What Have the Chinese Invaders Done to Tibet?
First, they ignored the Dalai Lama's suggestions about peaceful negotiations and self-rule for Tibet.
Second they continue to destroy the Tibetan plateau:
Forty seven years after the Chinese invasion, the Chinese have clear-cut over 75 percent of the forests, endangered the regions of major rivers in Tibet, over-harvested the rich resources of medicinal herbs, and caused desertification of the steppes through overgrazing. They have extracted various minerals in environmentally destructive ways. In their frenzied effort to introduce hundreds of thousands of new settlers into south central Tibet, they are threatening the ecosystem of that rich barley-growing region by draining its major lake to produce hydroelectric power.
Third, the Chinese threats to Tibetan cultural heritage, religious freedom and environment are very serious. Due to the massive Chinese population transfer, Tibet faces the threat of extinction, along with its unique cultural heritage of Buddhist spirituality. What China is doing to Tibet is a "cultural genocide."
When the 13th Dalai Lama visited China in the early 20th century, there was a large Manchurian community—even the Emperor was Manchurian. Almost exactly 50 years later, the Manchurian community was no longer there. It was completely assimilated. That danger is happening in Tibet now. The Tibetan picture is almost hopeless.
A Call for Solutions
The strength of Tibet is truth and justice, and a long-established culture based on Buddhism. Tibetans wanted to live in peace with Chinese, and have tried to maintain a non-violent policy. That is why the Dalai Lama had to be on exile. He said he had to escape from Tibet because he feared his people would resort to desperate violence if the Chinese took [him]as their prisoner. His responsibility is to "save Tibet," and "to protect its ancient cultural heritage," and his main concern is the Tibetan Buddhist culture, not just political independence. He said he could not seek self-rule for central Tibet and exclude the 4 million Tibetans in the two eastern provinces of Amdo and Kham. His middle-way approach means that Tibet could live with self-rule within China. This is genuine self-rule, not independence. Self-rule implies that China must stop its intensive effort to colonize Tibet with Chinese settlers and must allow Tibetans to hold responsible positions in the government of Tibet. China can keep her troops on the external frontiers of Tibet, and Tibetans will pledge to accept the appropriate form of union with China.
The Dalai Lama is a firm believer in the importance of democracy, not only as the ultimate goal, but also as an essential part of the process to achieve self-rule for Tibet. According to the Dalai Lama, with self-rule, Tibetans must take full authority and responsibility for developing industry, looking from all different perspectives, taking care of the environment, conserving resources for long-term economic health, and safeguarding the interests of Tibetan workers, nomads, and farmers. In reality, the Chinese have shown interest only in quick profits, regardless of the effect on the environment, and with no consideration of whether a particular industry benefits the local Tibetans or not.
To Change China and Bring Peace to the Region
For China to change its policy toward Tibet, it will take two things:
First, a Chinese leadership that looks forward instead of backward, that looks toward integration with the world and cares about both world opinion and the will of China's own democracy movement.
Second, a group of world leaders that listens to the concerns of their own people with regard to Tibet, and speaks firmly to the Chinese about the urgent need of working out a solution based on truth and justice. We do not have these two things today, and so the process of bringing peace to Tibet is stalled.
We must not lose our trust in the power of truth. Everything is always changing in the world. South Africa, the former Soviet Union, and the Middle East, for example. Now those regions still have many problems, setbacks as well as breakthroughs, but basically changes have happened that were considered unthinkable a decade ago. Many communist and authoritarian regimes have changed, including the Soviet Union, not by force but by their own people. These are very positive developments. China still has the same system, but the reality is that much is changing. Freedom of information, religious freedom and freedom of the press are much better. The Dalai Lama said man-made unrealistic systems would eventually return to a human, natural way, for we love freedom, even animals love their freedom. Naturally that trend is coming back, and there is hope for Tibet.
Today, quite a number of Chinese people are showing an interest in the preservation of Tibetan culture and spirituality. Tibetan spirituality is a very important part of the spirituality of China as a whole, and the preservation of Tibetan culture can enrich China. Millions of Chinese are traditional Buddhists, and many people in China are turning to Tibetan Buddhism.
Even though China is oversuspicious and very cautious, meeting face to face and having friendly discussions is very important. Some Chinese intellectuals, artists and writers are showing a proper understanding and are supporting the Dalai Lama's middle-way approach to solving the problem, which is not seeking independence but rather meaningful autonomy to preserve Tibetan culture, language and environment.
Tibetans' Reactions Toward the Dalai Lama's Approach
Some Tibetans now accuse the Dalai Lama of selling out their right to independence. Even his eldest brother is for complete independence and he always accuses the Dalai Lama of this. But his middle-way approach is actually in Tibet's own interest. Tibet is backward. It is a big land, quite rich in natural resources, but completely lacks the technology or expertise to exploit them. Tibet might benefit (more modernization)from being within China, provided it respects Tibet's culture and beautiful environment. The new railway into Tibet, for instance. This is generally speaking a good thing, very beneficial for development, providing it is not used politically.
China's Reactions
There are two opinions in China. Some say, once the Dalai Lama passes away, the whole Tibetan issue will die. Another opinion is that the grievance will still be there, or will even become stronger, but in the meantime there will be no one to guide and persuade Tibetans, so Tibet becomes more difficult to handle. Reality will answer which view is correct.
On Using Violence to Free Tibet
The Dalai Lama said using violence to free Tibet would lead to more violence, even though it may lead to more publicity. But the most important thing is that China and Tibet have to live side by side. In order to live harmoniously, in a friendly way, and peacefully in the future, the national struggle through nonviolence is very essential. Another important matter is that the ultimate agreement or solution must be found by the Chinese and Tibetans themselves. For that Tibet needs support from the Chinese people. There are more supporters amongst the Chinese. More and more Chinese are expressing their deep appreciation and their sympathy. If Tibetans take up arms, then they will immediately lose this kind of support.
Sources:
Various interviews with the Dalai Lama
http://www.mcllo.com/Interviews%20Dalai%20Lama%20Dharamsala%20%5BMcllo%5D.html
