An investigation into the impact of Communist China on Tibet since 1950

Traudl M. Tan

In 1951 Tibet, due to military inferiority had no choice but to sign an agreement in Peking for her peaceful liberation by the Chinese whose aim it was to incorporate the country into the People's Republic of China. After almost thirty years, China appears to have succeeded in incorporating Tibet, at least superficially, despite strong resistance from the Tibetans. The changes brought about by the conversion of a country where religion dominated every aspect of life, into a state where Chinese Communist ideals provide strict guidelines, have profoundly influenced the Tibetan traditional way of life and constitute the subject of this investigation. Unable to conduct a field-study, I relied on literature, newspaper and journal articles, radio broadcasts, correspondence with the Tibetan Information Centre in India, the Foreign Language Press in Peking, and personal communication with persons with relevant knowledge to obtain information. I have found that with the introduction of Communism by means of indoctrination and coercion, Tibet has ceased to exist as a national entity. Despite general economic progress, the living standard of the people with the exception of a poor minority, has not improved significantly. By gaining a high degree of political consciousness against their wishes, the Tibetans have lost their national, personal and religious freedom. Political attitudes have recently shown signs of relaxation in China as well as in Tibet, justifying an element of hope for a better future of the Tibetan people.

An investigation into the impact of Communist China on Tibet since 1950

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