, is often interpreted as separatism by the Chinese and invites severe state repression in a situation of very poor human rights. In the case of Tibet, the entire Chinese ire is directed at the monasteries, monks and Dalai Lama. The Chinese state is excessively focused on preserving territorial unity and plugging separatism. Hence it has repeatedly taken a hard line against Buddhism, monks and monasteries. It influences courts to enforce severe and unfair decisions without adequate evidence or proper legal proceedings. This is in line with its general practice in other parts of China with other nationalities.

Dalai Lama succession: The Chinese undermined Tibetan Buddhism in the 1950s. That was how they got a foothold in Tibet. They won over the tenth Panchen Lama on their side against the Dalai Lama. However at the end of his life the tenth Panchen Lama did express regret at his actions. The Chinese installed their own man as the eleventh Panchen Lama after abducting the person appointed by the Dalai Lama. Till date his whereabouts are not known. Today, there are two Panchen Lamas, one installed by the Dalai Lama and another six-year-old picked and installed by the Chinese government, known as Panchen “Zuma” Fake Panchen. With the Dalai Lama getting on in age, the Chinese would be actively plotting a CCP and Xi Jinping nominated succession in similar fashion. There is already speculation and indications they will do so. There is also indication that as part of Xi Jinping’s Tibet solidification program, the Chinese will interfere with Buddhism. They have already spoken of Sinicisation of Buddhism. It implies re-education centres, communism based Buddhist reform and plain old enlargement of penetration and subversion of monasteries to control the Tibetan Buddhist way of life.

Political Issues: 17-Point Agreement’ to ‘Middle Path’

17 Point Agreement: On May 23, 1951, the 17 The Point Agreement was illegally thrust upon Tibet. It gave complete control of Tibet to the CCP -PLA combine. It was signed on behalf of Tibet by a person of no authority. It eventually led to the Dalai Lama seeking refuge in India. However it is reported that the very opening paragraph of the main statement admits Tibet’s status as a separate entity where, for whatever reasons, China did not enjoy any effective control for “over the last hundred years and more”. If this is correct, it is a legal loophole – lying unexploited. This was followed by two decades when PRC was isolated, completely closed and remained incommunicado. Tibet was subjected to intense political suppression and cultural destruction during this time.

Five Point Plan: Later, Deng Xiaoping realised that winning hearts was better than an attack on faith or coercion. In 1979, Deng even said “except independence, all other issues can be resolved through negotiations.” Communist Party Secretary Hu Yaobang even offered a public apology to the Tibetan people when he visited Lhasa in 1980. He termed the unfortunate happenings as, ‘excesses of some over enthusiastic party cadres’ in Tibet in the past. Based on these overtures many parleys took place and delegations visited Tibet with no resolution. On September 21, Dalai Lama in an address to the U.S. Congressional Human Rights Caucus put forth a Five Point Plan. The points were 1.Transformation of the whole of Tibet into a zone of peace. 2. Abandonment of China’s population transfer policy. 3. Respect for the Tibetan people’s fundamental human rights and democratic freedoms. 4. Restoration and protection of Tibet’s natural environment and the abandonment of China’s use of Tibet for the production of nuclear weapons and dumping of nuclear waste; and 5. Commencement of earnest negotiations on the future status of Tibet and on relations between the Tibetan and Chinese peoples. Nothing happened.

The Middle Path: The very next year, in 1988, the Dalai Lama put forth his ‘Middle Path’ policy when addressing the EU parliament in Strasbourg. He said “The Tibetan people do not accept the present status of Tibet under the People’s Republic of China. At the same time, they do not seek independence for Tibet, which is a historical fact. Treading a middle path in between these two lies the policy and means to achieve a genuine autonomy for all Tibetans living in the three traditional provinces of Tibet within the framework of the People’s Republic of China…The Government of the People’s Republic of China could remain responsible for Tibet’s foreign policy…The Government of Tibet should be founded on a constitution or basic law… a self-governing democratic political entity”. This has been rejected outright by the Chinese since they felt that it would be a precursor to Independence and it would dilute the CCP power. We should never forget that CCP will never share power with anyone. In 1989 the Dalai Lama was awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace which only incensed the Chinese.

An Opportunity Ahead: As China prospered economically, its political clout also grew and Tibet got further marginalised. The 2003 Sino Indian agreement virtually sealed Tibetan fate. It changed the Indian stance on Tibet. Thereafter Tibet issue meandered politically. Just prior to the Beijing Olympics in 2008, China wanted to settle the Tibet issue since it feared that they might end up losing face like the USSR did in the Moscow Olympics with a major boycott. However the whole deliberations ended in violence and nothing came of it. Thereafter as China grew stronger, the margins for Tibet kept getting thinner. However the current Chinese aggression, its international assertion, duplicity and behaviour in the Pandemic period has actually reignited the Tibet issue. While it is commonly understood that the Dalai Lama has given away Tibet’s shot at independence it is not so. Legally the Chinese have rejected his proposal and hence the middle path is not sacrosanct. Secondly the 17 Point Agreement will not hold up legally. Very importantly China is vulnerable to ‘losing face’ in any future international event as was feared prior to the Beijing Olympics. These political leverages can be used.

