Actually, 1 country, 2 systems was first tried in Tibet in 1951 (see the 17-Point Agreement). What many people don't know is that the CCP-drafted agreement called for preservation of the Dalai Lama's traditional authority (which contradicts PRC claims they came to liberate Tibet from the Dalai Lama). However, it failed as increased Chinese control over Tibet, forced collectivization & attacks against Tibetan Buddhism, forced Tibetans to revolt in 1959. The Dalai Lama fled & China replaced the 17-Point Agreement w/ the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR), although in reality the TAR has less autonomy than Chinese provinces.

The HK model won't work b/c Tibetans are a different ethnically & culturally from Chinese. The only way to solve the Tibet issue is to allow Tibetans complete self-determination to decide their own future, even if that includes independence.

Wangchuk, NYC, USA

"This is the first serious article I have read, that has the blueprint for a solution. I think an autonomous region is the way forward.
The Chinese government must grow up and take the Dalai Lama seriously."

The problem is that reality is a lot more complicated and uglier that the abstract idea of "self-determination", "democracy", "freedom" or "cultural freedom" (whatever this latter means!), in particular, when it comes a complex relation that involves more than 300 years of history.

Where do we draw the boundary of Tibet vs. China? By the way, it is not simply Tibetan vs. Han Chinese, there are Hui, Mongolian, "Turkish" and other minority ethnic groups living in the area, conquering, re-conquering or being conquered.

We know what the mess the West has left in various parts of the world, Iraq is just one recent example. So where is West's credibility? Balkan regions of Europe are now free of war only because the US and NATO powers, not an outcome of so-called "democracy"!

Jim Milovic, Minneapolis, MN, USA

Execute two systems in one country in Tibet? Good idea!

Let Tibet go back to the dark century when slavery system prevailed in Tibet!

Do you know how Tibet was like before communists entered into Tibet? The patricians, led by Dalai Lama, deemed slaves as their property (not human beings). In case slaves disobeyed them, they chopped the slaves' arms off!

OK. Just let Tibet go back to slavery system, and let the Tibetans, and all Dalai's stupid supporters know how "compassionate" Dalai is.

Janice, Hong Kong, China

"All the pro China posts from the USA etc are from Chinese operatives in London embassy and other places with English writers. China is trying to subvert public opinion. This paranoid attempt is just as pathetic and backwards as their policy toward Tibet. "

This surely makes me laugh out loud. Talking about "being brainwashed", I don't know whether I should laugh more or cry, is it the result of US (or UK) eductional system?

Being a Chinese who grew up during the Communist China in 70s and have lived most of my adult life, I can attest the so-called "western free media" can be as biased (but in very subtle ways) as any totalitarian regime -- yes, different opinions are expressed, but simply different shades of the same color, in particular, whe it concerns matters of "national interest".

Jerry Yang, NYC, NY, USA

"Try something similar the native American reserve system in the U.S.. "

Right, this is a great idea -- divide Tibet into multiple pieces of "reserve lands" (remember, Tibet is not a monolithic piece, with many speaking dialects that are unintelligent to each other), and right, let them have the sole right of operating Casinos (except Las Vegas, actuall Macao).

Aaron, Las Vegas, NV, USA

Hey, for all those people who hate China, feel free to boycott the Olympic Games, and better boycott all cheap Chinese products -- those probably include the clothes you are wearing now and the computer (or at least part of it) you used to post all these self-righteous comments. You will be completely naked and recognize who you are truly are. It's far easier to point fingers at others, and feel good about yourself.

The reality is that Tibet is part of China, and for the national interest of China, the Chinese government--whether a so-called "communist" government today (incidentally, the government is probably pro-capitalism than any Western governments!), or a "democratic" one in the future (or any
governments of pastt Chinese dynasties), will (or would) not allow
Tibet to be independent or "semi-independent" (i.e., the so-called "full autonomy" advocated by Dalai Lama -- please tell where he defines and set the boundary between
what's Tibet and what's the rest of China!). Call me evil, cynical, but I am so naive, having lived in both Europe and US for the past 25 years for a good part of my adult life, and now a naturalized US citizen, I am certain that the West and others (e.g., India) would not hesitate to exert influence on the "autonomous" Tibet and gradually wrestle it away from China. It is so ironic that the British (at least the writer of this British newspaper) would call on China to negotiate to give Tibet autonomy. Lest you forget, it was the Brits who invaded Tibet in early 1900s and tried to pry Tibet out of China's grip. And tell me when was the last time the British empire "voluntarily" give us a piece of its own empire. Lest you forget, the Irish sitll have part of their homeland under the British control -- yeah, yeah, the people of Northern Ireland want to be part of UK, and in 50-100 years so will people of Tibet want to part of China.

As long as Tibet is officially part of China -- incidentally, in the mordern history of "statehood", Tibet was never officially recognized as an "indepedent" country -- China has the right to protect its own national sovernty and national interest.

US -- the leader of the free world --
is willing to go around half of the workd and invade a sovereign country (Iraq is only one of the most recent examples) to protect its "natinal interest" or to quote Bush, to spread democracy (haha, talking about "cultural genocide", isn't democracy a Western concept) with force, and if needed, to quote a US president candidate, to stay there for 100 years!

Call me cynical, but I am not naive. I am way past being idealistic -- as a student, I participated numerous demonstrations against the Chinese government. But in today's China most Chinese will not demonstrate against the government (at least not for demanding "freedom" or "democracy"), why? Because the Chinese government -- just like most Western governments -- learns to give enough freedom, and more importantly, economic freedom -- and ensures a better life for them.

It's economy, stupid. The US and world depend on China for this economic growth, and so does China. We are all stake-holders in a global economy, and a global ecological system. 50-100 years from now, national boundaries mean nothing. I chose to live in US so I can have my _personal_ freedom and well-being (After living in Western Europe for 4 years, because it provided far fewer economic opportunities for immigrants!).

I just wish all those self-righteous Westerners stop being self-righteous and moralist. What you are doing is nothing to make yourself feel better and morally superior. Europeans still get over their tribalism after so many years' "democracy" (i.e., peddling for regional and national interest) -- lest you forget, Hilter was elected by the Germans, and so is the Hamas government, which now the Western powers happily ignore because of their self-interest), and US can't get over their racial differences.

