On the opposite end of the globe, it is March 11. In that respect, it is a special and historical day for Tibet and China. This is the 50th anniversary of Tibet’s failed uprising against Chinese rule. On top of that, it is the 50th anniversary in which His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama was forced into exile. The Dalai Lama lives in exile at India.
This is the time of year in which the issue of Tibet emerges once again. However, this may not be as major as it was in 2008. In 2008, the chaos had gotten to be pretty violent. But, there was major significance in regards to 2008. What was this significance? 2008 was the year of the Summer Olympics.
It would be hosted in Beijing, China. It is the capital of China. Having its fill of controversy, it would get chaotic for China. On top of that, it could have endangered the integrity of the Olympic Games. China was plagued with all sorts of issues. Many would use the Olympic Games to advance their own causes.
But, the Olympic Games have passed and will not happen again for another two years.
In preparation for the 50th anniversary, Nepal and China prepared. Nepal’s government increased border patrol. China had declared martial law on Tibet in preparation for the 50th anniversary.
China had to lock down its home turf as well. Paramilitary police armed to the teeth made sure to lockdown Tibetan monasteries. To avoid what happened last year, China’s government is definitely taking action. While police presence is high, it does not compare to the police presence during the Olympic torch relay.
Many protested across the world for Tibet’s freedom. Tibetans and pro-Tibet supporters took to the streets of New York City to protest China’s rule over Tibet. They would march through the streets through the Brooklyn Bridge and Time Square. Some Buddhist monks also joined in the protests.
51 year old Tashi Sharjang said: “We are hoping for the world to pay more attention to Tibet.”
The question is: Will the world do so?
To mark the anniversary, protests have taken across the world in North America, Asia, and Europe.
Finding out what is happening in Tibet during the time has proven difficult. Also in preparation, China has barred foreign journalists from entering Tibet. So far, journalists for France 24 have been detained by the Chinese authorities. In this respect, China is definitely prepared.
China’s government made sure to fire back at the Dalai Lama. Recently, the Dalai Lama accused China of making Tibet “Hell on Earth.” He explains that China is trying to destroy every aspect of Tibet. While the world is protesting for Tibet’s freedom, the Dalai Lama wants autonomy for Tibet.
However, China’s government said that the Dalai Lama is lying. Chinese President Hu Jintao said that control over Tibet will not be released. In a nutshell, this mirrors what happened back in 2008.
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