Tibet Background - Asia - Heinrich Böll Foundation

Dossier: Tibet Background

Tibetan Village in Jiuzhaigou National Park, Aba Prefecture, Sichuan Province, China, 2007 (Photo: Tanja Plötz)

Introduction

Tibet, mystic Shangri La on the “roof of the world”, autonomous province in China or a cultural region that includes part of the state territory of China, India, Nepal and Bhutan- just regarding the definition, there is no consensus in what we mean when we talk of Tibet. The protests prior to the Olympic Games again attracted the world’s attention to the conflict related to Tibet’s status. What do we actually know about the complexity of the conflict and about the situation of the people in Tibet and in exile? To which extend is our opinion shaped by stereotypes and prejudices?

By providing a revised and updated Tibet Dossier, which approaches the issue from multiple perspectives, the Heinrich Böll Foundation pursues the goal to contribute to shape public political opinion.

We have asked commentators from all over the world for their contribution to Tibet’s situation regarding different aspects. The outcome is a collection of articles that give a differentiated and sometimes contradictory picture of the problem. The articles are supposed to provide an input for further reading and discussion.

The articles express the authors’ personal opinions and do not necessarily reflect the Heinrich Böll Foundation’s opinion.

Note: This is an abridged version of the dossier. You find the complete version "Hintergrund Tibet" on the German website.

Reviewing the Events in 2008

Protests in Tibet and Separatism: the Olympics and Beyond

April 1, 2008 - The March protests in Lhasa and other Tibetan areas were meant to embarrass the Chinese government ahead of the Olympics. Separatists know they can count on the automatic sympathy of Western politicians and media. Barry Sautman strongly criticises the protests and argues that they had no progressive aspect. more»

Background and Facts

The Dalai Lama's Dilemma

February 8, 2009 - As a classical nationalistic dispute, the Tibet question pits the right of a people, Tibetans, to self-determination and independence against the right of a multiethnic state, the People's Republic of China, to maintain what it sees as its historical territorial integrity. Melvyn Goldstein gives us the historical lowdown. By Melvyn C. Goldstein more»

The Tibet-China Conflict: History and Polemics

- February 5, 2009 - A guide to the historical arguments made by the primary parties to the Tibet-China conflict, Elliot Sperling discusses the arguments of both sides and shows that there is no clearcut right or wrong in this discussion. By Elliot Sperling more»

Chinese White Paper on Tibetan Culture: The Development of Tibetan Culture

- June 22, 2008 - This official Chinese document explains how Tibetan culture is preserved in China especially concerning the language, cultural relics, customs and religious belief, Tibetan medicine and pharmacology, and publishing, broadcasting, film and television. Released by the Information Office of the State Council more»

Beijing's Tibet Policy: Securing Sovereignty and Legitimacy

- February 3, 2004 - Allen Carlson describes the subtle changes in Beijing's Tibet policy over time, though the basic question of Tibet being part of China has always remained an integral part of its position. He concludes that for China, as for the rest of the world, sovereignty remains the organizing principle, and disputes over where it lies, and in whose hands it should reside, continue to generate contention and conflict. By Allen Carlson more»

Tibetan Population in China: Myths and Facts Re-examined

- The Chinese government is frequently criticised for political oppression and human right violations in Tibet, particularly in three population-related areas: genocide, forced birth control programmes and population transfer. This paper aims to re-examine the myths and facts about the Tibetan population in China. By Yan Hao more»

People's Republic of China: Background Paper on the Situation of the Tibetan Population

- February 10, 2009 - This document was commissioned for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refuges. A detailed, thoroughly researched presentation of economic, political, religious and social conditions in Tibet. A Writenet report by Prof. Colin P. Mackerras more»

Rethinking China's Tibet Policy

- April 4, 2008 - The essay discusses China's education and economic development policy of Tibetan regions. The reasons why Tibetans are being left behind by the rapid pace of economic development are complex, and do include cultural and language differences. A high illiteracy rate and a lack of vocational training are some of the biggest obstacles to overcome. By Ben Hillman more»

The Construction of a Tibetan Identity: Women's Practices and Global Process

- In traditional Tibetan society women were not involved in politics and government. A major shift has been made within the present Tibet in Exile Society. The Tibetan Women’s Association has significantly contributed to the development of the question of Tibet on the international level. By Amy Mountcastle more»

The Author of the Dossier

Tanja Plötz

April 28, 2009 - The dossier "Tibet Background" was arranged by the sinologist Tanja Plötz. From March 2002 to February 2008 she was working on the subject of environmental education as part of the German-Chinese development cooperation in Beijing. During that time, she was also conducting a series of projects in cooperation with the office China (Beijing) of the Heinrich Böll Foundation. Tanja Plötz has worked freelance since March 2008.
Contact: tangjia[at]gmx.net