China will wage an unceasing fight against separatism in its restive mountainous region of Tibet, President Xi Jinping said, as the government repeated it would never accept the genuine autonomy proposals of the Dalai Lama, exiled Tibetan spiritual leader.
This year marks several sensitive anniversaries for the remote region that China has ruled with an iron fist since 1950, when Communist troops marched in and took control in what Beijing calls a “peaceful liberation.”
It is 50 years since China established what it calls the Tibet Autonomous Region and also the 80th birthday of the Dalai Lama, who has lived in exile in India since fleeing Tibet in 1959 following an abortive uprising.
Against Tibetan independence
At a two-day conference this week of the senior leadership about Tibet, only the sixth ever held, Mr. Xi repeated the government’s standard opposition to Tibetan independence, saying he would fight an “an unswerving anti-separatism battle,” state media said in comments reported late on Tuesday.
“We should fight against separatist activities by the Dalai group,” Mr. Xi was quoted as saying.
The Dalai Lama has denied seeking independence, saying he only wants genuine autonomy for Tibet, something he calls the Middle Way and which Beijing believes is merely a smokescreen for independence, arguing Tibet already has real autonomy.
‘Wont accept Middle Way’
An accompanying commentary published by the United Front Work Department, which has led unsuccessful on-off talks with the Dalai Lama’s envoys, said the government had not accepted, and would never accept, the Middle Way.
The Middle Way seeks to cleave off one-quarter of China, as it would include historic parts of Tibet in neighbouring Chinese provinces, the commentary, carried on the department’s WeChat account, said.
“The so-called ‘Middle Way’ is in essence a splittist political demand,” it said.
‘Bid to stamp out Tibetan culture’
Activists said China had violently tried to stamp out religious freedom and culture in Tibet. China rejected the criticism, saying its rule had ended serfdom and brought development to a backward region.
Mr. Xi called for efforts to promote “patriotism among the Tibetan Buddhist circle and effectively manage monasteries in the long run, encouraging interpretations of religious doctrines that are compatible with a socialist society,” state media said.
There should also be more campaigns to promote ethnic unity and promote a sense “of belonging to the same Chinese nationality,” he added.
Heavy security hampers scrutiny
Tibet remains under heavy security, with visits by foreign media tightly restricted, making an independent assessment of the situation difficult.
