Context;
Recently, the US Congress passed the Promoting a Resolution to Tibet-China Dispute Act, also known as the Resolve Tibet Act. This legislation aims to promote a peaceful resolution to the Tibet-China dispute.
- It adheres to international law and the United Nations (UN) Charter, advocating for peaceful dialogue without preconditions.
Relevance:
GS II: International Relations
Dimensions of the Article:
- What is the Resolve Tibet Act 2024?
- How is India’s Relation with Tibet?
- The China-Tibet Issue: Historical Overview
- Tibet and the Dalai Lama’s Impact on India-China Relations
- What is the Global Stand on China-Tibet Issue?
What is the Resolve Tibet Act 2024?
- Legislation:
- Passed by the United States Congress in June 2024.
- Third significant act by the US on Tibet, following the Tibetan Policy Act (2002) and the Tibetan Policy & Support Act (2020).
- Objectives:
- Strengthen the US position on Tibet and pressure China into resuming negotiations with the Dalai Lama.
- Enhance US support for Tibet and empower US State Department officials to counter Chinese disinformation on Tibet.
- Push for negotiations “without preconditions” between the Chinese government and the Dalai Lama or his representatives.
- Emphasize the Tibetan people’s right to self-determination and human rights.
- Recognize and address the distinct historical, cultural, religious, and linguistic identity of the Tibetan people.
- Empower the international community to stand up for justice and peace in Tibet.
Key Differences from Previous Acts:
- Unlike the 2002 act, which recognized China’s claim over Tibet, the Resolve Tibet Act challenges this claim directly.
- Encourages dialogue with the Dalai Lama or his democratically elected representatives without preconditions.
- Aims to “resolve differences” between the parties, going further than the Tibetan Policy & Support Act of 2020.
How is India’s Relation with Tibet?
- Historical Context:
- The Younghusband Mission (1903-1904): British expedition to Tibet led by Colonel Younghusband aimed to establish a British presence and counter Russian influence, resulting in the Lhasa Convention of 1904.
- Anglo-Russian Convention (1907): Settled colonial disputes between Britain and Russia, stipulating that neither would negotiate with Tibet except through Chinese mediation.
- Cultural and Religious Ties:
- Despite the Sino-Russian treaty, India maintained close ties with Tibet through the influence of Buddhism.
- The spread of Buddhism from India to Tibet and the presence of influential Buddhist monasteries fostered strong cultural and religious connections.
- Border Disputes:
- The Sino-Indian border dispute, particularly in the Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh regions, remains a major point of contention between India and China.
- The status of Tibet and its historical relationship with India are central to this dispute, with both countries claiming sovereignty over the disputed territories.
- India’s Stand on Tibet:
- Since 2003, India has recognized the Tibet Autonomous Region as part of the People’s Republic of China, following the signing of the Declaration on Principles for Relations and Comprehensive Cooperation between India and China.
- In 1959, India granted asylum to the Dalai Lama after a failed uprising.
The China-Tibet Issue: Historical Overview
Tibet’s Quest for Independence:
- Tibet is a vast region in Asia, covering about 2.4 million square kilometers, roughly a quarter of China’s territory.
- It serves as the traditional homeland of the Tibetan people and other ethnic groups.
- Tibet is renowned for its high elevation, with an average of 4,900 meters, including Mount Everest, Earth’s highest peak.
- Tibet declared de facto independence under the 13th Dalai Lama, Thubten Gyatso, in 1913, a move not recognized by China.
Chinese Occupation and the Seventeen Point Agreement:
- From 1912 until the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, Tibet was not governed by any Chinese authority, and the Dalai Lama’s government administered the region.
- In 1951, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) entered Tibet, leading to a forced treaty known as the “Seventeen Point Agreement.” This agreement claims to guarantee Tibetan autonomy and religious freedom but permits the establishment of Chinese offices in Lhasa, Tibet’s capital.
- The treaty is widely regarded as invalid by Tibetans and third-party observers, often termed a “cultural genocide.”
1959 Tibetan Uprising:
- Escalating tensions between Tibet and China reached a climax in 1959 when the Dalai Lama and his supporters sought asylum in India.
Aftermath of the 1959 Tibetan Uprising:
- Since 1959, China has increasingly tightened its control over Tibet, resulting in a lack of freedom of speech, religion, and press.
- Tibetans have faced forced abortion, sterilization, and an influx of low-income Han Chinese residents, which threatens Tibetan culture.
- Although China has improved infrastructure in Tibet, such as Lhasa, it has also encouraged a demographic shift by relocating Han Chinese citizens to the region.
Tibet and the Dalai Lama’s Impact on India-China Relations
Historical Neighbors:
- Tibet historically shared its boundaries with India, and the Line of Actual Control (LAC) stretches for 3,500 kilometers in the Tibetan Autonomous Region.
- The 1914 Simla Convention, which delineated boundaries, was signed by Tibetan representatives alongside Chinese officials and British India.
- However, China’s full annexation of Tibet in 1950 led to a repudiation of the Simla Convention and the McMahon Line, which separated the two countries.
Recognition of Tibet:
- In 1954, India signed an agreement recognizing Tibet as a “Tibet region of China,” reflecting the changing dynamics of the region.
- The presence of the Dalai Lama in India remains a persistent issue in India-China relations, as China views him as a separatist figure.
Tibet’s Geopolitical Significance:
- The Tibetan plateau holds strategic importance in terms of water resources and geopolitical considerations, further complicating India-China-Tibet relations.
What is the Global Stand on China-Tibet Issue?
- China’s Claim:
- China asserts that Tibet has been part of its territory since the 13th century and implements policies aimed at developing the region.
- China considers Tibet an autonomous region with significant rights and accuses the Dalai Lama of seeking independence.
- Concerns Over Dalai Lama’s Successor:
- China is apprehensive about the future selection of the Dalai Lama, fearing that a successor chosen by the Tibetan community might challenge its authority in Tibet.
- Support from Western Countries:
- Some Western nations, such as the US and Canada, have expressed support for Tibetan autonomy and human rights.
- Central Tibetan Administration (CTA):
- The CTA, the Tibetan government-in-exile led by the Dalai Lama, is not recognized by the international community, including India.
- Neutral Stance by Many Countries:
- Numerous countries, especially those with strong ties to China, maintain a neutral stance and prioritize diplomatic and economic cooperation with China.
- Cautious Approach by Neighbouring Countries:
- Neighboring countries like Nepal and Bhutan adopt a cautious approach to avoid escalating tensions with China.
- Concerns by International Organizations:
- International organizations, including the United Nations (UN), have raised concerns about human rights abuses in Tibet, highlighting restrictions on religious freedom and cultural suppression.
-Source: The Hindu