Jerry Yang, NYC, NY, USA

To Anne from TOronto:
Yes, you are right about the history. No, you are wrong about the present Chinese policy in Tibet. Tibetans are "free" to practise only what is on the "allowed list". Tibetans are free to speak they language - at home. Not at school, not in an office, not in courts. They are pariahs, they are seen as those who still should be "civilized" to become a Chinese. Does it sound Nazi only to me?
As a tourist you have seen nothing, sorry to say, unless you have spent long years in a particular country, learned the language and won the trust of people. I had this luck - and that's why I say that you are tragically wrong.

Kacper , London, UK

Most people who speak up here have no or little knowledge about Chinese history and Tibet! Tibet has been part of China for over 300 years - more than 49 minority groups and Han have been living in harmony for centuries. People blindly believed that Tibet was invaded and taken over by the communist China in 1959. The Chinese government did a great deal of work to preserve the tibetan culture and Tibetans have the freedom to practice their religion. I have been to Tibet and I witnessed their cultural uniqueness and their freedom of religion. The West, especially US, is not comfortable with the rising China, they try to use every possible opportunity to twist and turn the facts in Tibet. Natives in US, Canada and Australia should cry out for cultural and ethnic genocide - a job well done by the US, Canadian and Australian governments. In Tibet, people as wel lother minority groups are allowed to have more children but all other HAn can have only one child in each family.

Anne, TOronto, Canada

Callt the companies whose products are advertised on Olympic broadcasting and tell them you are abstaining from their products. By so doing, the sponsors will put pressure on US broadcasters who will, in turn, put pressure on
their Chinese counterparts in Beijing.

In addition we can each write a letter saying “I will not attend the 2008 Olympics” and send it to: Chinese Embassy in Washington DC, 2201 Wisconsin Avenue, N.W., Washington D.C. 20007. If we each get all our contacts to do the same, and the Chinese Embassy gets thousands of these letters, they will get the message and pass it to Beijing.

RobertMD, Phoenix, , AZ, USA

For Suresh Venkat : "Discriminate Chinese in the West"? how about if we discriminate *you* in the West. I can't believe you are saying that, that was pretty low of you. Whatever personal issues you have against the Chinese people,(which i can tell you do) that's your own problem, but don't put it along with the Olympic issue.

Bobby B, San Francisco, Ca

To Powell and Scott: Seems you two guys are of Chinese origin in writing so arrogantly that China can do whatever it can ignoring West. If any country can resort to its way of doing things from where this West came into picture supporting Tibetan Cause.

China doen't need to be having all these territories of Tibet, Taiwan, Honk Kong to prove itself to be a hero in the world. Without these territories still China can be strong. No one want to see China with double standards. Is a communist country supposed to allow external investment? but it is doing for its own selfishness, if none of the policies of China are fit to be called communist why not it change to Democracy or secular society respecting cultures.

Despite having very poor human rights record why China is respected in western world and why Olympics are hosted in China. So Dalai Lama and Tibetans are right in protests when they realized the only way to be heard is by rioting, atleast now other countries should realize it.

Suresh Venkat, Toledo, Ohio

We don't have to even boycott China products to stop the Olympics, just stop drinking Coke, an Olympic Sponsor, would send a shock wave through the company, and alone do it..
If the Taiwanese had any real concern for dignity they would have stopped drinking Coke years ago, but in my mind they just don't seem to care enough, even though having several hundred missiles pointed at you is a serious issue.
I remember Hong Kong prior to 1997, and then I went there afterwards.. I prefer the way it was before 1997, and hardly consider what is going on there now a success..

John Schneidhorst, Ashley, Indiana USA

To Brad Monteath, NYC, USA: You are talking about the common international issues. 5 rivers start from Pakistan and flow to India with similar situation you are showing about China, should India occupy Pakistan for water? same is the case with Bangladesh!!. Moreover Pakistan also holds Indian born muslim terrorist masterminded bomb blasts of stock exchnage and killed thousands in India, smuggles fake currency notes, drugs, intimidates movie stars and industrialists and many more crimes done by his network that operates from Pakistan.

Should India attack and occupy Pakistan? despite Indian army is ready to conquer Pak despite having nukes. If that is the case you will see a war in every country. China is even refusing to talk to Dalai Lama despite being urged by USA, what a shame. Is it not arrogance of China?

China should feel the pinch of being isolated and the effect on its economy. So boycott Olympics in China and never buy any chinese products. Descriminate Chinese in West.

Suresh Venkat, Toledo, Ohio

All the pro China posts from the USA etc are from Chinese operatives in London embassy and other places with English writers. China is trying to subvert public opinion. This paranoid attempt is just as pathetic and backwards as their policy toward Tibet.

The people behind this media operation are the same robot types who helped the fascist Chinese government cover up the last massacre in Tibet and then months later the massacre of the people of Beijing when they demanded real freedoms in Tienman Square.

We need to hit China with something they will really understand, which is a boycott of Chinese products and travel to China.

Mark, Los Angeles, USA

Being an Indian I know what is in the psyche of Tibetan youth. They think we just harboured Dalai Lama but not doing enough to make India a base to vent their feeling in radical way from beginning. Is India worried if India is used as a terrorist base by radical Tibetans. China is a monster. Its job is to terrorize neighboring nations including India. If you ask a Tibetan, they say India won a war with China but if you ask Indian press or military, the answer is India lost the war with China.

If China can terrorize a country like India where is the question of Tibet or Taiwan. The investment west is doing in China is making China more arrogant and powerful to flex its muscles, oppressing cultural identity of its terretories like Tibet. It must be defeated, the developed countries citizens must realize making realations with China is jeopardizing and strengthening a monster. Why communist regime be strengthened in demogratic world. You have no answer but selfishness. Shame on you!!

Suresh Venkat, Toledo, Ohio

To Peter Flushing, NY, USA:
Neither Indian nor Russia have any intention to occupy Tibet. You need to understand history in its correct perspective. India was never American. When a country like Nepal can be a distinct country with peaceful agreement with India ( despite having majority Hindu population and similar cultures ) why not Tibet?

