Dalai Lama / Why is China irritated with Dalai Lama, what threat does Tibet pose to Beijing?

Dalai Lama: The Dalai Lama is the supreme spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism. The current 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, has been in this role since the year 1950. He is not only a religious leader but also a symbol of Tibet's autonomy and cultural identity. However, the tension and dispute between China and the Dalai Lama has deep roots in historical, cultural and political issues. This article attempts to understand this complex dispute in detail.

Historical scenario of Tibet

Understanding the history of Tibet is the first step to understanding this dispute. Tibet has historically been an independent region, with its own culture, language and religious traditions. From the 13th to the 20th century, Tibet was periodically under Chinese influence, but its autonomy and distinct identity remained intact. In 1950, Communist China led by Mao Zedong militarily occupied Tibet and formally declared it part of China in 1951. Tibet did not accept this occupation, resulting in growing tensions.

Major reasons for the dispute

1. Demand for autonomy for Tibet

The Dalai Lama and his supporters demand genuine autonomy for Tibet with cultural, religious and linguistic freedom. Since the 1980s, the Dalai Lama has advocated a "middle way approach" in which Tibet gets more autonomy within China rather than full independence. However, China sees this as a conspiracy to separate Tibet and criticizes the Dalai Lama as a "divisive" person.

2. Global image of the Dalai Lama

The Dalai Lama is respected globally as a symbol of peace and human rights. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989. His global popularity and meetings with world leaders, such as dialogues with the leaders of India and the United States, create a sense of insecurity in China. China considers these meetings as interference in its internal affairs and strongly opposes it.

3. Chinese policies in Tibet

China has implemented a number of harsh policies in Tibet, including control over Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, suppression of Tibetan language and culture, and resettlement of Han Chinese population in Tibet. The Dalai Lama criticizes these policies, which China considers "anti-China" propaganda. In addition, allegations of human rights abuses in Tibet, such as restrictions on religious freedom and repression of protesters, further deepen the dispute.

4. The question of Dalai Lama's succession

The Dalai Lama will be 90 years old in 2025, due to which the issue of his succession is in discussion. According to Tibetan Buddhist tradition, the Dalai Lama is reincarnated and a new Dalai Lama is chosen. However, China has claimed that it will control the appointment of the next Dalai Lama, as it did in the case of the Panchen Lama. This is unacceptable to the Tibetan community and supporters of the Dalai Lama, as it is a direct attack on Tibetan religious autonomy.

China's concerns

China sees the Dalai Lama as a threat to its control in Tibet. His global appeal and influence in the Tibetan community is challenging China's one-party rule. China considers Tibet an integral part of its territory and sees the Dalai Lama's demand for autonomy as against national unity. Moreover, the Dalai Lama's meetings with world leaders and international discussions on the Tibet issue trouble China diplomatically.

India's role

In 1959, India granted asylum to the Dalai Lama and allowed his government-in-exile (Central Tibetan Administration) to be established in Dharamsala. India respects the Dalai Lama as a religious leader, but this has been a cause of tension in India-China relations. India's stance reflects its sympathy for the cultural and religious issues of Tibet.