The Tibetan Issue and Chinese Occupation

Tibetian prayer flags with ancient buddhist symbols and prayers written in sandskrit

Tibet, often referred to as the “roof of the world” due to its high altitude, has a rich history that predates its current conflict with China, by many centuries.

The roots of its civilisation can be traced back to the Zhang Zhung culture, which flourished before the advent of Buddhism in Tibet.

This pre-Buddhist period was characterised by a set of beliefs known as Bön, which, over time, intermingled with Buddhist teachings.

The geographical isolation of Tibet, surrounded by formidable mountain ranges, also contributed to the development of a distinct societal structure and way of life, relatively undisturbed by external influences.

Buddhism was introduced to Tibet in the 7th century — a pivotal era marked by the reign of King Songtsen Gampo.

This period heralded a transformative phase in Tibetan history, with Buddhism gradually becoming the cornerstone of Tibetan culture.

This convergence of Buddhism with indigenous beliefs forged a unique spiritual landscape in Tibet, with monasteries sprouting across the land, and becoming centres of learning and spiritual guidance.

The Dalai Lama: A Symbol of Tibetan Identity

The ascendance of the Dalai Lama as a central figure in Tibetan life further marked a significant shift in the region’s history, and is a phenomenon unique to Tibet.

The title ‘Dalai Lama’, translated as ‘Ocean of Wisdom’, was first bestowed in the 16th century to the spiritual leaders of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism.

This lineage of spiritual leaders is believed to be reincarnations of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, signifying a deep interconnection between governance and spirituality in Tibetan society.

The Dalai Lamas has consequently since played a critical role in shaping the religious and political environment of Tibet — their influence extending beyond the monasteries into the daily lives of the Tibetan people, making them central figures in Tibetan identity and governance.

Traditional Tibetan governance has also been intricately linked with religious institutions, with the monastic system not only a bastion of spiritual teachings but also a centre of education and cultural preservation.

This intertwining of the secular with the religious was reflected in the Tibetan government, known as the Ganden Phodrang, established by the 5th Dalai Lama in the 17th century.

Tibetan society was structured around principles derived from Buddhist teachings, with a strong emphasis on compassion, communal harmony, and respect for all forms of life.

The agrarian lifestyle, pastoral nomadism, and the trade routes that crisscrossed the Himalayas also shaped the economic framework of traditional Tibetan society.

Tibetan culture is also deeply influenced by Buddhist philosophy, with Thangka paintings, intricate mandalas, and the melodious tunes of traditional instruments like the dramyin and lingbu, all quintessential elements of Tibetan culture.

Festivals like Losar (Tibetan New Year) and Monlam (Great Prayer Festival) alongside being religious observances are also celebrations of Tibetan heritage and social cohesion.

The 20th Century: Chinese Invasion and the Dalai Lama’s Exile

In 1950, the People’s Liberation Army of China marched into Tibet, signalling the start of a military campaign that would drastically alter the region’s future.

China, had just emerging from the throes of a civil war and the establishment of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, and viewed the assertion of control over Tibet as a reclamation of its territorial sovereignty.

This perspective was rooted in historical interactions dating back centuries, wherein periods of Tibetan independence alternated with varying degrees of Chinese influence.

However, from the Tibetan viewpoint, their nation had enjoyed a prolonged period of de facto independence, especially since the fall of the Qing Dynasty in 1912.

This period saw Tibet conducting its foreign affairs and maintaining a distinct cultural and religious identity, with limited interference from outside powers.

The Chinese government in turn, justified its actions as a necessary intervention to liberate Tibet from imperialist influences and to integrate it into the socialist motherland.

They argued that this unification was essential for the modernisation and development of Tibet, which they portrayed as being mired in feudal serfdom.

The Tibetan government, led by the young Dalai Lama, was ill-prepared for such a military confrontation, with Tibet’s isolation, coupled with a lack of modern military capability, leaving it vulnerable to the vastly superior Chinese forces.

Tibetan appeals to the international community for assistance also yielded little support, leaving them in a precarious position.

Following a brief military skirmish, the Tibetan government was coerced into negotiations, leading to the signing of the 17-Point Agreement in 1951.

This agreement, asserted by China as a mutual understanding but regarded by many Tibetans as signed under duress, affirmed China’s sovereignty over Tibet.

It promised autonomy for Tibet and pledged not to alter the existing political system or the status, functions, and powers of the Dalai Lama.

However, the reality that unfolded in Tibet was starkly different.

The Chinese authorities implemented reforms that upended the social, economic, and political fabric of Tibetan society.

Land reform, aimed at redistributing feudal estates, was met with resistance from Tibetans, who saw it as an attack on their way of life.