Making that as a excuse to support Tibet be better with China is totally senseless. There is no comparison between a Communist giant to a Democratic country. With increasing economy China is getting more arrogant. All provinces taken over by India including Kashmir were done with the willful agreement of their legitimate leaders recognized by British at the time of union. In the case of Tibet that's not the case as there was uprising and Dalai Lama fled seeking asylum in India. Still why west is remaining silent and why it was donating money and is investing money in China there are many more poor countries to invest than brutal China.

Suresh Venkat, Toledo, Ohio

Tibetans,Dalai lama,his supporters and sponsors cannot change the map of China.

Powell, ON, CA

What bothers me about the Tibet movement is it shows racism in all the Western media lies and attitudes toward the Chinese. Rather than studying China as a complex, multiple-ethnic country, the West continues to simplify this into a "invader" issue--an insulting lie. Hong Kong has never been such an source of vicious attacks by the West. Sorry, I do not feel racism should be rewarded.

China should do whatever she wants without yielding to Western pressure.

Scott, Morgan Hill, CA/US

OK, John Rhea of OK, USA, you want to stay contempory and compare and contrast the same period, let's do it. Isreal was founded after the WWII, the exact year I don't know but WWII ended in 1945 so it is in the same decade as the so called "invasion" of Tibet by China. It then occupied more Arab lands, west bank and gaza, after the 1967 war. Did Prince Charlie or Nancy Polosi ever met with the Palestine leaders and condemn the isrealis for occupying the Palestine? NO, the west legitimized and supported the Isreal against Palestinians. Why? National interest is why. And before I forget, US occupied part of Cuba after WWII also, it is called Gitmo today. Did you write to your congressman and urge the return of Gitmo to Cubans? not to mention the release of all the prisoners there who were not charged or convicted of any crime and is so secret that no journalists ever set foot in it.

Tim, Los Angeles, USA

Dala Lama, being a nobel peace prize winner, should put promoting peace at the top of his agenda. However, instead of promoting ethic harmony, he choses to focus on Tibet autonomy , if not independence. Instead of welcoming Tibetans' prosperity in recent years through Chinese government's investment in infrastructures, schools and hospital, he accused the government of cultural genocide. Some people says China does not have religious freedom. I doubt that. There are monks everywhere in Tibet practicing their religion. I believe there is religious freedom in China, as long as religious leaders do not speak against government policy. Just like the U.S. government's principle of Separation of Church and State. Tibetan's culture is strong. The humble monks and the respectful Potala palace have always been great icons for Tibet. Dala should be more receptive to see harmony between the ethic chinese & tibetan. If he can promote this harmony, he will truely be a nobel prize peace winner.

Joseph, Hong Kong,

The attempt to saddle contemporaries with culpability for the last two centuries is intellectually disingenuous. If the intent is to critique one nation or group through comparison or contrast with another then at least stay within the same historical period, otherwise contemporary populations are blamed for events over which they had no possible control. I agree, oppressed peoples the globe over deserve sovereignty, security, religious freedom and cultural integrity. However, if we hope to achieve universal human justice then proposed remedies for specific instances of injustice cannot fall victim to cynical historical distortions, vain similes or fantastic Utopian demands. The barbaric history of colonialism and totalitarianism (East and West) reiterates the importance of finding a constructive democratic solution for the current Tibetan crisis. A successful and just solution will have an immediate positive effect world-wide.

John Rhea, Snyder, OK, USA

mungo, to continue my response: Your claim that Chinese destroyed monastries in Tibet, you obviously haven't been to Tibet to see all the monastries there; or maybe you were refterring to the Cultural Revolution. Now, it is a fact that Chinese destroyed a lot of monastries and temples during the 60s but they did not single out Tibet, it happened in entire China. And any monastries that were damaged or destroyed in Tibet probably were done by the Tibetan youths, like the Hans youths who destroyed all the cultural relics all over. Now your point about atheist; what's wrong with being an atheist? I am one and I am not communist. Christian is the most aggressive and patronizing religion in this world. Your god do not look like me and i don't care to be converted. Christians are responsible for the annihilation of American Indians, Innuits, Aboriginis, Maois, Mayans, Inncas and the holocoust. Need I say more?

Tim, Los Angeles, USA

It bothers me when we get sound bites of info from 5 different news agencies and none of them are complete and no one bothers to follow up it seems.

The Tibetans have chosen the Olympic spotlight to bring attention to their being choked out culturally and financially, but there is a much bigger issue here.

There is a drought that threatens the lives of 300 million Chinese and their agricultural land. The drought is expected to worsen over the century, so the Chinese plan to divert the water from the Yellow, Yangtze, and Mekong rivers (which originate from Tibet) to provide water for drinking and irrigation.

The Olympics mean a lot to the Chinese, but that water means survival. Nothing or no one will deter them from getting it.

Brad Monteath, NYC, NY

I just want everyone to try to know the turth.what it will being,if there is know police.

rob, HK, China

If you really are getting holocausted, or completely taken over in Tibet, like Europe before .....i don't know personally... then you can try to union your industries employees to be less productive. To all get a cold and then pass to each other. ?

But China is no Russia. it is no Britain, etc.. the closest form of governance of China would probaly be like the mongols without the bloodshed at least for now.

Not everyone in China is a racist, but there are. Not everyone in the west is brainwashed by suggestive opinions coming from multiple sources but from the same mind, but there are.

People do have their own agendas - doesn't matter if they work for Iran media or U.S. media or working for their own glory or fame.

The little people is what counts. If we treat each other well, what does it matter what happens outside of our lives.

tim, houston , tx

I am Tibetan and I hate myself to hate chinese. But when I see the suffering of my fellow Tibetans, it is really hard not to hate. At the same time I don't hate chinese in general but I am totally against communist china. We as a tibetan are brought up with a stress on Peace, truth and non-voilence. therefore if china would consider the same autonomy that has granted to people of Hong kong, than I would be the first person to vote for it. May peace and happiness prevail on Earth.

Tenzin , vancouver, wa

Try something similar the native American reserve system in the U.S.. Full autonomy in Tibetan reserve land only. Other parts of Tibet will be shared by both Tibetans and Chinese residents, under a Chinese system. It worked well in America, which is considered the leader of the free world and gold standard of human rights.

