Tibet, nicknamed the “Roof of the Planet” and situated in the Himalayas between India and China, has been at odds with Beijing for a long time. China claims Tibet as its own territory; however, Tibet has always aspired to be self-sufficient. This is one of the many conflicts raging in South Asia right now, and it’s probably the worst in terms of power.
The Asian water tower has long endured the cold and dark nights of China’s communist dictatorship. If the process of democratisation does not happen, it is nothing more than a ghost. This makes it important for world powers to play a role in cultivating a dialogue between Beijing and Tibet, and we have only recently seen some progress on that front, with more to come.
Tibet as we know it today is just a small part of Tibet’s historical mainland. The Chinese have built a facade by granting Tibet’s autonomous zone, which is all that’s left of Tibet after its numerous geographical divisions, autonomy that doesn’t exist in reality. People in Tibet demand the unification of all parts of Tibet that were traditionally part of Tibet, as well as full political, economic, and social freedom.
According to one of the most well-known foreign research organisations, the situation is just as bad as it is in Syria. When one sees that people are not even able to choose how many children they will have, it sends shivers down one’s spine. The idea of a free and equal democratic process in Tibet is a mirage, and the truth is the polar opposite.
Policy Bill of 2020
The Tibet Policy Act of 2002 and the Tibet Support and Policy Bill of 2020 are basically the same bill. The latter bill is an update, modification, and extension to the previous one. The bill from 2002 addresses the situation in Tibet as occupied Tibet, as well as gross human rights abuses and the appointment of a special coordinator to assist in the promotion of dialogue between His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s envoys.
The bill also calls for the establishment of a US office in Lhasa to assist in the provision of funds, scholarships, and other services to Tibetans. This will enable Tibetans to gain a better understanding of and formal education in emerging fields of science, thereby bolstering the existence and survival of independent Tibet.
The Chinese government’s and Foreign Ministry’s positions on the Tibetan government-in-exile are those of a separatist group, with the Chinese Foreign Ministry insisting that “no one should accept it; no one should communicate with their officials.” This bill responds to China’s position by recognizing the CTA and the Tibetan freedom movement, sending a message around the world. The fact that Washington, D.C. recognizes the Tibetan movement so; it is a huge political statement, particularly, to the Tibetans inside Tibet.