Tensions culminated in the Tibetan Uprising of 1959 — a widespread revolt in Lhasa and other areas.

The uprising was a reaction to fears of an abduction of the Dalai Lama by Chinese forces and a broader expression of Tibetan discontent with Chinese policies.

The brutal suppression of this uprising by Chinese troops resulted in thousands of deaths.

Faced with the imminent threat to his life and the futility of resistance, the Dalai Lama, along with thousands of Tibetans, fled to India.

This exodus marked the beginning of a significant Tibetan diaspora, spreading Tibetan culture and the issue of Tibet to a global audience.

The Dalai Lama also established a government-in-exile in Dharamsala, India, which became a focal point for Tibetan political and cultural activities.

From there, he continued to advocate for the rights and autonomy of Tibetans, gaining international recognition and support.

Impact of the Exile

The Dalai Lama’s exile has had profound implications.

Internationally, it brought the Tibetan issue to the forefront, highlighting the cultural and religious suppression faced by Tibetans under Chinese rule, as well as catalysing a global movement of solidarity with the Tibetan cause, transcending borders and cultures.

Within Tibet, the Chinese government also intensified its efforts to consolidate control, implementing policies aimed at diluting Tibetan cultural identity.

Restrictions on religious practices, the promotion of Mandarin Chinese over Tibetan language, and the migration of Han Chinese into Tibet were measures employed to integrate the region more closely with the rest of China.

The Dalai Lama’s exile and the subsequent diaspora also led to the spread of Tibetan Buddhism and culture globally.

Tibetan Buddhism gained a considerable following in the West, and the Dalai Lama emerged as a global spiritual leader and an advocate for peace and human rights.

Human Rights and Religious Freedom Under Chinese Rule

One of the most significant aspects of Chinese rule in Tibet has been the suppression of religious practices.

Tibetan Buddhism, which is intricately linked to the cultural and social fabric of the region, has faced numerous restrictions.

Monasteries, historically the epicentres of Tibetan life and learning, have seen their roles diminished and surveilled.

The number of monks and nuns allowed in these institutions has been limited, and those who reside there often face stringent oversight.

The Chinese government’s policies toward the Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, also exemplify the broader stance on religious freedom.

His teachings and images have been banned in Tibet, and his status as a religious leader is consistently undermined by Chinese authorities.

The government’s involvement in the selection of significant religious figures, including the Panchen Lama, has also been a point of contention — viewed as an attempt to control the religious narrative and institutions within Tibet.

China’s approach to governance in Tibet has also included efforts aimed at cultural assimilation.

Central to this is the promotion of Mandarin Chinese over the Tibetan language in educational institutions and public life.

This linguistic shift not only undermines the Tibetan language but also erodes the broader cultural heritage, with language a critical carrier of tradition and identity.

Education policies in Tibet have also increasingly emphasised Chinese political ideology and history, often at the expense of Tibetan history and culture.

This has led to a generational shift, where younger Tibetans may find themselves disconnected from their heritage — a situation that could have long-lasting effects on Tibetan cultural preservation.

The Chinese government has also imposed tight controls on freedom of expression and movement in Tibet.

Reports of censorship, surveillance, and the detention of Tibetan activists are not uncommon.

Tibetans face restrictions on their movement, both within and outside the region, limiting their ability to participate in religious activities, including pilgrimages, or to seek a better understanding of their situation in the international context.

These policies have profound implications for Tibetan identity and community life.

The restrictions on religious and cultural practices have not only hindered the practice of Tibetan Buddhism but have also affected community cohesion and traditional Tibetan social structures.

The sense of community, once centred around monasteries and religious festivals, has been significantly altered.

International Reaction to the Tibetan Issue

Internationally, the Tibetan issue has been a subject of considerable debate and diplomatic manoeuvring.

While some countries have expressed support for Tibet, often citing human rights and cultural preservation, others have been more reticent, likely influenced by China’s growing global economic and political influence.

The role of international bodies, like the United Nations, has also been limited, often constrained by the geopolitical interests of its member states.

However, the Tibetan cause has garnered substantial attention in global civil society, with numerous NGOs and advocacy groups raising awareness and lobbying for Tibetan rights.

The Dalai Lama, as a figure of moral authority and peace, has, as noted, also played a significant role in keeping the Tibetan issue in the international spotlight.

Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989, he has advocated for a peaceful resolution to the conflict, promoting his vision of the ‘Middle Way’ approach, which seeks genuine autonomy for Tibet within China, rather than outright independence.

The future of Tibet remains uncertain, with the Chinese government maintaining a firm grip on the region, while the international community remains divided in its response.

Despite decades of occupation now, Tibet has however, managed to preserve some of their culture, language and religion, often in exile.