Ecrim, San Diego, California,

Oh, for crying loud, Tracy of Canada. How many of the Innuit indians you still have in your great country? I went to Stanley Park and enjoyed your display of the totem poles but where are the natives; I didn't run into any of them on Robson. The museum about the Innuits at the UBC was very educational but does your aboriginis have an autonomous region like the Tibetans. Do you know that the Tibetan Autonomous region is about 4 times the size of France? I would love to visit Canada and meet some of the Innuit Indians outside of museums.

Tim, Los Angeles, USA

One country two systems is good for Tibet and China. It is a good idea.
Yang, England.

yang , Stoke on Trent , Staffordshire

Adding to the solution proposed by Sir Malcolm Rifkind, I would suggest the parties involved consider the Treaty of Waitangi and the Lateran Pacts of 1929. The three provisions of the Lateran Pacts, with modifications, would seem to address territorial, cultural and ethnic concerns. Specifically, Lhasa as an international city-state, a limited and legally binding role for the Dali Lama and exiled Tibetan religious and secular leaders, and an iron-clad guarantee for the protection of Tibetan cultural and religious traditions. A generous solution to the Tibetan crisis, as suggested, would position China as a unique economic and moral force in the world. Rather than continuing to mimic antiquated and discredited Western imperialism China should forge its own unique path and do what Western nations often have not--the right thing.

John Rhea, Snyder, USA

China has already filled Tibet with Chinese workers, and China built an engineering marvel, the splendid train, check it out, to transport the Han there. The Chinese want the not-yet-exploited mineral wealth of Tibet for China, not for Tibet. The Chinese have done the same with Hong Kong, now overflowing with Chinese from the mainland, and reducing the value of Hong Kong as a trading & financial centre since no Chinese speak English. By killing Hong Kong's unique linguistic value, the Chinese allow Shanghai to replace Hong Kong very soon. Most western media represent China as brutal (which it is) and hot-headed (which it is not.) The Tibetans haven't a hope in hell, despite Nancy's tour to India.

Stella Slade, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada

I have been to Tibet. I have walked the streets of Lhasa. I have seen the ugly building that the Chinese have erected. I have seen the faces of the monks, afraid to speak out. I have seen block after block of Chinese owned/operated businesses. I have seen how the Tibetans have been marginalized in their own country.

The Chinese government is brutal and arrogant. USA is no poster child in these matters. Just ask any Native American...if you can find one. That said, that is no excuse for Americans not to speak out now. Free Tibet. China go home.

John Bennett, San Francisco , CA

The US reacted quickly when Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait on the pretext that it was a province of Iraq. I recall no similar action when China invaded Tibet, on the same pretext, several decades ago.

Chris, Ashford, Middx, UK

Rifkind lists a number of changes in the USSR and elsewhere, but he intentionally or otherwise, ignores the timberkeg that is Israel. Why does he not address the injsutice that Isreal heaps upon the Palestinians? And the Aborigines? why not the Hong Kong solution for the Aborgines too? And the Kurds? And the Kurds? What about the Mohawks? And the Maoris? And the Cheyennes? These races will never get a look in. For obvious reasons.
Racists in the West will always want everything for Tibet but nothing for the aborigines, Sioux, Mohawks, crees, Maoris, Innus, whats left of them anyway

Frank, Halifax, UK

tim, you're forgetting a few facts that don't fit with your story. first of all, there are times in history when the kingdom Tibet was actually larger than the kingdom of China (your age-comparison with the USA doesn't work because it's just that, an age-comparison, and so compares chalk and cheese - Chinese date their country to 221BC). Secondly, most tibetan monasteries were destroyed by the chinese in the 50s and 60s. Thirdly, to become a member of the Communist Party in China (and therefore enter government or enjoy the employment advantages that come from membership) you have to sign a statement of belief which includes adherence to atheism. China has a perfectly reasonable claim to Tibet but you shouldn't seek to ignore the very real mistreatment it has been guilty of.

mungo, london,

I think it a shame that the olympics are being held in a country that drives tanks in the streets, where armed militants go from house to house seizing people,....SHAME ON YOU CHINA!!!!

TRACY, Sudbury, Canada

Brian Masters, you brits have messed so much in this world. You can be simply ignored.

tojohnspade, Chicago, US

As a Chinese girl who really respect Tibetan and their culture, I'm really worried about the future of China, including Tibet. During this special year with growing economic of China, throe always gets along with progressive upheaval.If this crisis is not dealt with properly ,it maybe engenders infaust factors to steady change of China society,which maybe makes China become the next Latin America.Apparently,recessionary economy of China will aggravate global economic recessionary in this year.Actually,I think mature democracy and educated civil society is the ultima direction and trend where China will develop. However, China is on the transitional track where all kinds of social systems are still expected to improve and be steady. Just imagine that if mature democracy and educated civil society are the fertile soil in which the democratic seeds grow healthily, how can democratic seeds grow healthily in a immature democracy and developing civil society so as to gestate democratic fruitage? Otherwise China will become the next queasy Filipine or Indonesia. However, I believe China is forming its fertile soil ----mature democracy and educated civil society.
Furthermore, if you know well about the background of China leaders, you will find that they are all idealists and patriots with devotional beliefs. Although they claim publicly that they are zendics, they behave just like devotional Christians or Muslems. What’s different is that they believe in communist. Premier Wen jiabao graduated from Nankai School where ex- Premier Chou Enlai had ever graduated. Like ex- Premier Chou Enlai, Premier Wen jiabao is loved and esteemed with Chinese because of his sincere emotion. What’s not forgotten is that both Premier Wen jiabao and the probable next Chinese president Xi Jingping were persecuted during the Culture Revolution when majority of Chinese suffered al lot. So I believe nowadays Chinese leaders don’t search for domineering empire at all which will result in backslide and pursue gradualism social reform so as to ensure stormy revolution don’t wash out the nutrient of the forming fertile soil----the latest economic and social fruitage might be destroyed.Thus, I believe China will develope into a immature democratic country where all respects of society are improved, which needs time. As for Tibet issue, it’s really an intractable problem. On one hand, it’s impossible for China to give up Tibet; on the other hand, the concept of two systems in one country may not apply for Tibet issue ,for Tibet issue has its complexity and particularity.
Finally, China is different from South Africa.,for there don’t exist apartheid in China which maybe most of westeners wouldn’t approve of me. Carefully refer to Chinese laws, you’ll find that apartheid and ethical discrimination are banned by law. However, ethical estrangement exists to some degree because of ethical personality. And Chinese leaders handle the ethical issue with great care. And I think if China is wise enough ,she must let foreign reporters into Tibet. Otherwise, China will lose the trust in the western world, which maybe has been a fact for a long time while China also don’t trust the west because of historic problem And what’s important is that foreign reporters should give up their prejudice ,stereotyping of China and ideology so as to ensure their viewpoints are objective.

