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Tibet, 5/1/08
Overview:
With an average elevation higher than the tallest peaks of Colorado, Tibet has been called the "Roof of the World." Join Active Minds as we explore the history and controversy that surrounds this unique region. China claims that Tibet has been part of China for centuries, while Tibet maintains that China illegally invaded the independent country in 1949. We will cover the role of the Dalai Lama, claims of genocide, and the views of the international community as we seek to understand the situation there.
Key Lecture Points:
• Shortly after seizing control of China, in 1950 Mao Zedong asserted Chinese control of Tibet, occupying the region to China’s west. China claimed at the time, and continues to claim today that it has ruled over the region since the 13th century with only occasional interruption. For their part, most Tibetans claim that the current political and economic occupation of their land by the Chinese violates their right to self-determination. The situation has gained international attention as one of the major examples of the Chinese government’s disregard for human rights. The Tibetan government in exile estimates that from 1951 to 1979 1.2 million Tibetans (one-sixth of the population) were killed by the Chinese. Needless to say, China disputes these figures and claims that the loss of life has been due to the rebelliousness of those who oppose China’s rightful presence in the region.
• The 14th Dalai Lama, now 72, is the recognized spiritual and state leader of the nation of Tibet by many of the Tibetan people. In 1959, under increasing pressure from China, the Dalai Lama fled Tibet and established a government in exile in Dharamsala, India. Over the last few decades, his following has grown stronger and he has obtained the support of many nations in his quest to free Tibet from Chinese control.
• Since 2002, there have been six negotiating sessions between the Dalai Lama and Chinese authorities. In accordance with his Buddhist faith, the Dalai Lama has supported a “middle path” to freedom for Tibet, meaning that the Tibetans should negotiate with the Chinese to achieve autonomy within their territory, rather than outright independence. Some Tibetans, particularly the youth, however, are seeking total independence and secession from China.
• This longstanding conflict over Tibet has flared up again in the days leading up to the Summer Olympics in Beijing. On March 10, 2008, the 49th anniversary of the 1959 uprising against Chinese rule of Tibet, many Tibetans, including Buddhist monks, took to the streets of the capital, Lhasa. Protests were also held in the provinces of Qinghai, Sichuan, and Gansu, which were part of ancient Tibet. Chinese authorities responded. The violence that ensued resulted in at least 100 deaths, although the Chinese government has not released official figures. In late April 2008, a Chinese court in Lhasa sentenced 30 people to prison sentences for their roles in the protests/riots in March 2008. Prison terms ranged from 3 years to Life.
• Protests in Tibet have inspired demonstrations around the world to show support anti-Chinese Tibetans. In particular, these protests have targeted the route of the Olympic torch (Paris, London, and San Francisco). In response, pro-Chinese counter-protesters have proclaimed their support for the right of China to maintain its presence in the region.
• The Olympic torch passes through Tibet twice, including a trip up Mount Everest (29,035 feet) up the Tibet side. Nepali authorities closed their side for fear of protests out of Katmandu. The torch is also scheduled to be in Lhasa, Tibet from June 19 – 21st. The Tibet Autonomous Region's China-friendly governor, Qiangba Puncog stated, "If anyone should attempt to disrupt. . .the torch relay, they will be dealt with severely according to the law."
• At the same time, however, the Chinese government has agreed to meet with the representatives of the Dalai Lama in Beijing. Many analysts believe this is a measure of good faith in order to settle age-old differences. Others feel it is simply a carrot and stick (a little carrot with the Dalai Lama; a stick with the protesters) in order to appease the protesters and fend off violence as the world begins to focus its attention on the Beijing Olympic Games.
Exploration Questions:
• Is Tibet a free nation currently occupied by China or is it legitimately a province of the People’s Republic of China?
• What role did the adaptation of Buddhism have in Tibet? If the Tibetan people were not so dedicated to their religion would the situation in Tibet be different.
• The Olympic Games have often faced significant political upheaval and been used as a political tool (Berlin in 1936, not held in 1940/44 because of World War II, Munich in 1972, boycott of 1980 Moscow games (Afghanistan), as examples). Should the games be used as a political tool and should nations boycott the games over Tibet?
• What are some of the worldwide consequences that could/might occur if violent protests and Chinese government response continues in Tibet?
• What should be the United Nations role in this crisis? If the United Nations should not become involved in the current situation, at what point should they become involved?
• What do you believe will happen when the Dalai Lama abdicates or dies? Will there be a 15th Dalai Lama and who will appoint him?
Reflective Questions:
• What do you think would be the most difficult thing about living in Tibet?
• Tibet is known as the “Roof of the World.” Where else have you been where it seemed like the “Roof of the World?”
• Have you ever seen or met a strong religious leader like the Dalai Lama? What was it like and what did they talk about?
• Have you ever traveled to or met someone from Tibet or China? What did you think of the country and what are the most evident cultural differences between them and the United States?
• Have you ever been anywhere else where there was civil unrest? Where was it and what was it like?
More to Explore:
• The website for the government of Tibet in exile and the Dalai Lama: www.tibet.com
• New York Times coverage of Tibet: http://topics.nytimes.com
• Human Rights Watch on Tibet: www.hrw.org
Books For Further Reading:
• Lustgarten, Abrahm. China's Great Train: Beijing's Drive West and the Campaign to Remake Tibet. Times Books, 2008. 320 pages. A vivid account of China's unstoppable quest to build a railway into Tibet, and its obsession to transform its land and its people. Click here to order.
• Thurman, Robert. Why the Dalai Lama Matters: His Act of Truth as the Solution for China, Tibet, and the World. Atria Books, 2008. 256 pages. A revealing, provocative solution for a world in conflict, dealing with the very fundamentals of human rights and freedoms. By showing the work that the Dalai Lama has done on behalf of his people, Thurman illuminates a worldwide call to action, showing that power gained by might means nothing in the face of a determined act of truth. Click here to order.
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