The situation in Tibet is complex and sensitive, with reports saying the Chinese government is attempting to assimilate Tibetan culture into the Han culture.
China’s approach to education in Tibet has raised significant concerns regarding the forced assimilation of Tibetan children. About 1 million have reportedly been separated from their families and placed into government-run boarding schools.
The educational content of the schools revolve around the Han culture, with Mandarin as the medium of instruction. The system is seen as a large-scale program intended to assimilate Tibetans into Han culture.
The focus on Mandarin and Han cultural norms has resulted in Tibetan children losing proficiency in their native language and, consequently, the ability to communicate effectively with their elders, contributing to the erosion of their Tibetan identity.
The increase in boarding students is partly due to the closure of rural schools, which have been replaced by township or county-level institutions which primarily use Mandarin for teaching and communication, often requiring children to board.
The measures are part of what some experts describe as a policy of forced assimilation, which runs contrary to international human rights standards for education, linguistic and cultural rights, and freedom of religion or belief.
China’s constitution states that citizens “enjoy freedom of religious belief,” but limits protections to “normal religious activities” without defining what “normal” is. Regulations stipulate religious activity must not harm national security and control all aspects of Tibetan Buddhism.
The Chinese Communist Party promotes “Sinicization” policies which aim to interpret religious ideas in accordance with its ideologies, and emphasize loyalty to the party and the state.
There have been reports of disappearances, arrests, torture, physical abuse and prolonged det
entions without trials due to their religious practices. People have also reportedly died in custody or as a result of long-term illnesses and injuries sustained following beatings and mistreatment during incarceration.
The government has undertaken a large-scale campaign of “re-education” or “vocational training” in military-style camps to conduct forced political indoctrination, and to transform farmers and herders into laborers in other industries.
Authorities have also arrested writers, singers and artists for promoting Tibetan language and culture. Supporters of the Dalai Lama and other religious leaders could be arrested under China’s anti-organized crime program.
These are challenges faced by Tibetans practicing their religion and maintaining their cultural identity. They reflect concerns raised by human rights organizations and independent experts regarding the preservation of Tibetan culture and identity.
Khedroob Thondup is a former member of the Tibetan parliament in exile.
Many foreigners, particularly Germans, are struck by the efficiency of Taiwan’s administration in routine matters. Driver’s licenses, household registrations and similar procedures are handled swiftly, often decided on the spot, and occasionally even accompanied by preferential treatment. However, this efficiency does not extend to all areas of government. Any foreigner with long-term residency in Taiwan — just like any Taiwanese — would have encountered the opposite: agencies, most notably the police, refusing to accept complaints and sending applicants away at the counter without consideration. This kind of behavior, although less common in other agencies, still occurs far too often. Two cases
In a summer of intense political maneuvering, Taiwanese, whose democratic vibrancy is a constant rebuke to Beijing’s authoritarianism, delivered a powerful verdict not on China, but on their own political leaders. Two high-profile recall campaigns, driven by the ruling party against its opposition, collapsed in failure. It was a clear signal that after months of bitter confrontation, the Taiwanese public is demanding a shift from perpetual campaign mode to the hard work of governing. For Washington and other world capitals, this is more than a distant political drama. The stability of Taiwan is vital, as it serves as a key player
Yesterday’s recall and referendum votes garnered mixed results for the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT). All seven of the KMT lawmakers up for a recall survived the vote, and by a convincing margin of, on average, 35 percent agreeing versus 65 percent disagreeing. However, the referendum sponsored by the KMT and the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) on restarting the operation of the Ma-anshan Nuclear Power Plant in Pingtung County failed. Despite three times more “yes” votes than “no,” voter turnout fell short of the threshold. The nation needs energy stability, especially with the complex international security situation and significant challenges regarding
Most countries are commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II with condemnations of militarism and imperialism, and commemoration of the global catastrophe wrought by the war. On the other hand, China is to hold a military parade. According to China’s state-run Xinhua news agency, Beijing is conducting the military parade in Tiananmen Square on Sept. 3 to “mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression.” However, during World War II, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) had not yet been established. It
RSS