China showcases 50 years of hold on Tibet with big parade

Even as it adopted a tough stance against the Dalai Lama, calling for a crackdown on "separatist forces."

Performers carry a giant Chinese national emblem (right) and pictures of Chinese government leaders including President Xi Jinping, former leaders Hu Jintao, Jiang Zemin, Deng Xiaoping and Mao Zedong, during the celebration event at the Potala Palace marking the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Tibet Autonomous Region, in Lhasa, Tibet Autonomous Region, China, on Tuesday.

China on Tuesday marked 50 years of Tibet’s amalgamation with the Communist giant, holding a grand parade in Lhasa showcasing its grip on the strategic Himalayan region even as it adopted a tough stance against the Dalai Lama, Tibetan religious leader, calling for a crackdown on “separatist forces.”

A big meeting followed by a grand parade was held in front of the Potala Palace, traditional home of the Dalai Lama from where he fled to India in 1959, attended among others by senior official of the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC), Yu Zhengsheng, to mark 50 years of Tibet being declared as an autonomous province of China.

China’s claim

China says Tibet became a part of the country by “peaceful liberation” when Chinese troops invaded the Himalayan plateau in 1950 establishing Beijing’s control over it.

The Tibet Autonomous Region was founded on September 1, 1965, after the establishment of the regional People’s Congress, the local legislature.

Addressing the colourful ceremony, Mr. Yu, who is in-charge of minorities in China, stressed the legality of crackdown on separatists, the official characterisation of supporters of the Dalai Lama including Buddhist monks.

High-handedness charge

Overseas Tibetan groups accused the Chinese authorities of high-handed methods in dealing with those supporting the Dalai Lama, widely regarded as the spiritual head of Tibetan Buddhism.

Over 130 Tibetans, including monks, have committed self immolations in the recent years demanding the return of the Dalai Lama to Tibet.

Calling for “strict adherence to the law in managing religious affairs in Tibet,” Mr. Yu said “law-based governance is fundamental to the long-term stability of Tibet.”

Policing of separatism

In a nationally telecast ceremony, Mr. Yu said policing of separatism must also be done legally while asserting that the crackdown on separatists would continue, scotching any hopes of reconciliation with the Dalai Lama under the new leadership headed by President Xi Jinping.

Law-based governance in Tibet was also highlighted in a speech by Mr. Xi last month, state-run Xinhua news agency reported. Referring to security of Tibet which formed part of the India-China border, Mr. Yu also said: “Border areas must be well managed to successfully govern the country, and stability in Tibet is paramount to the management of these areas.”