Showdown in Tibet
In the aftermath of the most serious disturbances in Tibet in 20 years, China reports that it is rounding up “criminals” across the region and will “re-educate” them about their misguided beliefs in Tibetan freedom and independence. And, as in the past, the world appears to prefer good economic and diplomatic relations with China over all else.
On March 14, the otherworldly calm of Lhasa, Tibet’s holy city, was shattered by riots and gunfire. The spark that triggered unrest in the Tibetan part of what is now a largely ethnic Han Chinese city is unclear, but occurred somewhere near the Ramoche Temple when Chinese security forces attempted to stop a demonstration by monks.
On March 14, the otherworldly calm of Lhasa, Tibet’s holy city, was shattered by riots and gunfire. The spark that triggered unrest in the Tibetan part of what is now a largely ethnic Han Chinese city is unclear, but occurred somewhere near the Ramoche Temple when Chinese security forces attempted to stop a demonstration by monks.