OVERALL ASSESSMENT

The future course of the Sino-Tibet-India relations will largely be dictated by what the people of Tibet want and which way they swing. The common belief is that they are in misery under the Chinese. There is also an uninformed perception that Tibet can go up in flames for the Chinese at the flick of a switch. The reality is far from that. It would be fair to assume that there will be three shades of Tibetans. The first shade would be those who have still not reconciled to Chinese occupation of Tibet. The diaspora, the Government in exile in India and the hard core followers of the Dalai Lama will naturally fall into this category. There would be those who have been won over or are aligned with the CCP and are themselves communists. These could be within the walls of monasteries also. After all it was this variety which opened the gates to Tibet for the communists long back. Then there will the huge variety who want to just get on with life. They would generally prefer the relative prosperity of Chinese rule. Will they face danger, death and privation of separatism or dissent? One needs to also realise that the Chinese have made inroads in seven decades. The potential for victory against the CCP is non-existent. Any pull back has to be planned in detail and is a long haul. Also, any chance of change is only feasible if there is full support from India, US and Europe. So far all three have left the Tibetans in a helpless and tangled condition.

In the next part, we will examine the Indian angles. However before that I would request a feedback and observations from people who are better informed and knowledgeable than me to give their ideas or guidance on the issues covered so far. It will be particularly interesting to know what India should do in the current conditions and those which loom ahead.

India, Tibet and China: The way forward

December 28, 2020, 4:41 am

When Indian and Tibetan flags were waved at the funeral of Company Leader Nyima Tenzin of the Special Frontier Force who died during the Kailash Range operations, there was widespread belief that the ‘Tibet’ issue will be leveraged. It was short-lived due to haziness in Indian thinking, absolute clarity in China and a return to resigned helplessness amongst Tibetans worldwide. The issue has morphed significantly from the last century and needs deep understanding of new issues and must be played with finesse. Undue military action or rebellious violence will end any action being snuffed out like the Khampa Rebellion in the 1950s. Relevant issues pertaining to India, China and Tibet need to be brought into focus for India to chart out a future course of action. In this part we will see the legality of Tibet being part of China and Chinese designs in Tibet.

Army Chief General M.M. Naravane visits forward areas of Fire and Fury Corps, to have a first-hand assessment of the situation along the LAC, in Ladakh on Wednesday. ANI

Lt Gen P.R. Shankar (retd)

LEGALITY OF TIBET BEING PART OF CHINA

The Great Wall Frontier: Historically the outer frontiers of China were defined by the ‘Great Wall’. It was built by imperial China to keep outsiders at bay. In this context The Great Wall defines the outer limits of Chinese Boundaries. However there is no ‘Single’ Great Wall of China. There were a series of Walls raised by different dynasties depending on the extent of their empire and what they considered China. Taking into consideration all the Walls, the areas outside these are definitely outside China. Hence Tibet, Xinjiang, Inner Mongolia and Manchuria were never part of China till such time the PLA under Mao and Communists usurped them based on mythical history.

Suzerainty: Tibet was never part of China. The relationship between Tibet and China was of suzerainty. Chinese suzerainty over Tibet has been internationally acknowledged since long but not sovereignty. Historically, Chinese control over Tibet waned and waxed depending upon the power of the prevalent Chinese Empire. Indian and Chinese civilisations, throughout history never had a common border. Tibet, with its own Flag and Government, was always a buffer state. This buffer evaporated with the Chinese occupation of Tibet.

Illegal PRC Government: Till date the Government in Lhasa is that of PRC. It has not been accepted by all Tibetans. The Government of Tibet headed by the Dalai Lama is in exile in India. Also, Tibet has been governed historically by the Dalai Lamas’ who have been the religious, temporal and political heads of Tibet. That has not changed amongst the masses or in international understanding. Fundamentally occupation of Tibet by China remains a case of illegal

2003 Agreement: Till 2003, India never recognised Tibet as part of China. The 2003 agreement which reads “The Indian side agrees to designate Changgu of Sikkim state as the venue for border trade market; the Chinese side agrees to designate Renqinggang of the Tibet Autonomous Region as the venue for border trade market” establishes recognition of Tibet as part of China and Sikkim as part of India. Nathu La pass is mentioned as an entry and exit point and hence is treated as the border by common understanding. In 2003, it was never contended by China that the Tibet Autonomous Region extended South of McMahon Line. The common understanding was that Tibet was generally north of the McMahon Line even if the line was itself in dispute at some places. Chinese claim on Arunachal Pradesh as South Tibet started after 2003. In claiming so, the Chinese have actually violated their commitments of 2003. The Chinese have violated all Sino Indian agreements in their current aggression in eastern Ladakh. In view of both these facts, it is perfectly legal that India does not recognise Tibet as part of China. Look at it another way. The Tibet we recognised in 2003 is now in dispute due to additional claims by the Chinese and hence Tibet is not part of China till such time it is defined as to what is Tibet! When all these issues are taken into consideration holistically, there is no doubt that Tibet is not part of China and PRC is occupying it illegally.