JoeJoe, Guangzhou, China

Historical facts show that Tibet has been part of China longer than Americas were "discovered" or Australia was colonized. There shouldn't be any debate to the fact that the Tibetan culture has been well preserved during this long period as part of China unlike the culture of the Amerian Indians and the Aboriginis. Tibetans has their autonomous region, 4 times the size of France, and their language and religion were both in use today as all the tourists can atest. How much land does American Indians or the Aboriginis have? Other than in Hollywood movies, when was the last time you've seen a pow wow? Maybe you think that the Indian Casinos are the fruits of cultural preservation by the US. So to all who argue that China is committing "cultural genocide" or is the last colonizer, when was the last time you advocate that US and the Aussies should return the land to native Indians or the Aboriginis? Any why the Brits still occupy Faulkland? Such hypocrits!

Tim, Los Angeles, USA

Do you really know what the vast majority of Chinese people are thinking and feeling now ? I don't think so. When somebody committed a crime, he/she should be held responsible for that crine. Why this common sense does not apply toTibet this time ? Why it is the law and rule in US, but not in China including Tibet ? Why double standard ? Why so many bias in west media and politicians ?

Mike, Troy, Michigan

Tibet will never be free till rough men with guns free it.

Otherwise it will fade away and soon be a footnote in history. Here in the U.S. we have people like them, the Amish, the Quakers, etc. Good people who are committted to peace, but utterly deluded hothouse plants thinking that they could survive 5 mins outside of the greenhouse that is the U.S.

Liberals here will continue to put stickers on their cars that say, "Free Tibet!".

Peter Atwood, Bainbridge Island, Washington State/USA

Tibet has been part of China longer than Americas were discovered or Australia was colonized. The fact remains that Tibetan culture has been well preserved during this long period unlike the American Indians' or the Aboriginis'. So who has committed "cultural genocides"? To all those who argue that China is a occupation force in Tibet or the last colonizer; when was the last time that you advocate that the US should return all the land to American Indians or the Aussies should get out and return the continent to the Aboriginis. Such hypocrits!

Tim, Los Angeles, USA

Why does "The Times" give Chinese people like MX Zhao and Dong and many others like them the chance to air their objectionable fascist, racist views when Tibetans (and Mongolians, Uighurs and others) are banned from speaking freely in their own country. Censor Chinese correspondents please and see how they like a tatse of their own medicine.

Brian Masters, London, England

Do you realize that Tibet is regarded as an autonomous region by the Chinese government? The current "Dalai Lama in exile" also served as the chairman of the Preparatory Committee for Establishing the Tibet Autonomous Region in 1956. Unfortunately, things did not seem to have worked out. What makes you think it would work out now?

Ken & Kris, Singapore,

Comments on open boards like this are completely unreliable, as the Chinese machine clearly posts to Western news sites such as this one to try to create the illusion that pro-Tibet (or pro-Falun Gong, etc) opinions are in the minority. Do you really believe someone like "Peter in Flushing" isn't a plant? It's no different than thinking an "anti-western demonstration" in a country that does not allow free assembly like Iran or Cuba is somehow sincere.

The nature of Communism centers on propaganda - both internal and external. Nice try you so-called "superpower." Hope you enjoyed grossly overstating your GDP stats.

When you can truly enfranchise, empower and inspire your masses the way the US, Europe, Japan, Brazil, Australia (etc) and soon India can, maybe you can come back and try to assert yourself again. Until then, enjoy your Olympic show and oh yeah, enjoy the violence that ensues when your people realize that your command economy is only helping a few dozen of you.

Paul, New York, NY US

Tibet was 'attacked ' by Mao's troops and taken over in 1949-50. That is History. Its recent attempts to change the demography of Tibet are in stark contrast to India honouring its agreement not to change the demography of the Kashmir valley..in fact through militancy the opposite has occured.
India needs to be more assertive and correct foreign policy wrongs when it ceded Tibet to China under Nehruvian idealism ad then face the same Chinese claiming territory in India that once bordered Tibet! As China's giant neighbour, it cant afford to be so pusillanimous.
Tibet must get autonomy at the very least and the time to ask for it is now.

uday, Pune, India

I want to answer some of the question that had mentioned by the first guy:
first,you asked that why did government has the right to choose Lama.I think you should read some history book about Tibet.This position had been choosed by Chinese government since Ming Dynesty,It is traditionnal.And this was allowed by Tibetans for years.
Second,you mentioned that "Do you honestly believe that a government that would imprison a six year old child, Panchen Lama, could ever be serious about "cultural autonomy"? "I just want to laugh.You know how old Panchen is?17 years old!!!
So ,I beg you ,please close you mouth ,but spend your time on reading history books!
I think Hongkong may be a good model for Tibet.

Henrydong , harbin, PRC

Tibet is already an autonomous region. Its government leaders are Tibetan. Those who accuse Chinese of cultural suppresion in Tibet, please list your evidence.
Tibetans and other minority ethnic groups in China enjoy more privilidges than Han people in education opportunities, taxes, business, law enforcement, etc. And their rights were written into our constitution long time ago.
Please tell me what Autonomy really means to you? Please tell me what do you actually want Tibet to be? Please tell me how many times have you been to Tibet? Please tell me how many Tibetan books, historical books of Tibet you have ever read?

doris, monterey, us

HongKong and Tibet are different！

M X Zhao, Beijing, Beijing

It is unfortunate that most of the western countries are against China over the Tibet issue.The truth of the matter is that China is flourishing and will soon become a super power.So most of these countries in the west are afraid of this.Whether you like it or not China will contnue to progress in everything.Leave china alone.I want to encourage the Government of China to keep up the good work.It is unfortunate that people can even meet rebels like Dalai Lama in India to support the rebellion.You you did to places like Iraqi and Aghanistan will never be allowed again.Remember that your powers are limited.You time is over and it is time for China lead as supper power.China has put in a lot in terms of the Olympics preparation and only the devil can try to subotage this.

clins Hoodson, Dakar, Senegal

Tibet independent? It will never happen.

