What do Tibetans think about the Sino-Tibetan dialogue? Is there a realistic chance to achieve a negotiated solution with Beijing? Does it make sense to continue with present middle path policicy? Do we need a revised policy? What do you think about new elections in 2009?
Participate in this poll, make the voice of Tibetans heard by forwarding the link to your Tibetan friends.
Please if you are not a Tibetan read it but don’t participate in the polling. Sorry!
1. Poll: Future prospect of Sino-Tibetan talks
2. Poll: Policy change
3. Poll: Goal of Tibetan freedom struggle
4. Poll: What form of autonomy?
5. Poll: Independence and Dalai Lama
6. Poll: Self-determination
7. Poll: Minor policy change (Multiple choices possible!)
I support His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s call for genuine autonomy for Tibet. But I support it only if it is within the realm of a truly democratic China, not under the sovereignty of a communist China.
Long life H.H.Dalai Lama
Thank you
Yangki Gray
Whether it’s delf-determination or political and cultural autonomy we must deal with Beijing with realistic goals. It’s not what we demand; it’s what is realistic and reasonable to Beijing and the Chinese people. Consequently, I see our plea for Greater Tibet is defeating our own purpose. If we restrict the Tibet issue to the TAR it’s much more realistic. I know my comment will infuriate many folks from Dotoe and Domes but then I believe if one is a true patriot one should not hesitate in articulating one’s view. Ever since the signing of the Simla Convention in 1914 by Shatra Lonchen, and the separation of Inner Tibet (Dotoe and Domes) this issue was/is a case of fait accomli. No wonder we’re getting no where with the dialogue. If we’re to gain self-determination within the TAR, we should welcome our relatives from Dotoe and Domes to transfer their domicil to the TAR.
There is a serious and urgent need to rework Exile government’s policy in finding a solution to the Tibetan cause. The Tibetans in Tibet this year gave an unambiguous call for Independence. Now its the duty for us those in exile to find ways taking into consideration all the conditions in reality.
-tenzin tsundue
The question 5 (Provided independence is the choice and H.H. the Dalai Lama would not be leading the Tibetan movement. Is this acceptable for you?) may create some confusion. There is no logical link between these two assertions. We should not repeat the confusion of the 1997 referendum. For note:
- Return of the referendum, by Jamyang Norbu (August 2000)
http://www.tibet.ca/en/newsroom/wtn/archive/old?y=2000&m=8&p=9_2
- Tibetan referendum: from here to where? by Topden Tsering (July 1997)
http://www.tibet.com/Referendum/r-1.html
+ other links that may be useful for the reflexion on Tibetan struggle’s future:
- The challenge of Rangzen, Editorial (November 2007)
http://www.alternative-tibetaine.org/articles/0207/EN_editorial01.htm
- Reflexions on a political solution, by Jamyang Norbu (May 2007)
http://www.alternative-tibetaine.org/articles/0207/EN_jnorbu11.htm
- Mangtso : our democratic vision, by Tenzin Tsundue (September 2004)
http://www.alternative-tibetaine.org/articles/0106/EN_ttsundue18.htm
- Review, by the Tibetan Youth Congress (September 2004)
http://www.alternative-tibetaine.org/articles/0106/EN_tyc18.htm
To be realiste,Out of 6millions tibetans we must expect after all these 50 years(2 génératons) of expérience that at least
1/3 wishing to continue under the actuel régime favourable to them .
1/3 for real autonomie without saperation from China,
1/3 for totale independence for good.
therefore the saying goes : better a small independant home than to share a palace with an unreliable neighbour.
I would suggest that this referandum /votation blog be made accecible to our compatriotes inside Tibet.
Thank you for this initiative.
Tsamchoe
I recommend that we now adopt following multi prong strategies and turn the heat on against Chinese govt. All options to be put on the table.
1. To get TGIE officially recognised.
2. To get third party mediator or peace broker involved.
3. Demand for self-determination.
4. UN monitored plebiscite inside Tibet
5. Establish wide and reliable network from bottom up inside Kham, Amdo and Utsang (Tibet)
6. Total and uncorrupted democratisation of TGIE. (no third world banana republic.. please)
7. Must have contingency plan, both military and civilian, to reclaim Tibet when China collapses in chaos. There should be a complete understanding between KMT of Taiwan and TGIE should this ever happen that 2 parties would not come in direct conflict with each other.
Thank you
for me its hard diskussing different Politics structures ,
They all would be good if basic Humanrights where respected ..
middlepath was tactic, to move towards cn gov, put them under pressure to move also a bit , but after almost 10 jears we figured out they play on time… (infootball yello/Red Card)
time to rethink as i dont got the solution and cn gov is not thrustable at all , il wait for the chinese People to stand up for their basic humanright , and im shure this would have a positive effect in China ,
thx for this new initiative to find new ways wich been needed .
we all be free p
I think it is a good idea to make pool votings. We need more of these direct democratic opinion votings in our society at least to train our mind of thinking.
