CHINA’S HISTORICAL LINKAGES WITH TIBET – A MYTH!

- Tibet has a history dating back more than two millennia
- Tibet has maintained sovereignty and independence over a large part of its territory
Kolkata : The relationship between China and Tibet has long been a subject of contention and debate. Chinese authorities claim a historical linkage to Tibet, suggesting that the region has been an integral part of China for centuries. However, a closer examination of historical facts, treaties, and the nature of political interactions between Tibet and its neighbours, especially China, tells a different story. Tibet has, for a considerable part of its history, maintained sovereignty and independence, with China’s claims largely being a product of more recent political interests. This article delves into the facts, figures, and treaties that debunk the myth of China’s historical right over Tibet.
Tibet’s Early History and Sovereignty
Tibet’s recorded history dates back over two millennia, marked by a strong sense of political and cultural identity. Tibet was an independent kingdom, ruled by kings who had complete control over its political affairs, long before any interaction with Chinese rulers. The Tibetan Empire (618-842 AD) flourished under kings such as Songtsen Gampo, who is credited with establishing Buddhism as the state religion and forging international ties through marriages and diplomacy. At the height of its power, the Tibetan Empire expanded into large parts of Central Asia, including territories that are now part of China. In fact, historical records indicate that Tibet and China often fought over territories along their border, and it was Tibet that sacked the Chinese capital, Chang’an (modern-day Xi’an), in 763 AD. These events are clear evidence of Tibet’s military might and independence from China.
Shifting Narrative of the Mongol and Manchu Dynasties
Chinese narratives often point to the Mongol and Manchu (Qing) dynasties as periods when Tibet was allegedly under Chinese suzerainty. However, this assertion falls short under careful scrutiny. During the Mongol Empire (13th century), both Tibet and China were subjugated by the Mongols under Genghis Khan and his successors. The Mongols established their rule over vast territories, including both China and Tibet, but this does not equate to Tibet being ruled by China. In fact, Tibet was granted autonomy under the Mongol rulers, with Mongol leaders recognizing the unique political and religious status of Tibet. Tibet’s relationship with the Mongols was more akin to a patron-priest relationship, with the Mongol rulers relying on Tibetan Buddhist leaders for spiritual guidance.
The Qing dynasty (1644-1912) is another period often cited by China as evidence of its control over Tibet. The Qing emperors did exert influence over Tibet, but this influence was often symbolic and fluctuated based on the political situation in China. For instance, when the Qing dynasty was weak, Tibet operated with complete autonomy, as it did during the 19th century when the Qing dynasty was in decline. The Tibetan government continued to manage its own affairs, including foreign relations and defense, without interference from China.
Treaties and International Recognition of Tibetan Sovereignty
The most significant evidence of Tibet’s independence comes from various treaties and international recognition, particularly during the early 20th century.
Treaty of Lhasa (1904) : In 1904, British forces, led by Colonel Francis Younghusband, entered Tibet and forced the signing of the Treaty of Lhasa. Notably, China was not a signatory to this treaty, indicating that Tibet was considered a sovereign entity capable of negotiating directly with foreign powers without Chinese involvement.
Simla Convention (1914) : One of the most crucial moments in modern Tibet history is the Simla Convention, held in 1914 between Tibet, British India, and Chine During this convention, Tibet was represented as an independent nation. The Chinese representative, Ivan Chen, initially signed the Simla Convention, which demarcated Tibet borders with India. However, China later refused to ratify the agreement, not because denied Tibet’s independence, but due to disputes over territorial lines. The very fact that China had to negotiate with Tibet as a separate entity undermines China’s claim t historical sovereignty over Tibet.
Tibet’s International Relations : Tibet maintained its own foreign relations during the early 20th century. Tibet sent delegations to international conferences, such as the Asian Relations Conference in 1947, held in New Delhi, and participated in international forums as an independent state. Tibet also issued its own currency, postage stamps, arid passports, further asserting its status as a sovereign nation.
China’s Invasion and Illegal Occupation (1950-1951) : The People’s Republic of China’s claim over Tibet took a dramatic turn in the mids 20th century when Chinese forces invaded Tibet in 1950. The invasion led to the signing of the ‘Seventeen-Point Agreement’ in 1951, under duress, which purportedly affirmed Tibet’s status as part of China. However, the Tibetan government, led by the Dalai Lama, has consistently rejected this agreement, stating that it was signed under military pressure and is therefore invalid.
International law supports Tibet’s rejection of this agreement. According to the principle of ‘uti possidetis juris’, the borders of newly independent states should be based on their pre-existing boundaries. At the time of the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, Tibet had a functioning government, borders, and maintained foreign relations, all the hallmarks of an independent state. China’s invasion and subsequent incorporation of Tibet into its territory violated this principle and international norms regarding sovereignty.
The Myth of Chinese Liberation and Development : China’s official narrative often claims that it “liberated” Tibet from feudalism and brought modernization to the region. However, this is a deeply flawed and misleading argument. Before the Chinese invasion, Tibet was a relatively isolated society, but it had a functioning government, legal system, and economy based on agriculture and trade with neighbouring countries. While Tibetan society did have elements of a feudal system, it was in the process of reforming itself. The invasion disrupted these internal reforms, imposing Chinese communist ideology and policies on a people with a distinctly different cultural, religious, and political system.
Moreover, the so-called “development” brought by China has come at a tremendous cost to the Tibetan people. Since the occupation, Tibet has suffered widespread human rights abuses, including religious repression, forced assimilation, arıd environmental degradation. The destruction of monasteries, the suppression of Tibetan language and culture, and the mass migration of Han Chinese into Tibet have all contributed to the erosion of Tibet’s unique identity.