China never recognized Tibet's independence. Qing dynasty didn't. Republic of China didn't. Even when China was really weak and was bullied by everyone, it didn't recognized Tibet's independence, why a much stronger China do that now?

Communist China or democratic China, Tibet independence will never happen.

You can boycott Olympics as you want, but do you think China will sacrifice its territory for a game? Remind you that 30 years Western Embargo between 1950 and 1980 didn't change Tibet's status.

Sean, Chicago, USA

I'm not quite agreed with your opinion.Tibet is not HongKong or Macao.Just as the Northern Ireland to Britain.You called the IRA the terrorists.Those who you called "Tibeten protesters" they rob,kill and set fire.Why you British consider them as terrorists? Every country has it's own national problem.Just let the Chinese deal with our own problem.

Zhengtai Yu, Shanghai, China

This article certainly left people with many more questions than answers. I have a couple:

Do you imagine that in this "autonomous Tibet" the Tibetans will be allowed to choose their Dalai Lama or the Chinese, since the Chinese have already said that from now on, only government officials can choose Lamas?

Do you honestly believe that a government that would imprison a six year old child, Panchen Lama, could ever be serious about "cultural autonomy"?

Are you at all familiar with the antagonistic stance that China has been taking against the Tibetans for years? In other words, are you familiar with the ever changing laws meant to deconstruct Tibetan culture, the public remarks about hoping that tourism and globalization will destroy the Tibetans, the imprisonments, the demolition of monasteries, etc?

Would you tell Nelson Mandela and the people of Africa that things would be a lot better if they could just work with the British under the apartheid system?

sarah page, portland, oregon

This area is important for three powerful countries, China, Russia and India. If China gets out of this area, other will try to take over. This area just like Middle East it will never be peace. Always is War. They never can be independent by it. They need powerful country to back this country to be normal like rest of the world. And Tibet has been part of China for about 300 years, they are part of China.
I Think Tiber should be like an Indian, be part of American. Tiber should be part of China. Forget independent. Catch up to be rest of China. Make business and educate next generation. Right now it too weak to be independent!!! Like Middle East can’t they be Peace? All you people think Olympics issues will Make China get out of this area, you people must be dreamer. Let the Olympics be Olympics, let no polities behind it. If we make Olympics are polities you will see in the future all Olympics will be boycotts by other. If we push China in the cornea China will punish more in the area. China is China! Middle East is Middle East. Tiber be smart be like Indian. Can Indian be independent in American before? Never!!! They will all be gone. So be part of China this is only way you get peace. Look how Indian get peace and next generation get better.

Peter, Flushing, NY, USA

I am a Chinese young man who grew up in China and now lives in China. I am not supporter for CCP. I got all your points about democracy. And I know that now democracy in China is not such a perfect one like the one in the western country. I also know that there a lot social problem in China, like news/information blockage and violent repression.

However, do you know what the most necessary things are for Chinese? They are social tranquilization and development. So do the Tibetan. Everyone wants a peaceful Tibet on which they can have better and better lives. It is a big mistake that Tibetans choose a violent way to fix the problems between they and Han Chinese. Why not put all these down and get the chance to develop Tibet and improve their lives?

HU BO 胡博, Dalian, China

The Russian and Austrian empires invented 'two systems in one country', not China.

Matthew Clarke, Worcester,

Compared with Tibet problem, Olympics is far less important. Without the Olympics, China will lose face. Without Tibet, China will follow the trail of Soviet Union. In China history, leader who lost any region will be remembered as criminal for ever. I don't think any one in Beijing want to play that role now and in near future.

Kevin, San Jose, CA

There is,of course, a significant difference between the situation in Hong Kong and Tibet, that was not considered in the article. In the first case, China has attempted to join HK, especially areas like Shanghai, as they would desperately like to join Taiwan. However, in the case of Tibet, the Chinese are attempting to force an ancient people of a different race to join them. Actually, the Chinese know that this will not happen and this is why they are trying to flood the country with Han Chinese. Finally, China is a deeply racist country and there will always be different rules for minority groups

Roy, Ankara, Turkey

Dorjee provide a good video. If china stop the riot, some western media or human right organizations would cry that china violate human right and then suggest boycott this or that. Some comments even justic this violence for china opression. This is totally nonsence! There is no way to justify this!! In fact, there are more riots than you think in Tibet , they just try everything to do insurgence. They don't demonstrate for anything, they just look for a chance to wreck, rob and kill. And these people are so easy to be used.

Jason lee, Guangzhou , China

Its like asking Mugabe to try the democratic way - in another words impossible !!!

Ian Payne, WALSALL,

If Kosovo can gain independence why not Tibet? Of course the boundaries of Tibet would have to be more clearly defined but where the ethno-religious group is in the absolute majority, as in Kosovo, then that group should be allowed to go independent. The same argument holds for Taiwan. America's one-China policy is disingenuous and its position on Tibet hypocritical. If China does not bend on the Tibet question then, of course, this year's Olympics must be boycotted for the simple reason that its founding idea would have been violated. I've heard some say this would be unfair to the competitors. On the scales of human misery which weighs the heavier - a disgruntled athlete or a tortured Buddhist monk? Come on, world, you're in danger of losing your sense of right and wrong and your love of freedom and justice. Last week I saw Tibet come to Olympia (Greece) with the torch of freedom and be turned away. I wept. Surely, there must be more in heaven and earth than China's neo-capitalism?

Dr David Green, Athens, Greece

This is the first serious article I have read, that has the blueprint for a solution.
I think an autonomous region is the way forward.
The Chinese government must grow up and take the Dalai Lama seriously.
There is always a middle way.
China should rise to the challenge by showing restraint and by doing so would be seen by the rest of the world to have matured into its new responsibilities.Our tiny planet demands inclusiveness.

