Frequently Asked Questions
  
 
Contents
  
 
  1. What are the differences between the terms "Tibet," "Tibetan areas" and "Tibet and other Tibetan areas" that often appear in certain publications? Did there once exist in history a great unified Tibetan area?
  2. Are there any historical facts providing supporting evidence that Tibet has long been an inseparable part of China?
  3. Some people hold that Tibet is an "occupied country." Was Tibet an independent country before the founding of the People's Republic of China?
  4. How did the so-called "Tibet independence" come into being?
  5. Are the "Simla Conference" and "Simla Convention" legal?
  6. Some self-exiled Tibetans claim, "We have our own national flag, army and currency. Tibet is worthy of the name of an independent country." What are the facts?
  7. The 2000 Report on Human Rights published by the British Foreign Ministry claims that "Britain is the only country that does not recognize China's sovereignty over Tibet." What are the facts?
  8. How was the Agreement on Measures for the Peaceful Liberation of Tibet signed? What are its main contents? Did people from all walks of life in Tibet sup-port this agreement?
  9. What was the Dalai Lama's attitude towards the Agreement on Measures for the Peaceful Liberation of Tibet at that time?
  10. How did the Dalai Lama and his "government-exile" perpetrate their separatist activities?
  11. Can China practice the policy of "one country, two systems" in Tibet? Or determine the status of Tibet through "plebiscite"?
  12. What kind of social system was in force under the Dalai Lama in old Tibet? Was the old Tibet really the last "Shangri-La"?
  13. Why was the Democratic Reform implemented in 1959? How did it benefit the Tibetan people?
  14. How was the regional ethnic autonomy implemented in Tibet?
  15. Does Tibet Autonomous region have the right to formulate and implement local regulations?
  16. Can Tibetan cadres in Tibet exercise their rights to participate in administration of national and regional affairs?
  17. What are the daily economic and living conditions of the Tibetan people?
  18. According to the Dalai Clique, "The Chinese Central Government has gained more from Tibet than what it has given." Is this true?
  19. Will, as asserted by the Dalai Lama, the western development policy lead to the colonization of Tibet and deterioration of its ecological environment?
  20. The Chinese government has been criticized for carrying out nuclear testing in Tibet, for damaging the local environment by its construction of water and electricity projects, and for draining the water from Holy lake. It has also come under fire for construction of buildings that are said to violate Tibetan traditions, and for excessive tree felling. Do these criticisms have any foundation?
  21. The ecological environment on plateau is very fragile. What measures has Tibet taken to control environmental pollution?
  22. What was the growth rate of Tibet's economy in 2000?
  23. What demographic changes have taken place in Tibet over the past decade?
  24. The Dalai Lama states that the Chinese government has instigated mass emigration to Tibet in a bid to make the Tibetan people living in Tibet an ethnic minority. Is this true?
  25. Is it true that, as declared by the Dalai Lama, 1.2 million Tibetan people were killed after the peaceful liberation of Tibet?
  26. Is it true that the Chinese government forces sterilization and abortion on Tibetan women?
  27. How many ethnic groups are there in Tibet, and what are their customs?
  28. What is the medical and health situation in Tibet?
  29. According to the agreement reached in 1951 between the central government and the local government of Tibet, the school education of Tibet would steadily develop. How has this development progressed up to now?
  30. Is there any restriction on the study and use of the Tibetan language in Tibet?
  31. It is said that large numbers of Han Chinese are pouring into Tibet, and that China is systematically destroying Tibetan culture. The Dalai Lama also claims that "Tibetan culture is facing destruction." Is that true?
  32. What has been done to protect cultural relics in Tibet?
  33. What efforts has China made to protect Tibet's cultural heritage?
  34. Are all Tibetans Buddhists?
  35. Some people claim that the Chinese government does not respect or protect the religious activities of various religious sects in Tibet. Is this true?
  36. Are Tibetans' rights of freedom of religious belief respected and protected in Tibet?
  37. Are there any restrictions in monasteries for local inhabitants to become lamas and nuns in Tibet?
  38. What is the reincarnation system of the Living Buddhas in Tibetan Buddhism?
  39. Why did the Chinese government reject the reincarnated soul boy of the 10th Panchen Lama chosen by the Dalai Lama? Who was it exactly the violated the rituals of Tibetan Buddhism?
  40. How did the titles Dalai and Panchen come into being?
  41. What is the situation regarding human rights in Tibet?
  42. What are the policies of the Chinese government regarding Tibetan compatriots residing abroad? Are they allowed to come and go freely?
  43. The Dalai Lama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize abroad, and some people call him "guardian of human rights" and "advocator of non-violence". How would you comment on this?
  44. What is the central government's view on the Dalai's "nonviolence"?
  45. What policies does the Chinese government have towards the Dalai Lama regarding contacts and negotiations?
  46. Why have the negotiations between the central government and the Dalai Lama made so little progress?
  47. At present, the Dalai Lama is received by certain foreign governments and officials. What is the attitude of the central government towards this?
  48. What is the viewpoint of ordinary Lhasa inhabitants regarding the Dalai Lama?