THE PROBLEM OF TIBET

THE DALAI LAMA

We seek a solution which is acceptable and beneficial to both China and Tibet.

FOR CENTURIES THE Tibetan and Chinese people have lived as neighbours. In the future, also, we will have no alternative but to live as neighbours.

Based on my belief that the only way to achieve our goal is through dialogue and peaceful human contact, I have, over the last fifteen years, tried to engage with the Chinese government in serious negotiations on the future status of Tibet. Tibet has been an independent country for over a thousand years, and I believe that the Tibetan people do have the right to choose independence. However, it is also a political reality that Tibet is now tinder Chinese rule.

Therefore, in order to find a mutually acceptable solution, I have tried a "middle way". My approach is also in response to Mr Deng Xiaoping's message that "anything except independence can be discussed". Accordingly, over the last fifteen years, six official delegations were sent to China and Tibet, and my personal envoy visited China at least ten times. I also made several proposals to the Chinese government. These proposals were announced at prestigious international forums to show my seriousness and sincerity.

What I have been trying to do is merely to preserve Tibet's cultural and national identity, and to find a fair solution to our problem, one which is mutually acceptable and beneficial to both Tibet and China.T

THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT'S lack of respect for Tibet's culture, religion and tradition; its denial of true autonomy for Tibet; its propaganda efforts to portray Tibet as the "most barbarous, most backward, the darkest" region in the world; and its high-handed repression in Tibet - all these have contributed to the alienation of millions of Tibetans. The Chinese government's actions have aroused resentment among Tibetans, who see them as chauvinistic and colonialistic, and it is fair to say that Chinese government policy is actually splitting Tibet from China. Take the recent controversy over the announcement of the Panchen Lama's reincarnation as an example. The notion of "reincarnation" is completely alien and absurd to an atheistic communist government. On the other hand, it is the fundamental cornerstone of Tibetan Buddhism. Now, a communist government is telling us whom to choose and who has the right to approve the choice. This illustrates total disrespect for the traditions and customs of the Tibetan people.

Tibet became an international issue after China's invasion of the country, and again after China crushed the 1959 Tibetan uprising, after which over 100,000 Tibetans fled and became refugees all over the world. Instead of trying to further internationalize the issue, I tried from 1978 to 1987 to resolve it by negotiating exclusively with the Chinese government, without any international involvement. Unfortunately, my efforts were ignored.

Over the last two years, China has set a pre-condition for negotiations which demands that I not only abandon Tibetan independence but also recognize that Tibet has historically always been part of China. Our history shows, however, that Tibet was an independent country and was not a part of China. The Chinese government may have a different interpretation of history, but forcing us to recognize their interpretation is not going to lead us anywhere. Therefore I propose that we reserve our different interpretations of history and look instead to the future.

As the world is preparing to enter the twenty-first century, China is at a critical juncture. It is rapidly becoming an economic as well as a political and military power. At the same time, Chinese society is undergoing profound changes, and the leadership is facing a generational change. Freedom, democracy, equality and human rights will sooner or later be demanded by its people. A transformation from the current totalitarian regime into a more open, democratic one is inevitable; the only question is how and when, and whether it will be a smooth transition or a hard one.

A peace-loving, democratic, free China; a China which respects human rights; a prosperous, stable, pluralistic China; a China with a sense of security built on good relationships with neighbouring countries - such a future is in China's own best interests, not to mention the interests of Tibet, Asia, and the world at large.

While in transition from a totalitarian state to a more open, democratic society, China will inevitably have to face the Tibet problem. If the problem were solved properly, it would not only help China's own transition, it could also help bring Tibetans in to alliance with China's democratization process. If the issue were not properly solved, China's own transition could be in jeopardy. Resorting to force to suppress a peaceful movement in Tibet would only play into the hands of anti-democratic elements in Chinese society and strengthen their position, damaging China's own efforts to promote a smooth transition

Also, continuing the current harsh policy in Tibet will not only fail to solve the problem, it will further complicate the situation and make it even harder to solve. It will also aggravate the impatience of Tibetans, and bring the danger of violence that much closer. This is definitely not in the best interests of either China or Tibet.

For our part, we seek to solve the Tibet issue in a spirit of reconciliation, compromise and understanding. Solving the Tibet problem needs a soft landing, not a hard crash.

The Tibetan movement must remain firmly committed to non-violent, peaceful means, in all circumstances. We seek a sustainable relationship with China, based on mutual respect and mutual benefit. We seek a good, long-lasting relationship with China. If we choose to stay as part of one country, we should live together as true brothers and sisters, and if we choose to be separate, then we should become good neighbours.

China is a great country, with 5,000 years of civilization from which humankind has benefited enormously. As a world power which contributes to global peace, and safeguards human dignity, China will be greatly appreciated and admired by billions of people.

A world power that respects the rights of small nations is a truly powerful nation. A fair and peaceful resolution of the Tibet problem will ultimately be of benefit to China.

Finally, it is my strong belief and hope that, however small a nation Tibet might be, we can still contribute to the peace and prosperity of China. Decades of communist rule and the commercial activities of recent years, both driven by extreme materialism be it communist or capitalist, are destroying China's spiritual and moral values, creating a huge moral vacuum in Chinese society. In this situation, the Tibetan Buddhist culture and philosophy would be able to serve millions of Chinese in their search for spiritual values. After all, we should remember that Buddhism is not actually alien to China.

Extracts of a speech to the Chinese students in Boston. Reprinted from Tibetan Foundation Newsletter.

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