Lhasa, September 15. From Lhasa. reports by Washington Post: Tibet's largest covered market is crammed with a wealth of goods unimaginable a decade ago. All of the vendors are ethnic Chinese. But while their presence boosted commerce, it has soured race relations. If Chinese authorities "are perceived as not taking this seriously, they could be in for some serious trouble. People could start to do some nasty things," a Western analyst said. Tibetans say the latest arrivals are taking the best jobs and forcing unemployed youth to turn to crime. The animosity by the Tibetans, in turn, is making longtime Chinese residents feel more bitter and frustrated. Many of these Chinese residents, against their will, decades ago, were forced to work in the government and serve in the army in order to consolidate Beijing's rule. "Relations in general are tense right now because of job resentment," said a young Tibetan intellectual. Just look anywhere on the street, the Chinese take all the construction jobs, shoe-making, p

ractically every item of daily use were made and sold by Chinese vendors. Some Chinese say Tibetans have reacted by becoming more proud, more sensitive and more fierce about their traditions and that has them scared. In Lhasa, about 50% of the population of 150000 is now Chinese. Long time Chinese residents and Western analysts say that ignorant of Tibetan Buddhist customs and habits, these newcomers often unwittingly offend the devoutly religious Tibetans, as well as longtime Chinese residents. "These are small incidents, but it you are not careful, they can get out of hand," said one Chinese artist. The tensions are also increasing on the long time Chinese settlers, and many feel betrayed when they find out they cannot return to inland China. "We are the sacrificial objects of the Communist Party policy in Tibet," said one cadre, surnamed Zhu, who has been here nearly 20 years. Chinese officials used to describe the relationship between the two groups as the "Two Cannot Do Withouts," meaning that Tibetans

cannot live without Chinese, and vice versa. "But the truth is, they don't need us, and we don't need them." said Zhu. (EuroTibet News N·2)