China+Tibet+Controversy+6

by Caroline Butler
Marie Northington

__Political Issues__

 * The main leader, The Dalai Lama, does not believe in violence
 * When The Dalai Lama met with President Bush, China said it would bring controversies with the US.

__Government Issues__

 * Tibet declared itself and independent republic in 1912
 * Tibet functioned as an independent government until 1951
 * Tibet says China has human rights problems
 * Tibetan groups say China continues to violate human rights, accusing Beijing of political and religious repression.

__Ruling Issues__

 * China says Tibet has officially been part of the Chinese nation since the mid 13th century so Tibet should be ruled by Beijing
 * Many Tibetans disagree pointing out that the Himalayan region was an independent kingdom for many centuries and that Chinese rule over Tibet has not been constant
 * China seized control of Tibet in 1950

__Fighting Issues__

 * There have been riots and protests in Tibet
 * Most of Tibet's monasteries were destroyed in the 1960s and 1970s during China's Cultural Revolution.

__Olympics Issues__

 * Tibet has protesters protesting the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China
 * Hundreds of people have been arrested across Tibet following the deadly riots in the region.
 * Senator John McCain called on China to allow international access to Tibet and open talks with the Himalayan territory's exiled spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama.
 * The Dalai Lama said that he would resign as Tibet's spiritual leader if the riots and fighting in his homeland worsened.

Bibliography

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