Send me report of your vote..Thanks!
its easy to say and put down our wishes everywhere but as long as chinese govt. is not responding,our govt. in exile can’t do anything. as saying goes,’ we can’t clap single handedly’. and the whole world know that chinese can’t be trusted. so i think our govt. should involve a strong third party during the next meeting with the chinese govt.
long live H.H.THE DALAI LAMA and VICTORY FOR TIBET
I support genuine autonomy for Tibet is best policy. Cultural and political autonomy for all three regions of Tibet is the main key. (THEE REGION OF TIBET ALWAYS REMAIN TOGETHER FOR EVER). If we only push to the Tibet Independent, then end up with TAR.
The solution is we the Tibetans unity and strong and depend to younger generations’ education and skill.
Long Live His Holiness the Dalai Lama and
SAVE TIBET.
Thepo Tulku,
thepo@msn.com
I noticed someone suggested taking up the CCP on what they’ve offered us…the “autonomy” of TAR and to forget about the Dodoe and Domey. I completely disagree, its not a matter of Land, its a matter of homeland, although all three regions are Tibet, the three represent home for the different cultural inhabitants and we must first and foremost respect that before we begin with any sort of “negotiations”. I commend TGIE for sticking with it thus far. Besides, if were willing to give up half of Tibet at the cost of more then Half of Tibetan peoples homeland, Whats stopping CCP in the future in demanding more?
As for China ever giving us “genuine autonomy” I don’t see any hope of that. Whether the Chinese people decide to stand up and demand a democratic gov. I still see no chance for TIBET. At the end of the day, China will remain a capitalist country, prob, more so under democracy. Under the Deregulated Free Global Market Economy, Tibet has no chance if China as a whole can make a profit off Tibet in the future (and it will) regardless of signed papers under “genuine autonomy”. There is no stopping to the Market greed under communism or Democracy and I personally do not believe “genuine autonomy” will last much if it were ever to be considered.
At least with INDEPENDENCE the Tibetan people will be given the CHOICE to either control the market economy (fair trade, etc) in accordance to our culture, the environment, our people and our culture…or use the free market to increase inequalities in class, etc. (that the 1st world nations are facing now)…at the end of the day…We have the choice to do either, rather then forced under CCP.
If the history of colonialism has ever taught us anything, never trust your colonizers. Regardless of the chances of China getting democracy, I for one do not have faith in the Free Market Economy, it has no conscious, as proven by the many Indigenous communities it has destroyed in order to make profit.
P.S. This is a great initiative, I feel this way people will give a more honest opinion and include the voices of the Young.
TGIE needs to take more initiatives like this in order to include the voices of the youth, I noticed the lack of youth voice, initiative and sometimes lack of encouragement for the young Tibetans (except for the West) to step up in the realm of TGIE.
I hope to see more of such initiatives. Thank you.
Although opinion poll is good idea but given the real situation it is not suitable for Tibetans. Majority of Tibetans do not have access to internet and those who goes to internet. So, I don’t think this is going to be very accurate.
I support genuine autonomy including three regions in Tibet and independent is a choice but not realistic for three regions.
thanks
Sino-Tibetan dialogue so far proved futile, it really tested our patience. After the last round of talks, our envoys attacked China and their behavior. Very recently, His Holiness the Dalai Lama publicly announced that He is tired of China and hence giving up his middle path. I see these as a positive change in our approach to China. We have been at the receiving end till now and this trend is being changed. I have therefore, full faith in Sino-Tibetan dialogue if we have equal standing with them. We should make them realise that Tibetans are not going to keep mum or listen to whatever remarks they make. Realistically, whatever they are saying is LIE and people know this.
I beleive there is definitely a negotiated solution with Beijing. What other option/s do we have besides this? We just can’t simply change our strategy without any plan. We are talking about a nation, future of a nation, race, culture and civilization here. Those Tibetan/s who do not support the present stand of the TGiE should be bold enough to share their views and govt. too should receive their ideas positively. Tibetan all over the world should not label anyone if he/her opinion goes against the wishes of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Everyone should be given equal opportunity to say and hear. This is a great opportunity for us and specially for those Tibetan/s who do not support the present policy, to come forward and make their statement.
