World Tibet Network News Wednesday, June 17, 1998

Tuesday, June 16, 1998; Page A20 (Letter to Editor)

Washington Post

(You can respond to this letter by visiting http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/edit/letters/letterform.htm)

Tibet is the object of much interest in the entertainment business. Last year, several films concerning Tibet were made on the subject, and this weekend we had a concert in the District.

Several misconceptions, therefore, should be cleared up:

Misconception 1: Tibet is occupied by China.

Tibet has been Chinese territory since the mid-13th century. It never has been an independent country and never was recognized as such by any country in the world, including the United States.

The region was liberated peacefully through an agreement reached between the central government and the local government there in 1951. The question of China's "occupation" of Tibet does not exist.

Misconception 2: Great numbers of the Han ethnic group have immigrated to Tibet.

In 1950 Tibet's population was about 1 million. In 1996, it reached 2.45 million, of which 96.7 percent are Tibetans. Some professionals from coastal areas go to Tibet to offer their expertise to help develop the local economy. But after completing their tenure, most return home.

Misconception 3: Tibetan religion and culture are being destroyed.

Tibetans practice their religion freely. By 1997, 1,800 religious sites had been renovated and opened to the public. For the renovation of the famous Potala Palace alone, the government spent $6.45 million.

Moreover, traditional festivals are enthusiastically observed. By now, 1 million volumes of 200 Tibetan classics have been printed and distributed.

Misconception 4: The central government will not talk to the Dalai Lama.

The central government is ready to talk with the Dalai Lama on one

condition: that he relinquish the notion of "independence of Tibet" and stop all activities to split Tibet from the motherland. In China, national autonomy is practiced in five regions mainly populated by minority ethnic groups, and Tibet is one of them. Tibet has enjoyed autonomy for more than four decades, yet the Dalai Lama claims that he seeks "autonomy." What he really means is the restoration of the feudal serfdom of old Tibet. But the Tibetan people have different ideas. They are witnessing the tremendous improvements in their livelihood, and as a result, the lifespan of the population has increased from 36 in 1959 to 65 today.

Despite assertions from the Dalai Lama and the preachings of some people in the entertainment industry, the Tibetan people will not let the old system, with all its suffering, return.

YU SHUNING

Press Counselor

Embassy of the People's Republic of China