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Tibetan Exiles at a Crossroad
November 21, 2008 11:20 AM
By Stephanie Sy, Correspondent, ABC News Beijing
While hundreds of Tibetan exiles in Dharamsala debate whether to continue the “middle way” or embark on a full-blown independence movement, in China the strategies are one and the same.
The Dalai Lama continues to espouse his “middle way” policy, but it seems to fall on deaf ears in China (and among an increasing number of young Tibetans). When the Dalai Lama said he did not support the violent riots in Lhasa nine months ago, the Chinese accused him of inciting them. When he said he supported China hosting the Olympic Games, the Chinese accused him of supporting activities to disrupt the Games. When he says he is not seeking full independence and recognizes China’s sovereignty, the Chinese accuse him of activities to split China. The Dalai Lama is not trusted by Beijing. The Chinese hold the Dalai Lama responsible for everything that Tibetans and non-Tibetan activists do, including the “violent terrorist activities” of the Tibetan Youth Congress and protests by foreigners during the Olympics.
Lately, a bad relationship has gotten worse.
During the latest round of talks, the Dalai Lama’s representatives presented a memorandum of requests that the Chinese official Zhu Wei Qun said was a call for “independence in a disguised form.” The document calls for “genuine autonomy” for Greater Tibet, which encompasses a quarter of China’s territory. Instead of serving as a jumping off point for negotiations, the memo was entirely rejected and drew a heated response. “We will never make a concession,” Zhu said to China’s state-run news agency Xinhua.
China seems aware that Tibetans have lost leverage. Before the latest round of talks, the British Foreign Minister David Miliband issued a statement clarifying a formerly gray area of U.K. policy toward Tibet, saying, officially, that Tibet falls under Chinese sovereignty. A few weeks later, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Qin Gang seemed to nod at this, saying, “The so-called Tibet government-in-exile is not recognized by any government in the world.”
After the riots in Lhasa last March, and with the approach of the Olympics, the Chinese agreed to more talks with the Dalai Lama’s envoys. Many experts saw it as the best opportunity for Tibetans to gain some concessions from the Chinese, but from recent statements, Beijing is not planning to budge. While it continues to face pressure from pro-Tibetan and human rights groups, now out of the world spotlight that the Olympics brought, it seems comfortable taking a less conciliatory stance.
There are strong emotions on both sides. The Chinese are fiercely protective of their sovereignty in Tibet. The Tibetans believe increasing Chinese influence in the Tibetan autonomous regions is forcing the extinction of their culture. It’s not hard to see who has the upper hand. As China becomes an increasing economic and military power, fewer governments seem willing to openly push China on the Tibet issue. The only advantage the Tibetans have is the sway of world sympathy, and their will.
Read more blogs from Stephanie Sy
Read more more blogs from the ABC News Staff
November 21, 2008 in Stephanie Sy | Permalink | User Comments (5)
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We should do something about Tibetan autonomy, like help change the slogan to Tibetan Freedom!
Just hear the sound of autonomy; I hear a rumble from above of subjugation, of tyrany of a WatchDog.
And, hear the sound of freedom; I hear swift and singing spring water flowing around.
Autonomy is struggle that never goes away! Freedom is a battle that can be won!
Posted by: IJ for Clinton | Nov 21, 2008 10:29:36 PM
I feel the US should do more for the Tibet people. Back in the 50's United States turned their back on Tibet. Should the fight for FREEDOM be more important than profit. What would our founding Fathers say about us today and what role models are we setting for our children. Life is more important than money. Don't make money a god, it's only paper
Posted by: Rick | Nov 21, 2008 10:30:46 PM
two hypocritically self-righteous persons
If you want to know the truth,just to go to have a look and then make your judgement
Posted by: LJ | Nov 22, 2008 8:07:28 AM
the UK governments comment of "Tibet is under Chinas rule "
is typical, the people of the Congo and Zimbabwe are in the same situation. Desperate need for help ,, totally passed over with a law or gesture.
Bet the Iraqis are so glad we listened to their loud cry for help .
Posted by: fox | Nov 22, 2008 2:50:23 PM
Tibet is claimed by China to be its part but the history as taught to us in India showed it as independent country ruled by lamas. May be the British historians and the present rulers can clarify this fact. When China has failed to accept the McMohan line in border despute with India we should not accept its claims on Tibet. The Chinese rulers are imperialists and don understand logic. Taiwan will also have a simlar fate(like Tibet) in the near future unless the world acts.
Posted by: Hindustani 41 | Nov 23, 2008 5:12:46 AM
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