I value HHDL’s middle way approach if only the many Chinese I talked to (common people/students – not scholars that I don’t meet) don’t come off as arrogant and nationalistic whenever Tibet issue is raised despite the fact that they accept the problems with their own government. We are stressed to be more inclusive to benefit both sides. This holistic approach is hurting the nationalistic view that we should be holding. I have heard HHDL and other proponents say many Chinese scholars support Middle Way but where are they and why don’t they come out in support of TGIE position. I am just afraid as time passes such holistic approach will erode the nationalist sentiment we Tibetans should bear. As a result I am for Total Independence so that I don’t have to describe myself with fancy argument like ‘genuine autonomy with three regions of Tibet included…..’. I want to be able to say to any Chinese I meet that I am different from him/her because I speak/write a different language and that I have a different history, culture and religion. All the Chinese that I talked to have a mindset formed already from years of propaganda education they received in China but they will not give up those thoughts for someone not Chinese. AND I AM NOT GOING TO SAY I AM A CHINESE to get him to change his mind.
The question of our country deeply divided without or people. However thus far i haven’t fully made up my mind about which side i want to consider myself. The reality in many ways is conflicting with my greed for a full rangzen. It is tough choice but i believe in the voice of our people and until i fully make up my mind i want to be supportive of both sides.
I have always said that it is a grave mistake and futile to negotiate with “communist” Chinese and that we must wait till China become a true democracy. When that becomes a reality, then we can negotiate for “genuine” autonomy. Now H.H. the Dalai Lama himself appears to recognize that.
By the way, Yangki Gray (above) has used my exact words which I coined in my article, THE QUESTION OF AUTONOMY FOR TIBET. Thank you Yangki.
In my previous comment there was an inadvertent typographical error. Hereunder is the correct version:-
I have always said that it is a grave mistake and futile to negotiate with “communist” Chinese and that we must wait till China becomes a true democracy. When that becomes a reality, then we can negotiate with them for “genuine” autonomy for all of ethnic Tibet. Now in his latest statements, H.H. the Dalai Lama appears to recognize that.
By the way, Yangki Gray (above) has used my exact words which I coined in my article, THE QUESTION OF AUTONOMY FOR TIBET. Thank you, Yangki, for quoting me and for agreeing with me.
THE QUESTION OF AUTONOMY FOR TIBET
by Tsoltim Ngima Shakabpa
Some Tibetans are asking for autonomy for Tibet from Communist China while many Tibetans, especially the young who are the future of Tibet, are struggling for total independence. Why would some Tibetans ask for considerably less freedom than those of us in exile currently enjoy? Why would some Tibetans seek an agreement that denies us the right to manage our own foreign and military affairs, travel freely anywhere in the world and freely voice our opinion of political leaders? Under the sovereignty of an autocratic communist regime we certainly wouldn’t have those rights. What use is autonomy under Communist China if it means denying the intrinsic values we cherish?
By asking the communists for an official agreement to have autonomous status for Tibet, we will be surrendering to marxists and atheists many of the rights we are now entitled to and locking ourselves into a constricted and precarious situation from which we cannot withdraw.
If we enter into an official agreement on autonomy under the sovereignty of a tyrannical communist regime some of the restrictions, including firm restrictions on all foreign and military affairs, we will face are:
1. Practice of Tibetan religion, culture and traditions within “autonomous” Tibet will be under strict Chinese scrutiny.
2. Promotion of Tibetan culture, religion and traditions abroad will either be prohibited or restricted as it concerns foreign affairs.
3. Restrictions on all foreign travel.
4. If ever the Dalai Lama is allowed to travel abroad, he will be
accompanied by Chinese agents, who will dictate what he may say or do.
5. Tibetans will have to carry Chinese passports when traveling abroad.
6. Tibet can never be represented in any international body or agency as it concerns foreign affairs.
7. Foreign investments in Tibet will be controlled by China as it concerns foreign affairs.
8. China will have the authority to impound or export from Tibet any valuable Tibetan resources as they can claim it affects Tibet’s foreign welfare and affairs.
9. China will have full control over the flow of the Drichu and Machu Rivers in Tibet as China will claim they affect the Yangtse and Huang Ho Rivers in China since the Drichu becomes the Yangtse in China and the Machu becomes the Huang Ho in China. Any such activity will gravely affect the Tibetan ecological and environmental system.
10. Tibetans, within Tibet, will never be permitted to record for history all the misdeeds that China inflicted upon Tibet.
11. Tibetans will never be permitted to claim restitution from China for all the misdeeds (killings and torture) inflicted upon them.
12. China will never agree to having the whole of ethnic Tibet under one Tibetan administration. Thus autonomous Tibet will simply be a
miniscule semblance of what independent Tibet was.
13. The Chinese will always deceptively impose their own puppets on a Tibetan administration under an agreement for autonomy.
14. Tibetans will never be allowed to raise their national flag.
15. China would be free to continue flooding autonomous Tibet with Han Chinese as they would be the sovereign rulers.
The above are just a few of the restrictions Tibetans will face if an agreement on autonomy is signed. Additionally, the Chinese will insist that one of the pre-conditions to signing such an agreement be that the Tibetans admit that Tibet has historically been a part of China, which, has never been a fact. And, furthermore, who is to say that the Communist Chinese will not tighten the noose around the necks of the Tibetans as they did after the first signing of an agreement on autonomy in 1951, which they themselves dictated?
