Tibetan independence movement

The Tibetan independence movement is a political effort to change the status of Tibet. Its main goal is to reverse the 1950 annexation by the People's Republic of China. Supporters want to separate Greater Tibet from China to make it an independent nation.

Much of this leadership comes from the Tibetan diaspora. These are people living outside Tibet in places like India and the United States. Celebrities and Tibetan Buddhists in Europe also provide support. The Central Tibetan Administration serves as a government-in-exile. It is based in Dharamshala, India.

History shows that Tibet has been influenced by many different empires. In 1246, the region was incorporated into the Mongol Empire. This happened after a leader of the Sakya sect surrendered to the Mongols. Tibet remained under the administrative rule of the Yuan dynasty until the 1360s. Later, the Ming dynasty took control and granted Tibet more autonomy. By the 16th century, Ming influence declined significantly. This allowed Tibet to become de facto independent, meaning it ruled itself in practice.

In 1720, the Qing dynasty began its rule over Tibet. The Qing army entered the region to defeat the invading Dzungar Khanate. The Chinese emperor then assigned religious leaders to manage political and religious matters. The Dalai Lama led the area around Lhasa. The Panchen Lama led the Shigatse Prefecture. The Qing dynasty also sent resident commissioners, called Ambans, to Lhasa. In 1750, Tibetan factions rebelled and killed these commissioners. The Qing army returned to defeat the rebels and kept about 2,000 soldiers in Tibet.

The early 20th century brought new conflicts involving foreign powers. In 1904, the British Empire launched an expedition into Tibet. This invasion resulted in the capture of Lhasa. The 13th Dalai Lama was forced to flee to the countryside. Following this, the British signed treaties that ensured Tibet remained under Chinese control. These agreements recognized Chinese suzerainty, which is a form of authority or control. In 1910, the Qing government claimed direct rule. The 13th Dalai Lama fled to British India. When he returned, he declared Tibetan independence in 1912.

After the 1911 Revolution, the Republic of China claimed Tibet. However, civil wars and World War I made it difficult to enforce this. The 13th Dalai Lama's government controlled parts of Tibet, such as Ü-Tsang and western Kham. Other areas, like eastern Kham and Amdo, were controlled by different Chinese warlords. In 1950, the People's Liberation Army invaded Tibet. This led to the Seventeen Point Agreement in 1951. This treaty established a joint administration between the central Chinese government and the Tibetan government.

Changes in land policy led to further unrest in the 1950s. The Chinese government claimed many Tibetans were serfs, or people bound to land owned by others. Land reforms were implemented in eastern Kham and Amdo. This caused a rebellion in June 1956 that eventually spread to Lhasa. By 1959, the rebellion was crushed by the military. The 14th Dalai Lama and other leaders had to flee to India. During the 1960s, the United States' Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) provided support to the movement. They trained Tibetan paramilitaries and provided funds and weapons.

The level of international support changed due to global politics. The CIA's involvement in Tibet ended in the early 1970s. This occurred after President Richard Nixon visited Communist China to seek rapprochement, or a new relationship. The 14th Dalai Lama has since changed his political stance. He no longer seeks full independence through the same methods. Instead, he supports what is called the "Middle Way Approach." This movement remains a significant part of international discussions regarding Tibetan rights and identity.