CHINESE DESIGNS

Historical Design: Chinese occupation of Tibet in the last century is presaged by two factors. Firstly, there is their historical and convenient misperception that Tibet is an integral part of China. Secondly, occupation of Tibet along with the other outliers—Manchuria, Inner Mongolia and Xinjiang will give depth and protection to Core Han China from future land based threats. Having occupied Tibet, and other outlying non Han areas any rebellion or uprising has been crushed lest it affect the stability of the PRC and CCP.

Expansionist Design: Reports keep surfacing about China wanting to annex Vladivostok in Russia, entire Mongolia and some parts of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. (A Chinese website claims that Kazakhstan historically is part of China and seeks to “return” to it. Kyrgyzstan is described by a Chinese website that it was part of China for thousands of years). In July 2013 China started propagating the six inevitable wars it must fight to regain so-called lost territories The six ‘inevitable’ wars are for unification of Taiwan (2020-2025), recovery of South China Sea Islands (2025–2030), recovery of southern Tibet (2035-2040), recovery of Diaoyutai and the Ryukyus (2040-2045), Unification of Outer Mongolia (2045–2050) and recovery of territory seized by Russia (2055–2060). In doing so it has signaled that these are its areas and it will go to war for them. So it is a combination of planned mythical claims and coercion.

The Himalayan Design: Along the Himalayas it wants to usurp Doklam and Sakteng in Bhutan, parts of Arunachal Pradesh, Parts of Nepal and Eastern Ladakh. It incrementally creeps forward as part of its salami slicing tactic. It is now widely propagated and discussed that Mao considered Tibet to be China’s right-hand palm, with five fingers—Nepal, Bhutan and the three Indian territories of Ladakh, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh—that China was also meant to ‘liberate’. When seen holistically, Tibet and the other outliers are just a base for further Chinese territorial expansion in its quest to become a superpower and dominate the world. The EU sums it up by saying that the scale of Chinese power and global reach poses acute challenges to open and democratic societies, particularly because of that country’s trajectory to greater authoritarianism and an expansion of its territorial ambitions.

Water Issues: Tibet, is also known as the “Water Tower of Asia,”. It is the headwaters of Asia’s largest rivers, including the Yellow, Yangtze, Mekong, Brahmaputra, Salween, Indus and Sutlej. It is the source of river systems flowing into 11 countries – China, India, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Burma, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and Pakistan. As an upper riparian for Asia’s river systems, occupation of Tibet enables China to control the hydrological future of Asia. China is one of the planet’s most arid regions. Its own rivers are either too polluted or silted to meet its water requirement. Hence, in another context, it must possess Tibet to meet its future water requirements also.

Dams on Brahmaputra: Building huge dams on Brahmaputra, upstream of where it enters India and diverting the river waters into mainland China meets Chinese water and energy security requirements. However, the consequences for India and Bangladesh will be disastrous and destabilising from any point of view—water availability, water variability, ecology and lifestyle change and locally induced climate change. As China develops an elaborate system on the Brahmaputra to meet its water requirements, it needs to be protected and provided depth. Hence the importance of usurping Nepal, Bhutan, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh. The ‘mythical’ five finger theory ascribed to Mao and depth for its water security are convergent issues. Either I must be daft or illiterate or reading about the wrong China all these years. The first time I have heard of this palm and five-finger theory is 2020. How ingenious and conveniently has history been manufactured and propagated! The Chinese seem to have brought out Mao’s Palm straight from his mausoleum to use it here for historical purposes.

Communising Buddhism and Solidification of Tibet: In August 2020, China embarked on a Solidification of Tibet programme. Its multiple components were propounded by Xi Jinping: “solidify border defences and ensure frontier security”, “impregnable fortress for national security and enduring peace and stability” and “Tibetan Buddhism should adapt to socialism and to the Chinese way of life”. Hence what we are going to see is increased military activity along the Sino Indian LAC which will draw heavily on the lessons of its failed campaign in eastern Ladakh. This will be the base for Chinese military forays south of the Himalayas to continue its expansionist programme. Secondly, we will see replication of Xinjiang-style human rights abuses through detention centres where Tibetans will be used as forced labour as well as be imbibed with “patriotic education”, i.e., brainwashing with communist ideology. We will also witness mega projects being executed which will bring in Han settlements as part of the ongoing demographic change plan. There will be a detailed and sustained attempt to “Sinicising Tibetan Buddhism”. This could result in the evolution of a new religion based on communist Buddhism with Xi Jinping as its Dalai Lama! The pattern is familiarly Chinese.

Overall, one sees a sinister Chinese expansionist plan which does not bode well for India. It needs a coordinated, consolidated and a sustained response since Indian sovereignty and integrity is at stake here. There should be no mistaking the danger India is facing. A proper response will evolve only if we understand the issues related to Tibet and evaluate our own position. That will be in the next part(s) of this series.