Even if Tibet ever realizes autonomy under the sovereignty of Communist China, Tibetans will never truly trust the situation. Tibetans will set one foot outside Tibet and the other foot in Tibet. And unlike Hong Kong, which is mostly made up of Chinese, Tibetans will never completely assimilate with the Han race because of the Han’s superiority complex nor accept a communist regime as their ideologies differ completely.
The Tibetan Government-in Exile’s chief envoy in his negotiations with China proclaims “we must not look at the past” in order to avoid upsetting the Chinese with the touchy subject of our history of independence. But the very intrinsic values of Buddhism teach us that our future depends upon our past. The past is what makes us Tibetans and the past is what will make the future. Even the Dalai Lama’s own elder brother, the honorable Taktser Rimpoche, despite his age and physical disability, is valiantly fighting for independence, not for autonomy. My own late father, the historian, statesman and former Finance Minister of independent Tibet, Tsepon Wangchuk Deden Shakabpa, steadfastly stood for an independent Tibet all his life.
With autonomy under the sovereignty of Communist China, Tibetans will go the way of American Indians with even far less freedom. For real freedom, the only option is to continue the struggle to regain Tibet’s independence or have an agreement for genuine autonomy with a truly democratic state. The fall of empires through the ages, as well as the fall of the Spanish
and British Empires, the Nazi Rule and the Soviet Union is proof that impermanence is the constant in nature. Dictatorships in Burma, Kenya and Zimbabwe may yet fall. Therefore, the Chinese tyranny and power over Tibet and its other colonies will too one day soon come to an end. Just like India, the Philippines, many African nations and eastern European countries, one day Tibet too will be free and independent if Tibetans continue their struggle for freedom no matter how long it takes.
Why would the Tibetan Government-in-Exile sign “another” agreement on autonomy with Communist China when under communism China has already flagrantly reneged on the 17 Point Agreement of 1951, which they themselves dictated? An agreement is like a “paper tiger” to communists. They feel they can easily tear it up when and if it doesn’t suit them and use it in a predatory manner when it does.
Further, communists believe that religion is poison, as Mao himself told the Dalai Lama, while Buddhism is a sacred religion to Tibetans. Also, since communists believe that religion is poison, they logically believe that the religious head of an institution is “lethal” poison, which the Tibetans can never accept because to Tibetans the Dalai Lama is not only the supreme head of their religious institution but also the reincarnation and emanation of the God of Compassion.
Moreover, communism is fraught with dictatorship and totalitarianism while Tibetans fervently believe in democracy.
I firmly oppose any gesture or effort to enter into an agreement with communists for autonomy for Tibet, in this case with Communist China.
Communism is faltering and failing worldwide. Millions of Chinese who have fled their own country are clamoring for democracy in China. Chinese intellectuals and students within China are demanding democracy. The silent majority in China is wishing for democracy. There is a growing split between the hardliners and pragmatic progressives within the Communist Party in China. The country is no longer ruled by one man. She is ruled by consensus within the Communist party and every day the liberals within the party are gaining strength. Finally, China will have to embrace democracy if she is to be accepted within the ranks of nations that uphold human rights and if she is to compete fairly with its equally populous neighbor, India, which is rapidly progressing economically within a free and democratic environment.
Having said the above and as a Tibetan who longs to return to a free Tibet, it is my secondary hope and prayer that our hardline position to gain complete independence for Tibet will strengthen His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s hand to achieve “genuine” autonomy for Tibet under a single, democratically-elected Tibetan administration over the whole of ethnic Tibet within the framework of a truly democratic China. Treaded carefully and calculatingly, this may well be a stepping stone to total independence.
We must ignite the flames of freedom and follow the star of Tibet to seek the fountain of bliss.
Long live His Holiness the Dalai Lama!
WHAT HATH COMMUNIST CHINA WROUGHT?
The Potala, the seat of the mighty Dalai Lamas,
Is just a tourist attraction now
The Jokhang, the holiest place in Tibet,
Is a mere travesty now
The three great monasteries
Have just symbolic monks now
The sacred ancient relics
Are sold in international antique markets now
In their own country
Tibetans are second class citizens now
The voices of freedom
Are smothered now
The once happy people of Tibet
Are in tears now
The quaint old streets of Lhasa
Are filled with bars and Chinese prostitutes now
The elegant wild animals
Are going extinct now
The majestic snow-capped mountains
Are melting now
The crystal blue lakes
Are filled with atomic waste now
The pristine environment
Is completely polluted now
Lhasa, God’s earth,
Is the devil’s paradise now
What hath Communist China brought?
