Accelerating modernization or unjust oppression? Chinese control of Tibet since Hu Yaobangs’ reforms in 1980
Dan Rawkins
‘ Tibet has embarked on a path from darkness to brightness, from backwardness to progress, from poverty to prosperity, from autocracy to democracy, and from being closed to being open ’ – Wang, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC). 1
Tibetan exile Janphel Yeshi, 27, is engulfed in flames after he sets himself on fire during a protest on March 26, 2012. 2
There is a stark polarization in sentiment regarding Chinese control over Tibet: many Han Chinese and CCP politicians feel that China has liberated Tibet from poverty and stagnation, whereas many Tibetans feel that China has shackled their autonomy and degraded their cultural identity. In the latter case, some feel so oppressed as to adopt a most extreme form of protest, self-immolation (as seen in the image above). The term ‘ quality of life ’ is highly subjective but, according to the Oxford Dictionary, is ‘the level of health, comfort and happiness that a particular person or group has’. 3 It is arguable that through China’s stimulation of economic growth and social improvements, living standards – in terms of incomes, healthcare and education – have improved in the region and thus the quality of life has increased. However, the term transcends quantifiable indicators and many Tibetans are indignant about the influx of Han migrants, as well as the erosion of their culture and lack of freedoms. Following the Chinese incursion in 1951, or as coined by the Chinese government ‘ peaceful liberation ’ , Tibet was
1 Jie 2021. 2 Memmot 2012. 3 Oxford Dictionary Definition. Quality of life.
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