James Currie, London, U.K

the problem is that Dalai Lama wanted a autonomy region which includes Qinhai province, part of Ren Nan and Sichuan Province. That's about one third of China's territory. If the autonomy region is only limited to current Tibet, China would have already reached agreement with Dalai lama, and he would have been returned to China many years ago. It is un-reasonable to claim a territory by simply saying there is Tibetan lived in that place. There are almost half million Chinese live in the China town of New York city. China cannot claim that whole New York city is China's territory because of so many Chinese living there.

Jeff, NY, USA

Tibet may not gain it's freedom from China but the world can make them regret the crack down. All that needs to be done is 15 or so countries boycott the Olympics. This will disgrace the Chinese government and in the long run maybe with a little luck get Tibet to at least some cultural freedoms.

Gary Jones, Christiansburg, USA

Tibet has been part of China for about 300 years

But the western world is only considering the things happened after 1959.

Hanli, Shanghai, China

Hong Kong is NOT a success story. Being born and brought up in HK, I find that this so-called "one country, two systems" devised by China is a complete farce. We have had no say at all in our future and this whole thing was forced down our throat in 1984. To prevent an influx of HKers, the British Government passed the British Nationality Act of 1981, which stripped us of our right of abode in Britain. Instead we were given these toy passports called British National (Overseas). Even after the Tiananmen Square Massacre in 1989, nothing was changed, while white colonial subject in the Falklands and Gibraltar were given full British citizenship. In the run-up to 1997, anywhere from 600,000 to 1 million HKers emigrated, out of a population of 6 million, to Canada, Australia, etc. After China took us over on 1 July 1997, the first thing they did was to disband our democratically legislature and replace it with a rubber stamp council full of pro-Communist appointed members!

T Nicholls, Ottawa, Canada

An excellent idea at first sight until u take a closer look. A lot of people mention the fact that there are now many Han Chinese in Tibet, but do they know half of the 5.4million Tibetans in China are not in Tibet but in the surrounding areas and other cities in China?

So what's should be the status for areas in Qinghai and Sichuan etc where riots also broke out? And what about the huge amount of aid and grant that currently maintain the whole place, don't think they'll get that after the Change. (China does not tax Hongkong or give out aid)

And if racial attacks can happen now under the iron hand of CCP, what's the future going to be like for the relatively affuluent Chinese under Tibetan rule? Riots against Chinese in the style of indonisia or Malaysia? This is very possible as the economic situation is likely to get much worse after the current system is discarded. I don't think the people will sit back if that happens. And then what? War?

Rob, Beijing, China

apart from the monetary incentive for leaving HK somewhat autonomous not being present, there are still many reasons China would not want to employ such a system, least of all being the appearance of then having calved to Tibet's wants over it's own.
Secondly, the Chinese 'Han' people do not like Tibetans, though they have never had a problem with their similarly-Han counterparts in HK.

Lastly, statistics teaches us that what goes up must come down, usually at a directly-inverse rate. As this applies to China's current economic growth, (which is entirely due to their current relations with the West) the Chinese government realizes that if they were to allow such a level of autonomy, when the economy began running a downward trend, they would have then TWO groups of displeased Chinese.

respectively, 1) the Chinese displeased with the idea of allowing such autonomy, and
2) the Chinese displeased with the economic situation unfolding.

If you need proof, look at 90's Japan.

Eric Valenzuela, San Francisco, CA

Actually, it's impossible in China now. The leaders in China only care their own interests. The gap between the rich and the poor is deepening. The leaders are accumulating their money though corruption, which the poor has no basic security. If they have some serious illnesses, the only result is waiting for death! The average people don't care the for Olympics at all. So the Chinese government, what have you done for your people, or just boasting?

Katty, Beijing, China

It's impossible, the Chinese government only cares their own interests

Katty, Paris, France

I think China should talk to the Dalai Lama and work something out. China's attempt to block out every media reporting by foreigners appears to me like they have something to hide and that make it harder for me to believe their claims of tibetans and others not being oppressed inside China.

Cheryl, Richmond, USA/VA

The chinese government will fall within one day if the Dalai Lama orders the Tibetan people to use voilence to fight the chinese. Millions of Tibetans will sacrifice their life and the Chinese Government will have no choice but to surrender to the brave Tibetans. The Chinese Government must thank the Dalia Lama because of him majority of Tibetans are still not resorting to voilence means to fight the Chinese. If something happens to the Dalai Lama all the Tibetans in Tibet will sacrifice their life to get rid of the Chinese.

Dorjee , Dharamsala, India

This is also a question of race. The Hong Kong people are culturally and racially the same group as the mainland chinese - Han chinese. Most of the ethnic chinese people in Hong Kong trace their ancestry back to various parts of southern china, as well. So they are much better integrated.

Sir Malcolm should be well aware given the period he was in office, that any limited autonomy Hong Kong has is purely with regard to local affairs. And even there it is limited, with a rubber stamp "legislative council" that mostly toes the Beijing line on critical local and foreign policy issues - the so-called "basic law" for example.

The Tibetans are entirely different in terms of race, religion, language, culture etc. So any integration that is achieved is achived the time honored chinese communist way, power flowing through the barrel of a gun. And by other means too, such as crowding Tibet with Han chinese and systematically diluting and marginalizing the indigenous population

SRS, Madras, India

As a Chinese, I actually think you may have a point. However I wouldn't consider it at all under the current condition as shown below:

http://video.cctv.com/opus/79386.html

At least not until the pro-independence movement runs out of steam, current Dalai Lama dies and a pro-China Dalai is selected.

Zhang Fan, Baltimore, MD/USA

Sir, this is a beautiful idea. Hong Kong gets autonomy for it's corporate successes and Tibet gets it for it's cultural significance. Yet, the problem is that, whilst hong Kong can provide a lot of tax and other material potential to China by maintaining the system that was already in place there, Tibet can at best be a tourist attraction. China is committed to it's materialistic ideology, in which Lamas and monasteries need to produce something tangible to even be worth acknowledging.

Having said that, whilst for now they are on this nationalistic path, sooner or later they will come to their senses and realise the value of cultural diversity. They will see that ruthlessly exploiting the land and the people not only causes endless suffering, but also decreases the potential value of a more humane and intelligent approach.