Only pain and destruction
What hath Marxist China wrought?
Only strain and abduction
What hath atheist China sought?
Only reign and seduction
Copyright: Tsoltim N. Shakabpa – 2008
=======================================================
5. The Issue of Autonomy for Tibet
————————————————————————
By Tsoltim Ngima Shakabpa
WTN
October 25, 2008
I support His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s call for genuine autonomy for Tibet. But I support it only if it is within the realm of a truly democratic China, not under the sovereignty of a communist China. And I support it only if we are stand on our principles and not on the pretext of joining China’s economic boom as that would enslave us under their monetary power.
Why? Because China, under communism, has already flagrantly reneged on an autonomous agreement signed in 1951, which they themselves dictated – clearly proving that to communists an agreement is meant to be broken, not to be kept. An agreement is like a “paper tiger” to communists. They feel they can easily tear it up when and if it doesn’t suit them and use it in a predatory manner when it does.
Further, communists believe that religion is poison, as Mao himself told the Dalai Lama, while Buddhism is a sacred religion to Tibetans. Also, since communists believe that religion is poison, they logically believe that the religious head of an institution is “lethal” poison, which the Tibetans can never accept because to Tibetans the Dalai Lama is not only the supreme head of their religious institution but also the reincarnation and emanation of the God of Compassion.
Moreover, communism is fraught with dictatorship and totalitarianism while Tibetans fervently believe in democracy. And if we seek autonomy only for their economic power, we will always be slave to their monetary power – meaning, we will only be working for a boss.
Finally, I believe that with a genuine autonomous status within the realm of a truly democratic China, Tibet has a good chance of regaining her independence rather than under the tyrannical sovereignty of a communist regime.
****************************************************************
I just noticed one can vote more the ones. And although this poll is just for Tibetans, it seems anyone can non-Tibetan can freely take the poll. I am concerned that this poll could be used as a political toll for CCP’s to flood.
Is there a way to make this poll accessible only to Tibetans and individuals only able to vote ones?
Please try to sort this issue out.
Thank you.
Dear Dawa
I am sorry it is not possible restrict non-Tibetans from taking part in this blog. You are right, it could be possible for outsiders to manipulate the results.
At the end of the poll I will try to check from what IPs and countries people came from. This will give us some indication about the origin of the voters and will be part of the analysis.
Wangpo
We Tibetans should try to promote both freedom for Tibet and democracy in China. This way, when China becomes a true democracy, she will take a sympathetic view of our condition.
I think Dawa la has brought up a valid point. Wangpo la, I am failing to see how you will be able to discern between Tibetans and non-Tibetans given just the IPs and countries. I hope you don’t take this criticism of your methodology as a discouragement, I really think this poll is a great idea. But in an attempt to promote credibility of your findings and decrease the influence of confounding factors in your results, I think it might be a good idea to redesign this poll in a way that you can control as many variables as possible. Maybe you can use a different polling site that allows you to invite people. Once you have that established all you have to do is search for Tenzin on facebook, or Hi5. And then ask the Tibetans who take the poll to invite other Tibetans (as you have done now).
Also I am having a slight discomfort with question 7.
“Provided there is no change of the Middle Path, what should the Tibetan Exile Government change?”
One of the possible option is
More activities in Tibet.
What activities are you referring to? I feel this is a bit too ambiguous, If you are referring to the political protests that took place all over Tibet in March, then the way you have worded the option starting with the word “MORE” is misleading and fallacious because it seems to suggest that the TGIE masterminded these activities, and we all know that is not true.
Thanks for listening to my comments.
from my piont of view it is right time to think about our on going policy.
Dorjela, your first point is a valid one and your suggestions with regard to Hi5 and facebook are along the ways I try to solve this issue. (By the way: I am not a tech guy.) If you could help me to invite Tenzin/Tsering/Gyatso/Dawa/Dicky/etc. would be great. I am the next few days very busy. Need help!
Question 7: Is it really misleading or insinuating that TGIE is involved in March 2008 uprising/activities? It basically suggests that TGIE was involved in some activities in Tibet – which is true – and what about having more of these and other activities in Tibet.
tibet has to be free and we need our independence.. communist shud be outa ftibet.. we bin waitin peacefully all these times.. time fo the chinese to get outa tibet and let tibeteans rule for ourselves.
i believe we need a third party involvement in ‘Sino-Tibetan Dialogue’ preferably international body .somebody who can witness the outcome in impartial manner and also help us guard against probable deception as well.
