(This essay was written with a word limit of a 1000 words, so necessarily, the depth and breadth of the analysis is limited. Perhaps I will reedit this piece to expand the argument both in terms of breadth and depth as well as to take into account new developments with regard to the Tibetan issue. This piece was written in early 2010, before the Dalai Lama stepped down as the political head of the Tibetan government in exile.)
Tibet – Part of China or not?
Controversy and ethno-political conflict
(Topic chosen was a current controversial issue or conflict in the world)
By Linus Wong
Tibet has always held a special place in my imagination. I believe that in the minds of many, this region has always been perceived as the world’s Shangri-La, an oasis of calm and peace. Alas, the struggle for Tibetan independence and the ethnic conflict between Han settlers and indigenous Tibetans mar this beautiful land. It reminds us of the fragility of ethnic harmony and the constant need to be sensitive towards others.
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| The view of Mt Everest from Tibet |
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| The Tibetan Landscape |
The People’s Republic of China (PRC) is one of the world’s most ethnically diverse countries. The country is an amalgamation of ethnicities, with the Han Chinese being the most dominant. The Tibetan ethnic group is arguably the most well known minority group in China. Their native region of harsh beauty splattered with the vibrant hues of Buddhist art and architecture has long made it one of China’s preeminent tourist destinations. However, the influx of ethnic Han settlers into Tibet has led to increased tensions and conflicts with the Tibetans, further stirring up the nationalist sentiments of the Tibetans. Competition for jobs, the change in demographics in the region and the attitudes of the Han Chinese towards Tibetans are all contributing factors for this conflict. Unless harmony can be fostered between the two groups, it is very likely that the ethnic conflict will continue and even worsen.
They are several causes to the political disaccord. The major reason is that the Chinese government and the Tibetan nationalists disagree as to whom truly has sovereignty over Tibet.
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| Potala Palace, in Lhasa |
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| Tibetan farmer using yaks to plow |
The Tibetans argue that Tibet is a sovereign entity which is currently under occupation by the PRC. The invasion by the People’s Liberation Army in 1950 is seen as the beginning of that occupation and the effective usurpation of Tibetan control of the region by the Chinese. It is true that Tibet has had periods of independence from China in the past. The power of the Tibetan Empire in the 9th century was a great threat to imperial China at that time. However, Tibetan control seemed to have eventually been ceded to China by the Yuan dynasty. After the fall of the Qing dynasty Tibet did enjoy a period of de facto independence from 1912-1949, though its declaration of independence was not recognized by any other government. Currently, the Tibetan government-in-exile, headed by the Dalai Lama, works for the peaceful advance of genuine autonomy for Tibet within the PRC. The view by the Dalai Lama however is not shared by all Tibetans and some demand complete independence from China. Tibetans also state that the Chinese government has often violated their human rights and many Tibetans still remember the damage wrought by the Chinese Communists during the Cultural Revolution. Monasteries, artwork and Buddhism itself were vandalized and assaulted by the Chinese. This too is a major driving force for Tibetan independence.
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| Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th and current Dalai Lama |
However, one must also remember that the Chinese government has legitimate reason to be upset over the continuous demand for either Tibetan independence or greater autonomy. Imperial China has long held authority over Tibet, albeit with the help of local rulers. This assertion of Chinese sovereignty over Tibet is clearly shown by the fact that the Qing court posted high commissioners, or Ambans, to the region. The Chinese too sent military forces to counter foreign incursions, for example by the Nepalese, into Tibet. This demonstrates the Chinese intent to defend what they viewed as an integral part of their nation. In 1905, the Qing further displayed their control by sending a military expedition under Zhao Erfeng with the intent on further incorporating the region into China. In addition, throughout Tibet’s de facto period of independence, the Republic of China (ROC) and the Kuomintang government regularly asserted their right to suzerainty in Tibet. The Chinese view the signing of the Seventeen Point Agreement in 1951 as a formalization of Chinese sovereignty over Tibet. One must also consider the tremendous progress Tibet has made during its history as part of the PRC from impressive economic growth to the emancipation of serfs and the abolishment of the feudal structure. The Tibetans, as an ethnic minority, have also been exempted from the One Child policy, have preferential economic treatment and the freedom to use their ethnic language and maintain their culture and religion. As such, the central government feels that its policies are beneficial for Tibet and thus view demands for further autonomy as overly demanding. Perhaps one should recall that China has almost always had a centralized form of government. Thus, it is perhaps natural for the central government and to the Han Chinese as a whole to view decentralization and devolution of power unfavorably. There is also the fear of the fragmentation of the country and the subsequent turmoil and upheaval that China would be in following Tibetan secession.
(Some photos that I took myself of a Tibetan ethnic area (specifically a monastery), somewhere near the provincial border of Yunnan and Tibet)
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| Tibetan Script on a fluttering piece of (prayer?) cloth |
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| A row of Tibetan prayer wheels at a monastery. (around 3500m above sea level) |
Throughout Chinese history, the different empires incorporated many nations. During the Yuan and Qing dynasties, the Mongols and Manchu respectively ruled over the Han majority. Both dynasties in their prime, provided stability, prosperity and growth, thus helping to facilitate inter-cultural interactions. I believe that that level of cooperation and understanding between races is definitely possible in 21st-century China. Tolerance, sensitivity and respect must be the key foundations upon which a true Chinese nationality can be built upon, the principles for the formation of a Zhonghua Minzu. I strongly believe that granting Tibet a high degree of autonomy, with a status and administration similar to that in Macau or Hong Kong, is the best policy for achieving peace for the region. Perhaps someday, the Dalai Lama and the Chinese president will finally be united in one purpose: the construction of a harmonious and prosperous multi-ethnic China.
Bibliography
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tibet
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tibet_Government_in_Exile
- Sperling, Elliot (2004). The Tibet-China Conflict: History and Polemics
- Grunfeld, A. Tom. The Making of Modern Tibet (1996) East Gate Book
- Powers, John. History as Propaganda: Tibetan Exiles versus the People's Republic of China (2004) Oxford University Press.
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