This is where the process of autonomy will come in and they will have more of a federal approach to the country. Malcom Rifkind offers a far-sighted analysis.

G Davidson, Kashiwa, Japan

When you were the foreign secretaty, did you ever do anything to promote democracy of Hong Kong, Sir Malcom? Hong Kong has apparently been carrying on because China has been installing a puppet SAR regime over there.

James Wong, Macau,

What a ridiculous suggestion. China should be steadfast to prevent western encouraged hooliganism in Tibet or elsewhere from flourishing. Why has there been so little media report on the killing of innocents from the gangster-like behavior of so-called "protesters". Unless the west realise that hypocrisy on moral standing will not get them anywhere, there will be continued attempts to undermine a growing China. Remember the British and their use of opium in early part of last century and brutal use of force on China ? How about the atrocities by Japanese during World War 2 ? Ultimately, in western history the use of might by the British and Japanese appears forgivable while China should be pressured to prevent itself for maintaining social order today. The west role in encouraging a delusional Dalai Lama only serves to make the situation worse.

Basil, singapore,

Dear Mr. Rifkind:
I found your thoughts/comments are very interesting and quite constructive, not like many other articles that basically just blaming China without much understanding the history, the facts or any realistic suggestion.
You are absolutely right about that it is Chinese Government itself transformed Dalai Lama into the Asian Nelson Mandela. They underestimated Dalai Lama’s power and influence. They thought he would be gradually forgotten and they can cultivate a new Dalai Lama after the current one’s death. However, largely due to international community’s sympathy, Dalai Lama became more and more popular in the world, especially in the last few years. I think Dalai Lama is quite intelligent. He knows exactly what is realistic and the maximum Tibetan Government in exile can possibly achieve.
I also believe that you don’t think full independence is a possible solution for Tibet’s future, although you did not explicitly say that in your article. This is what I believe too in terms of Tibet’s solution, simply because China is certainly not going to give up its sovereignty over Tibet at any cost. Your suggestion one-county-two system could be one of the realistic solutions for Tibet’s future, very constructive and intelligent. On the other hand, I have a few more questions or concerns in terms of this suggestion. As you might know that there are a few other autonomous regions in China, which are treated pretty much the same as Tibet. Do you think China will agree to give the same treaty to other autonomous region even if China is will give Tibet this treaty? This could be a greater concern for China, because other regions will undoubtedly require the same treaty given to Tibet from Chinese central government. Apart from that big question, how to deal with those Han Chinese who are living in Tibet could remain a tough decision as well. Therefore, I would not expect to see anything change in the near future, at least not likely before the Olympic Game held in August.
What do you think about these two fundamental questions? I am very interested to discuss this issue further with you if you have time and interest. I am looking forward hearing from you soon.
Best Regards,
Jeremy

Jeremy, Waterloo, Canada/Ontario

What do you mean the Hong Kong / Macau system is working well? it's worked well for the rich and big corporation. As for the working people, many are now looking for work in China because all the factories in Hong Kong are closed. Young Hong Kong kids no longer speaks English, job markets are flooded w/ cheap labor from the mainland, and the city is losing its cultural identity. The west's "sunshine policy" toward Communist China has failed. After 30 years of free trade, the CCP is still oppressing their citizens and bullying their neighbors. When will the west ever learn?

T K Eng, Los Angeles, USA/CA

personally ,a country can have his own rights to handle the trauma of enthnic problems wothout foreign intervene .chinese govermnet has its sensible ideas and i think its present political and cultural system has not reach the state of being reformed ,tibetans should know that after all they are chinese ,and they should negotiate but not always threat,their terrorism not only harm most chinese but also their future harmony and peace of their own minority

vivian, yangzhou jiangsu province, china

I do not claim to have extensive knowledge in this field. However, with the greatest of respect to Sir Malcolm, he seems to have misunderstood the history of China. He assumes that losing Tibet would be of no significance to China.

To begin, China is still (formally, and I believe substantively) a communist state (not what Marx envisaged but what occured in USSR). Formally, they wish to spread Communism across the globe. This explains their policy on Taiwan. The army invaded Tibet in 1950. It was a vital step in securing Chinese dominance in the area.

Sir Malcolm's comparisons with HK are poor. HK was never part of Communist China, they had never lost anything. The Hong Kong solution was a compromise made in the 1990s (as he is well aware) between the British and the Chinese. It was perfectly possible for the British to have increased the length of the lease. China had to comply.

They are under no similar obligation here. For this reason, I reject Sir Malcolm's analysis.

Jon Smith, Sutton,

When all western world leaders call upon China and cannot stop China, we know a new super power is born. China has no choice because it is obvious the west is testing China. China has no plan to erase one star from its flag!! Dream on…The government will crack it down hard in the face of all western world leaders and their media. American president is almost slience. Asian leaders are muted. Apart from activists, no one think an independence TIbet is ever going to happen. It's just the west last stand. Well, when they shift from using an old lama to Tibetan teenagers and then nomad on hourseback, you know they're really desperate and running out of ideas... To be realistic, no one can gain political power or seek power over others at cheap. China has won the Indo-China War in the 60s already, the world has to confirm it now. Denial, anger, depression and acceptance for the China rise. This is elementary realism.

Hong Kong, China

Dea, Hong Kong, China

It won't work in Tibet. It works in Hongkong and Macao because these are very small areas and Chinese Government still maintain a border between them and mainland to prevent mainlanders to move to these area freely. Do you expect China or anyone else has the resources to man a border between China and Tibet? If Tibet gets this deal, what about Xiangjiang? You are actually suggesting the dismemberment of China. No one in China in their right mind will even consider this. Tibetans have a brilliant leader in Dalai Lama. But Dalain Lama's followers showed their ugly side when they started looting, arsoning, and murderous rampage, despite the exiles and many western media trying to rationalizing it. China's grip on Tibet will only be tighter in the coming years because this is what the public demand in China.

Keith, Gainesville, USA/FL

China will be very pleased to apply a two-nations system. We just have to let them replace most of the Tibetans with Han Chinese first

Did you not realise that? Have you been asleep?

jon livesey, Sunnyvale, CA/US