I totally agree with the Dalai Lama cause..an autonumous region.As we know the China communist is getting more powerful and we cant fight both physically and mentally eventhough we are truth and honest.The world is become politics so according to this point we have to deal and attack.Let us “Tibetan”first get into Tibet then we will push and kick out all the Chinese even if it takes a dacade. Long live the Dalai Lama and Tibet will be Free
I beleive the issue of Tibet has to be solved during present Dalai Lama’s tenure under any circumstance. I see no chance in resolving our issue afterward, considering the lack of internal cohesiveness among we tsampa-eaters.
I think autonomy makes sense to Chinese only if we offer certain portion of land to Chinese. Only then it is ‘middle way’ which is beneficial to both sides. Time is more important to us than land. Tibet was least populous country on Earth and China is facing problem with over-population. In this way, we get complete independence as well as preservation of Tibetan identity.
I think if we can settle with CCP with such condition, we Tibetans can unite and start building a NATION under leadership of present His Holiness The Dalai Lama.
Bhod Gyalo!!!
‘independant tibet’ is indeed our dream but it does seem to me quite impractical asking for whole. when in reality, the next person is not even interested in common share or long term mutual benefits. however, with a clear understanding of our current situation and within the very framework of ‘middle way policy’ .i feel our immediate task is to work on appropriate strategic lay out at personal level as to begin with.
Hi Wangpo la,
are you planning to send the poll results to TGIE?
Sure, the results of the poll are public and I will send these to the TGIE, additionally information about the IPs, etc. if they are interested in.
W.
Dear Lord Dragon:
Our boys (envoys) have left to the land of the dragon to talk the talk but you want to take them for a tour to some minority joint. Enough of tours. Please no more merry-go-round; no more Micky Mouse talk; no more monkey business. We love you uncle Chin but your tactics are a little too hard for us to swallow. Let’s talk the talk.
Snow lion (Ajo Che)
Hello Wangpo la,
I am very glad to receive a copy of your article on the issue of Tibet and the website from a mutual friend. If I am not mistaken you are calling for a change in the direction or policy and has suggested self-determination for the Tibetans as the next or new policy for our struggle for freedom. As for me, I do not see the need for a new approach or policy as I still believe in the Middle Path Approach policy as the best way to reach for a mutually acceptable solution to the future status of Tibet and the Tibetans with China.
However due to the Chinese government’s unwillingness and lack of sincerity for a negotiated solution of the issue through dialogue and open discussion as well as the on going brutal suppression of the Tibetan people’s peaceful demonstration during the past several months, the Tibetans are compelled to review their stand and perhaps look for another alternative. I would therefore suggest that we go for the Truth Insistence (Dhenpey Utsug in Tibetan) for this is all encompassing, something which every Tibetan can understand and easily associate through their culture and belief. The reason behind my suggestion for Truth Insistence is that it is all encompassing because it does not specify any particular goal as Middle Path Approach, Serf-Determination and/or Independence for we are fighting for the Truth. The Truth of the matter is that Tibet has become an occupied country since her invasion by Chinese communist troops in l950. The Tibetans are denied of every freedom you name it and are now facing the real danger of extinction as a nation and people with totally different cultural back ground from that of the Han Chinese and other ethnic groups under China today. We are being marginalized and becoming an insignificant minority brutally suppressed with a huge number of Chinese army and armed police as well as secret agents in our own country.
Our approach for a negotiated settlement of the issue of Tibet with China through dialogue in a civilized manner seem to have come to a dead end in spite of several meetings between the envoys of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Beijing. His Holiness the Dalai Lama has expressed his frustration and helplessness under the present circumstances and has asked for opinions from the Tibetan populace with a call for a Special General Meeting of the Tibetan exile community taking place next month in Dharamsala. I am sure the Tibetans attending the meeting, high and low, young and old, men and women as well as monks and laymen every one, will have an extensive discussion and deliberation on this very important issue and come out with a concrete proposal for the future course of the Tibetan movement keeping in mind the current urgent situation in Tibet.
The situation of the Tibetans in Tibet has always been critical ever since her invasion by the Chinese communist army in l950. Only the urgency of the matter has been fluctuating depending on the harshness of the policy of the Chinese authorities ruling over the Tibetans in Tibet. The current urgent situation is nothing new and will not go away with a simple wave of international criticism or temporary cessation of the passive and non-violent resistance by the Tibetans in Tibet and China’s less than half hearted meetings with the envoys of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The problem is much deeper and it has been simmering for the past 68 years. For all these years of occupation, the Chinese government has not found even a single Tibetan they can truly trust in Tibet. The Tibetans in Tibet will continue their peaceful and non-violent fight for Truth and Justice unless and until the government of China comes to its sense and address the issue fairly and justly. The new generation of Tibetans, who grew up under the so called and much acclaimed benevolent leadership of the Chinese Communist Party, proved this amply with wide spread display of frustration and dissatisfaction against Beijing’s repressive policy in Tibet through non-violent demonstration and public out cry since March 10th this year. The other significant feature of the Tibetan non-violent Up Rising of this year was its simultaneousness and spontaneity all over Tibet from west to east without any central planning or coordination. This should have given a good message to the Chinese government and the communist party leadership of the failure and bankruptcy of their policy in Tibet if they are wise enough.
