The events of 2023 have recently intensified the debate over China’s claims over Tibet and its legality. It’s of no surprise that the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) makes no sovereign claims over Tibet as a result of its forceful military subjugation/annexation of the country. China claims that Tibet has always been a part of its territory due to its historical authority over the state some centuries ago during the Qing dynasty.
Tibet Brief 20/20 critically analyses the historical and international legal status of Tibet and debunks Chinese claims of Tibet being part of China from antiquity. This kind of engagement has strong implications for the Chinese side to negotiate with the Tibetan government in exile” on the basis of Tibet’s historical status and not that of Tibet being an internal matter of China. It presents an examination of Tibet’s historical relations with the dominant empires in Inner and East Asia with a view to establishing who has sovereignty over Tibet today. It does so by applying the norms of three pre-modern Asian legal orders as well as those of modern international law where and when they were applicable. An expert Hon-Shiang Lau, Retired Chair Professor, City University of Hong Kong exposed “forged claims of China on Tibet”. He said that Tibet was never part of China anywhere in its pre-1949 history. He also proved that the PRC’s evidence of sovereignty over Tibet is based on not only distortions but outright fabrications and forgeries of pre-1949 Chinese records.
Beijing argues that the Tibetan; spiritual leader the Dalai Lama was complicit and some post label him a ‘demon’ and ‘slaveowner’. The Dalai Lama has won widespread international support for the Tibetan independence movement. He has been fighting with non-violence for the last many decades and has been convincing the international community of the right to their homeland and culture, the restoration of the thousands of Buddhist monasteries that were destroyed by China, and the freedom fighters of hundreds of Tibetans captured by Beijing. And most important, release of Panchen Lama – Gendhun Choekyi Nyima who was abducted by China at the age of 3 years old kid.
- “Tibet: A History” by Sam Van Schaik is a comprehensive and accessible overview of Tibetan history from ancient times to the present. The book covers the political, social, and cultural developments that have shaped Tibet over the centuries, as well as the region’s historical relations with neighbouring states and empires.
- “Tibet, Tibet” by Patrick French is a journalistic account of the history and culture of Tibet, as well as the political and human rights issues that have arisen in recent years. The book provides a nuanced perspective on the conflict in Tibet, drawing on the author’s travels and interviews with Tibetans and Chinese officials.
- “The Dragon in the Land of Snow” by Tsering Shakya is a scholarly work that examines the history of Tibet under Chinese rule, from the Communist takeover in 1949 to the present. The book provides a detailed and critical analysis of Chinese policies in Tibet.
- These are a few published works which give us an overview on the Tibetan-Chinese historical, political and social status of Tibet from both perspectives.
- Critics argue that China’s policies in Tibet are aimed at suppressing Tibetan culture and identity and that the Chinese government’s portrayal of Tibet as a harmonious and prosperous region is misleading. Critics argued that the media outlets are not independent and objective and that they serve as mouthpieces for the Chinese govt’s policies and interests.
Beijing has been criticized by some for its advocacy that Tibet is part of China, which is seen as an unrealistic and politically unfeasible goal. Critics also argue that China’s leadership under Xi Jinping’s tactics is counterproductive and undermines efforts to promote that Tibet is part of China. The International Commission of Jurists concluded that from 1913 to 1950 Tibet demonstrated the conditions of statehood as generally accepted under international law. In the opinion of the commission, the govt of Tibet conducted its domestic and foreign affairs with whom Tibet had foreign relation are shown by official documents to have treated Tibet in practice as an Independent State.
It’s important to note that these criticisms reflect differing perspectives and opinions on the issue of Tibet and readers should evaluate them critically and with an open mind based on Tibet and China true fact. What lies in the future of Tibet? “Any relationship b/w Tibet and China will have to based on the principle of equality, respect, trust and mutual benefit. In conclusion, I think we need to see the future course of Tibet-China relations is directly linked to three factors: China’s response to the continuing human rights violations in Tibet; The status of the current Dalai Lama and the over 150,000 Tibetan refugees around the world; The controversy of the 11th Panchen Lama.
Beijing promotes a narrative & idea where it freed ‘serfs and slaves’ from a brutal theocracy, set Tibet on a path of modernization. In a tweet criticizing the Dalai Lama few months back, the Chinese state-run media outlet Global Time re-amplified this counterfeit narrative by publishing an infographic contrasting life before and after Tibet’s “peaceful liberation” Then, at least one Chinese embassy or both bot users retweeted it. Additionally, they portray the 1950s Chinese annexation as a liberation for the Tibetan people. What is the need for a “people liberation army in Tibet” when Tibet was a peaceful nation before the occupation?
The official Xinhua News Agency said that economic growth, increases in lifespan, and better education in the region of Tibet while Tibet’s language and unique Buddhist culture is gradually being destroyed. They claim Tibet has been part of its territory for centuries and now it is developed more. There might be some minor developments in Tibet but if we look back on history, there arose more destruction in Tibet and an increase in death after the 1950s. However reliable records show that between 1949 and 1979 the following atrocities occurred: 173,221 Tibetan died after being tortured in prisons, 156,758 Tibetans were executed by the Chinese, 432,705 Tibetans were killed while fighting Chinese occupation, 342,970 Tibetans have starved to death, 92,731 Tibetans were publicly tortured to death, 9,002 Tibetans committed suicide. One can only imagine what the actual numbers were for this period and what numbers were for the years since 1979. Chinese media outlet Global Time didn’t amplify Tibet basics needs of human rights.
If we look on Tibet today, there is no freedom of speech, religion and press. Recently a short clip in a metro station and streets went viral by Chinese authoritarians’ random detainments and checks on people phone by force if they are using social media apps. Arbitrary detainments continue. “Chinese government authorities are relentless in their quest to control all aspects of Tibetans’ religious practices,” said Sophie Richardson, China director at Human Right Watch. “Even those who spent their lives in services to government aren’t spared”. Chinese authoritarians claim religious freedom but they consistently interfered in Tibetan affairs and made attempts to stop the people from engaging in their spiritual practices. Buddhist temples, including those housing Tibetan goddess statues, were destroyed as the Sinicization of Buddhism continued. Recently, social media sharing of religious content was prohibited. Even a photo of Dalai Lama in your hand will end your life in prison or either punishment.
The 14th Dalai Lama, who fled to India in 1959, now lives among over 100,000 other Tibetan refugees and their government in exile. Forced abortion, sterilisation of Tibetan women in rural areas of Tibet. China is committing a serious rights violation by expanding DNA collection efforts across Tibet, including taking blood samples form children as young as 5 years old. These days conditions in the Tibet region are difficult to independently ascertain because foreign travellers must get special permission to enter the region. Access is rarely given to foreign journalists. And the region is closed to foreigners entirely during sensitive anniversaries.
