Jane Macartney, Beijing
Star musicians and your favourite Times writers at the Albert Hall
Has Tibet ever been independent?
The Beijing line is that Tibet became part of China in the 13th century, when the Mongol Yuan Dynasty extended its rule over the Himalayan region. Most historians say that Tibet was at least a protectorate of China in the 18th and 19th centuries until it unilaterally declared independence in 1913. Chairman Mao’s troops entered central Tibet in 1950
Why did Tibetans rise against Beijing in 1959?
When China imposed land reforms in eastern Tibet and began to destroy monasteries, thousands of refugees fled to Lhasa, setting off a popular uprising. The Dalai Lama, accompanied by thousands of followers, fled into exile in India. Official figures say that 80,000 Tibetans were killed as Chinese troops crushed the rebellion
Have Tibetans always opposed communist rule?
At first Tibetan aristocrats and young intellectuals regarded Chinese rule as a new beginning, but many changed their minds when Beijing imposed land reforms. However, some poor Tibetans welcomed the reforms
Are Tibetans free to worship?
The authorities do not generally interfere in worship by ordinary Tibetans and allow them to visit temples. However, there are some restrictions in monasteries, where lamas must take part in government-run patriotic re-education classes and are required to renounce the Dalai Lama
Does the Dalai Lama want independence?
No. He has given up that idea and says that he is asking for genuine autonomy and this now seems to mean that he wants cultural autonomy, leaving the central Government in Beijing in charge
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@Jeremy: You're wrong. I demonstrated and spoke out against the Iraq war. Look into the mirror? I have no problem with that; I didn't invade Iraq, or Tibet, or use poor logic to excuse crimes against humanity.
@Lim: None taken. You can find the information you requested quickly through Google. You know I don't have space to do that here. As for the other side of the coin, I have looked at some sources published from inside China. I knew China was a totalitarian regime that does not permit freedom of expression, but still I was shocked. Nothing but lies and distortion on a grand scale. Amazing. Don't take my word for it. Check it out.
Paul, London, UK
Paul, London, UK
Jeremy, essex, uk. Thanks, you see things from both sides of the coin.
Paul you mentioned independent body of law experts. Can you tell me who are these experts and of what nationalities are they? What about the alleged acts of genocide? Can you provide some references or pictures. Please true pictures and not distorted ones which the West is capable of doing. Can you also clarify and give details onthe International commission of Jurists and the rule of Law. Are all these Western. I would like to know and wish to access information on them if you will provide the web addresses.
Paul, please look at the other side of the coin too. Maybe you can do some research vide the Eastern web pages like a Chinese website or even a Tibetan one. Perhaps you just do not want to know what the other side have to say. Am I right?Sorry no offence intended.
Lim, Johor Bahru, Malaysia
i think paul has forgotten that invasion of iraq and afghan is also illegal so before blaming china look into the mirror first
jeremy, essex, uk
You forget to mention that the Chinese invasion was ruled illegal by an independent body of law experts:
24th July 1959
"There is prima facie evidence that the Chinese Communists have by acts of genocide attempted to destroy the Tibetan nation and the Buddhist religion in Tibet, the International Commission of Jurists announced in a preliminary report "The Question of Tibet and The Rule of Law" published here today. "
Genocide, shocking human rights abuses, systematic destruction of a nation -- surely worth mentioning in a balanced account of the history?
Paul, London, UK