Incidentally a Chinese government spokesperson has expressed Beijing’s desire to sit down and talk some time soon. But we can still see that nothing has really changed as the spokesperson insists that the Dalai Lama’s representatives should be prepared to fulfill Beijing’s demands. We can imagine the out come of such a talk even before it began and Beijing is doing this only to deflect any international pressure and criticism of her policy in Tibet while the Chinese authorities in Tibet can continue with their final stage of work of colonizing Tibet by pouring in thousands of Chinese settlers everyday through the newly constructed railway line from Beijing to Lhasa as well as the network of roads from China to Tibet and by air. This demographic invasion of Tibet with millions of Chinese settlers on Tibetan soil is the most dangerous and could be the final nail to the coffin of the death of Tibet and the Tibetan people’s separate and distinct identity.
So the task at hand for the future movement of the Tibetan struggle is how to prevent the influx of Chinese civilian settlers and China’s economic plunder of Tibet through international tourism and extensive mining of Tibet’s precious natural resources including its forestry and water with collaboration of foreign investors. The talks between the envoys of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Beijing can and must go on with or without any tangible out come but we cannot allow the demographic invasion of Tibet, economic exploitation of the international tourist trade and plunder of her natural resources to go unabated.
So I hope the Special General Meeting of the Tibetans in November will come out with a well thought out plan for the future of our movement which can be embraced by all the Tibetans and follow it through till the end result of achieving true happiness for the Tibetans in Tibet and the safety of their identity as Tibetans fully guaranteed and safe guarded. This could very well mean further intensification of the on going Tibetan struggle both in side Tibet and out in exile calling for much more sufferings and sacrifices from the Tibetans. I believe the Tibetans in side Tibet are ready for any eventuality and I hope we in exile are ready too while strictly remaining within the means of non-violence.
Long live His Holiness the Dalai Lama and
Bod Gyallo.
Wangchuk Tsering (Jamyangkyil)
First, I would like to thank Wangpo la for creating this website discussion forum on special meeting.
We should discuss means and way to achieve our goal, to do so we need some change in our system and understanding. One clear example of lack of understanding is the composition of the people who are going to attend forth-coming special meeting and fact that this special meeting, conducted by our parliament, which have not been in touch with grassroots Tibetan people’s movement. However, I do really hope that there will be constructive discussions and will take serious consideration of views from inside Tibet. I also hope some of our expert, campaigner and activist will attend the meeting although only 25 seats were allocation to them.
weather we choose his holiness middle way approach or independence or autonomy or whatever.
i think nothing going to change.
if we all want a change and china to engage dialogue, then we all have to act more, what we been doing past 40 some years is not working for sure. we need to do such thing which has a direct interaction with china. for example peace march to tibet. i think this very important factor(direct interaction) is missing in our struggle. so i think thinking about this factor and bringing and gaethering creative ideas is good idea.
otherwise the way we are, even if we ask chinese govt only half of TAR. i dont think they will engage dialogue with us.
peace march of 2000 tibetans to tibet every year will surely give a result.
wangpola thank you for your intiative,
everyone here if i have spoken something stupid and silly. am sorry and just ignore
boegyalo soon
I think many Tibetans have miss-conception or maybe not well educated about the middle way policy. At this moment middle way policy is very realistic. If we want independences then I think we should all work for it, rather than paying lip service. We need to take the course of Tibet seriously, it’s been too long of a wait. United we stand, divided we fall!!
I’m not Tibetan, so its difficult to be able to say, but since the Olympic games, the oppression has become worse in Tibet. I don’t know what can be done. If international governments actually were truly interested in freedom of speech, they would have done much more for Tibet, but as usual, the economy overrides freedom of speech today sadly.
Hello Wangpo la, I will attempt to give some response to your concern that Dhenpay Ustug being open ended without defining future status we seek for Tibet. Dhepay Utsug or Thabtsoe by it self is open ended for in lay man’s term we are seeking justice for the wrong committed against Tibet and the Tibetans by China. This is similar to seeking the Promised Land by late Dr.Martin Luther King for the years of social injustice being committed against the colored people by the white in his country. Dr King lead his people and fought for his people and we saw the fruiet of his struggle in the form of a color man being elected the President of the United States of America which was unthinkable even some years ago.
On the other hand we as Tibetans are facing death today. Death from the eminent danger of being submerged under the monstrous flood of Chinese migrant settlers all over Tibet. So the task at hand for those attending the Special Meeting of Tibetans is work united and find out the ways and means of saving Tibet from this danger and not the future status of Tibet. I hope every one attending the meeting will pay attention to the wise advice given by His Holiness the Dalai Lama in his special message.
