深度-印度观察家研究基金会-中国2021年西藏白皮书：对印度的对华战略的启示（英文）-2021.6-23页_10mb

Summary of China's 2021 White Paper on Tibet: Implications for India's China Strategy

Core Content

The 2021 White Paper on Tibet, issued by the Chinese government on the 71st anniversary of the 17-Point Agreement, reinforces China's narrative of Tibet as an integral part of its territory and highlights its commitment to maintaining control over the region. The document underscores China's strategy of combining repression with development, and emphasizes the Sinicization of Tibetan Buddhism as a key component of its policy.

Main Themes and Views

1. China's Narrative on Tibet

• Historical Claim: China asserts that Tibet has been part of its territory "since ancient times," with claims ranging from the 7th to the 13th century, depending on the government's political needs.
• 17-Point Agreement: Signed in 1951, it marked the formal incorporation of Tibet into the People's Republic of China, though it was signed under duress and is viewed by many as a surrender document.
• Sinicization of Tibetan Buddhism: The White Paper calls for Tibetan Buddhism to "adapt to socialist society," signaling a move towards aligning religious practices with Chinese state ideology.

2. China's Control and Development Strategy

• Repression and Development: China continues to use a dual approach of maintaining strict control and promoting economic development in Tibet.
• Infrastructure Development: The "Western Development Campaign" has significantly improved transportation and connectivity in Tibet, including the Qinghai-Tibet Railway and new highways and airports.
• Border Security: The Chinese government has intensified efforts to secure its borders with India and Nepal, including the construction of "model Xiaokang villages" in border regions.

3. The Dalai Lama and Reincarnation

• Reincarnation Concerns: China fears that the Dalai Lama's possible reincarnation could occur outside Tibet, particularly in India, which would undermine its authority.
• Golden Urn Process: The Chinese government has revived the historical practice of using the Golden Urn to select reincarnated lamas, which it claims is a religious and historical convention.
• Political Re-education: The government has been promoting "patriotism" among Tibetan Buddhist communities and encouraging interpretations of religious doctrines that align with socialist values.

Key Information

• India's Role: India has long been a refuge for the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan diaspora, hosting over 75,000 Tibetans and the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) in Dharamshala.
• India's Policy Shifts: India's stance on Tibet has evolved over the years, with a more cautious approach since the 2008 protests and the Doklam crisis. The Modi government has distanced itself from overt support of the Dalai Lama, avoiding participation in events marking his 60th anniversary in India.
• International Relations: The US has passed the Tibetan Policy and Support Act, which supports the Dalai Lama's right to determine his own succession, raising concerns for China. The Biden administration has not indicated a change in US policy towards Tibet.
• India's Internal Debate: There are growing voices in India suggesting that the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama should be a religious matter, not a political one, and that India should take a neutral stance.

Conclusion

The 2021 White Paper reflects China's continued effort to assert its authority over Tibet, both politically and religiously. It reinforces the idea of Tibet as an inseparable part of China and highlights the government's strategy of Sinicization and border control. India, while hosting the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan diaspora, has adopted a more restrained and strategic approach in its dealings with China over Tibet, reflecting the complex geopolitical landscape and the need to balance domestic and international interests.