As we all know, the protest in Tibet that started from 10th march is one of largest demonstrations in Tibetan inhabited areas in the last 20 years. This has raised international concern, by and large, from media and the international community, over Tibetan issues. The protests that were spreading in various Tibetan inhabited areas besides Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR), is a sign of deep rooted resentment of Tibetans for being neglected fifty years by their government in development policies and for committing constant human rights violation. More than ever before, Tibetans in Tibet need proper schools, good education, freedom of religion, socio-economic rights, and the right to preserve their own distinct language and culture.
Therefore, partly due to the protests, I am also seeing a very constructive and objective discussions going on over the current problems in Tibet. I believe this is an interesting factor as many problems in Tibet are concrete and they are constantly in search of concrete solutions. However, I would like to raise concern over the growing lack of understanding from the average Chinese people over Tibetan issues. I sincerely hope I am wrong with this argument, but if this is partially true, then I think this is the major drawback of China for now and for years to come on human rights issues beside Tibet.
First of all, I would like to start with an episode. Yesterday, I went to a friend’s place for a Malaysian dinner. I met one of my very close Chinese friends. Normally, we get along quite well together. But, for the first time, we found a strong disagreement and that was about Tibet. Although, I have met many Chinese students and I am used to hear their judgements over Tibetan issues when they are frank. Her remarks made me reflect as her thoughts are shared by more than a dozen Chinese friends I have met from Australia to Italy and to France and now in UK. Following are the remarks of her and many other Chinese I have met followed my reaction to them. I am aware that I can not generalize that all the Chinese people think as they do but it is a fact that a lot of young Chinese do tend to think to some extent in a similar way as far as Tibet is concerned.
1) “Protests in Tibet were violent and illegal and the government should use force in that case to ensure stability in China. The violence during the riots were just one sided. Only Tibetans were killing and Chinese and the government did not use any violence.”
My answer: Of course I am against violence and destruction by Tibetans during the protest against innocent Chinese and their shops. I am against Tibetans in Europe who are protesting by firing Chinese flags of the Chinese embassies. I am against any kind of violence in this world. However, it is not true that only Tibetans were being violent. At the beginning, the peaceful protest by the monks in the monastery was not allowed by the Chinese police and the protesters were also provoked by using force. Now the government also admits officially that they killed some Tibetans. So I am against the Chinese government’s use of force over people and for restricting the freedom of association and expression.
2) “International medias are biased and they don’t show the violence and the destruction caused by the Tibetan protesters. Western medias exaggerate often about the situation in China. If you check CCTV and other websites, things are different.”
My answer: It’s not true. BBC showed it. I read different sources and I also watched CCTV. But this is not the main issue. Have you ever asked your self, why these Tibetans are so frustrated by the policies and practices of their government and why they are protesting? It is time for Chinese people to think carefully over these issues. Do you know why the Chinese government sent away all the international medias from Tibet?
3) “You know, the U.S.A. also destroyed the ways of life of indigenous Americans and many other countries have done similar things to the indigenous people. But now, by having Americans in their country, the economy of indigenous Americans is much better and they live better. Don’t you think that there are some positive effects on indigenous life by Americans? So, Tibet is developed by China and Tibetans are also getting positive impacts from it.”
My answer: I think this argument does not make any sense. If in the history, we see that different countries have done horrible things to particular ethnic groups, then we should not ever try to justify injustices and repeat them. Tibetans like aborigines and indigenous Americans are not happy with their history and the present situation.
4) “Tibet is asking for independence. But if China gives the independence to Tibet, then America or Japan or other European countries will influence and invade Tibet again. So, there is no change for Tibet and hence, it is better for Tibetans to stay with China.”
My answer: This is almost impossible. First of all, China will never give Tibet its independence and that’s how the Tibetan issue started all over from that. China invaded Tibet and it will never give its independence. In the coming years, it’ll always work hard to claim legitimacy over Tibet. But if your hypothesis works out, then who cares about who will run Tibet. Tibetans will look after themselves then.
5) “I never learnt in the history that Tibet was once an independent country. I think it was always a part of China.”
My answer: I am not seeking independence. I want a genuine autonomy in Tibet. That is wat teh Dalai Lama is seeking. But, yes, Tibet was once an independent country. This is the history that you will never learn if you study official Chinese history books. That’s perhaps the history that we will never agree upon. However, I hate nationalism and extreme patriotism. Because, then people stop using their heads and start using the brain of nationalist government.
Over the years, I realised how my Chinese friends are ignorant on Tibetan issues. They have stopped using their heads at least in politics (although they are brilliant in their studies and in making businesses) and they are wrapped by propagandas which they believe to be the truth. I am talking about an educated Chinese girl (now I think, unfortunately, I lost her as a friend) who seem to me more open than other Chinese students and who spent several years studying in a university in Germany.
For me as a Tibetan, my biggest concern over Tibetan issues arises when my Chinese friends do not understand at all the causes of unhappiness of Tibetans and instead support their government for using hard measures. If this remains then Tibet as a nation and as a cultural entity will die by the indifference of one billion Chinese people and by the hard line policies of their government in the long run. In the mean time, if Tibetans and Chinese people do not start to understand and respect each other through dialogue, then China will continue to remain a very divided society with huge human rights violations in ethnic minority areas. So, that’s why China needs change. Chinese people need the basic fundamental human rights. Definitely, China does not need to repeat, the history of ill-treatment of particular minority or indigenous groups by other countries, towards Tibetans and other minority groups.
Despite all, in conclusion, I remain optimistic and hopeful about future of Tibet and China. Somehow, I am sure that things will change. The new generations of Chinese people will have new demands and they will influence the policies of the government. In the mean time, I will continue to talk with Chinese students as they are one of the main actors in Tibetan issues. I will renew my interests in Tibet especially on ethnic conflict resolution in Tibet-China and the minority rights.
Through this interaction with a Han national on Tibet, I found the answer or hope for my above concern.Thank you for being sincere and so humane to the plight of Tibetans!
This piece is written by a Tibetan student from UK, who does not wish to be named.
