LET THE GAMES BEGIN

There are no winners in the recent protests in the East. Tashi Wangdi, representative of His Holiness, on Tibetan-Chinese relations

an interview by JESSICA CHU, special guest writer

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With only a few months before the Beijing Olympics, an outburst of protesting and unrest has erupted within Tibet, spreading not only awareness but also outrage throughout the world. But what many do not understand is the unique situation – culturally, politically, as well as historically – in which Tibet stands. In order to get a better grasp of the situation in Tibet before the Olympics propaganda fully explodes on both sides, here is an exclusive interview with Kasur Tashi Wangdi, former Kalon and current Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to the Americas.

Q: Considering the mass global world today, why do you believe the Chinese Government will not allow cultural autonomy in Tibet? What incentives are there for the Chinese Government to continue the cultural genocide in Tibet?

A: This question should really be addressed to the Chinese government. We are of the view that a solution on the basis of the middle way approach of His Holiness the Dalai Lama that is a meaningful autonomy within PRC will be a win-win situation for both sides and best guarantee for peace and stability in the region and within China.

Q: Since the “one country two systems” policy has been implemented in Hong Kong and has been offered to Taiwan, why does China continue to refuse the Dalai Lama’s request to have an autonomous Tibet? How does the relationship between China and Tibet differ from the relationship between China/Hong Kong and China/Taiwan?

A: The 17 Point Agreement signed on May 23, 1951 between the Tibetan Government and the new Communist Government in Beijing was very much a one country two system solution although the Tibet side to sign it under duress of military action. The Tibetan Government tried hard for nearly 10 years from 1951-1959 to implement this agreement without success. When the guarantees given this agreement were not respected popular resentment and opposition grew. His Holiness had no option but leave Tibet. If the terms and conditions of the agreement were implemented sincerely the situation would have been quite different.

Historically there will be differences between Tibet’s relations with China and that of Hong Kong and Taiwan. China now claims that Tibet became part of China in the 13th century during the time of Mongol Empire. Mongol Empire extended far beyond present day China and if this argument is to be carried to its logical conclusion it makes dangerous claim. In any case the relationship between the Tibetan Lama rulers and the Mongol Empires of the time were of a very special spiritual nature, what is normally described as a priest and patron relationship and not rule and rules. I am sure the relationship with Hong Kong and Taiwan will have its own special historical context.

Q: Although economic change drastically alters the nomadic lifestyle of traditional Tibetans, do the Tibetans currently living in Tibet appreciate and welcome the economic changes occurring as a result of China’s governmental influence? Have the economic changes brought with it higher standards of living?

A: Tibetans in Tibet need economic development assistance. Some aspects of traditional life style will change with material development. However under the so called Western Development Program which is being carried out now, Tibetans are becoming increasingly marginalized and are fast being reduced to a minority with influx of people from other provinces. This is creating more fear and resentment in the minds of the Tibetan people. Many of the development programs also don not take into account the fragile eco-system of Tibet.

Q: Reuters Magazine reported that violence has erupted in Tibet and that tensions between the growing Han population with the native Tibetans remain high. What plans does the Dalai Lama have to reduce these tensions and what has been the Chinese governments’ response?

A: The Dalai Lama has always advised Tibetans against any violence. Some years ago he warned the Tibetans that if the movement became violent he would abdicate his leadership responsibility. He has also consistently tried to find a mutually beneficial solution through direct dialogue. Unfortunately, there has not been a positive response from the successive leadership in Beijing and the short-sighted policies they are carrying out in Tibet are adding to more resentment, frustration, and opposition inside Tibet.

Q: How has the Chinese Government as well as the Tibetan people reacted to the 14th Dalai Lama’s new succession plan? Has popular support of the Dalai Lama decreased because of these ideas? What is your personal opinion regarding the Dalai Lama’s new plans and democratic ventures?

A: Firstly, there is nothing new in what His Holiness said about the selection process. He said some of these more than two, three decades ago. Secondly, he expressed these views strictly in accordance with practice of recognizing reincarnations in the context of Tibetan Buddhist tradition. Similar observations were made by the late Panchen Lama just before he passed away in 1989 during a visit to his monastery, Tashi Lhunpo, in Central Tibet and other high Lamas.