Wangchuk Tsering
yes middle way policy is very realistic and will work only chinese govt act. but they are not, will not. cause there is no pressure at all from tibetans from exile. may be middle way approach with activism engaged direct to china will work.
time to intensify our activism. if we want middle way approach to work we all need to work for it. no lip service only will not work.
Regardless of outcome of the meeting, which I don’t think something concrete will come out, we really need to do some groundworks inside Tibet itself instead of empty rhetorics. Let face the fact, we have been promoting the issue internationally and many thought that this method would bring the desired result. However, we did not achieve anything. In fact, in the current hostile international environment, it seems there is a great odd infront of us to overcome. When, who knows? At least, we should help educating our own people inside Tibet through any means. Since many of Tibetan had at least one sponsor and we know how that served us well. This is the real change we can bring to our freedom struggle and definitely it will further strengthen our struggle. At the same time, we have to keep on the activities we have been doing until now. In the meanwhile, we need to explore many other alternatives and ways. At center of all this, it is depend on our own determination and high quality education. The more educated a person is, the more power is there either interllectual or exploring possibilities or improving one’s own communities both inside and outside Tibet. In the mean time, stop pointing fingers at each other, u-melam or rangzen because both will end at the same deadlock, which umeu-lam already demonstrated. Therefore, pointing fingers will only increase unnecessary split in our own society. Another important thing is, do more research and avoid or at least stop believing in rumors. I am kind of tired when a friend or other telling this and that spy or eating money from here and there. Be vigilant, Chinese government and their apologists are very good at promoting rumours and manipulating situation, which result in suspecting between ourselves which is not healthy. We need to stop habit of rumors and gossip. Last but not the least,shed the freaking mentality of or sangjor. Or Khampa or amdo or utsang, or any of the religous sects. I am kind of surprised to find my own friends also have such unprogressive manner even got an education and delcaring themselves being educated. Also, don’t think struggling for Tibet’s freedom is burden, rahter a responsibility one has to undertake.
Bhod Rang Zen
Tsenpo
“Independence as Tibet’s Only Option: Why the ‘Middle Path’ is a Dead End”
By e-mail[Thursday, January 25, 2007 10:14]
By Ketsun Lobsang Dondup
“Independence may be 80 or 90% impossible, but autonomy is 100% impossible. That is why we must work for independence, and be ready for our opportunity when it comes.”(Anonymous Tibetan source, 2006)
“We are a small, religious, and independent nation. To keep up with the rest of the world, we must defend our country. In view of past invasions by foreigners, our people may have to face certain difficulties, which they must disregard. To safeguard and maintain the independence of our country, one and all should voluntarily work hard.” (Proclamation issued by His Holiness the 13th Dalai Lama, 1913)
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Chinese officials often exhort critics of China’s rule in Tibet to “go to Tibet to see for yourself.” The ironic consequence of my own extended visit to Tibet is that it has given me new insights into why independence, no matter how daunting it may currently seem, is the only viable option for Tibet. I come to this view not from the many historical and legal arguments for Tibetan independence, which are of academic concern, quite literally, and which may be debated endlessly with little practical effect. Rather, I base my beliefs in observations and conversations about (i) the uncompromising nature of Chinese control over Tibet, (ii) the negative consequences of the Tibetan government-in-exile’s policy of giving concessions in the hope that Beijing will be placated into starting autonomy negotiations, (iii) the slow destruction of Tibet under Chinese rule, and (iv) the necessity, legitimacy, and practicality of working for independence.
READ FURTHER AT: http://www.phayul.com/news/article.aspx?article=%E2%80%9CIndependence+as+Tibet%E2%80%99s+Only+Option%3A+Why+the+%E2%80%98Middle+Path%E2%80%99+is+a+Dead+End%E2%80%9D&id=15428
Whatever is servived of Tibet today is all because of His Holinesss’ lifelong tireless efforts ALONE, the rest just pray, hope and wait for someone else to do Tibet’s freedom struggle for them. 50 years of life in exile has spoiled Tibetans of dependency on others from basic needs to child sponsor to fighting for Tibet’s own freedom. China exactly knows the exile Tibetan’s capabilities and thats why they don’t budge a bit. Without a real serious -serious action plan for Tibet’s future course soon, and without majority of the masses’ active, consistent, and sustainable involvement in the struggle, china won’t budge whether Tibetans support a billion times for Rangzen or middleway, with the current way of passive occational meeting here, a demonstration there, a candle light vigil here, a routine hunger strike somewhere else or a belated, weak substansed, ineffective press release here or there. No time to dilly dally and dependency for Bhod-dhon Thab-tsod.