The US’s recent passage of the “Resolve Tibet Act” has brought Tibet and Tibetan problems pertaining to China back into the spotlight. Although the US has previously expressed support for the “One China Policy,” which essentially recognizes all former Chinese colonies that Beijing has seized as part of its expansionist ambition, fresh details of this policy are now beginning to surface.
On one hand, the US is supporting Taiwan being claimed by China as part of one China policy, and at the same time, the US is also supporting Tibet by multiple means. As of now, the public stance taken by the US on Taiwan relates to ‘non use of force’ by China to occupy Taiwan, but it is OK if the Taiwanese people wish to unify with mainland China of their own free will. In a similar manner, it is advocating the negotiated settlement to resolve the Tibet issue. Though the US has not clearly denounced its ‘One China Policy’, its actions on Taiwan and Tibet clearly indicate the weaning support for ‘One China Policy’.
Examining Tibet’s development as an independent state is therefore wise. According to international conventions, a sovereign state must have a permanent population, a demarcated territory, an independent administration, and the ability to engage in free and independent interactions with other states. Population, territory, governance, and sovereignty are the four components of a sovereign state, and Tibet possesses all four since the unified state of Tibet was established by Emperor Songtsen Gampo in the seventh century AD.
In fact, his tremendous position allowed China and Nepal to marry their princesses to him. After capturing a portion of China, Tibet was formally recognized as a sovereign state in 783 AD and again in 821 AD, when the border settlement took place.
With a primary focus on the priest-patron relationship whereby Tibetans have been ruling their land independently, Tibet has been able to maintain cordial relations with almost all of its neighbors, including the Mongol Emperors (1240–1350), the Ming Emperors (368–1644), and the Quing Dynasty (639–1911), even after that.
There is a long history with Tibet, extending beyond the relationship between British India and Tibet and extending both before and after. Understanding this is crucial since the current Chinese administration, which forcibly invaded Tibetan land in 1950–1951 and continues to do so to this day, has upset the equilibrium in the relationship between India and Tibet. The peaceful borders between Tibet and India have been transformed into a Line of Actual Control (LAC) between China and India during this process.
One of the strongest dynasties to rule China was the Quing Dynasty. Despite this, during their rule, they only made three trips into Tibet—in 1728, 1752, and 1792—after being requested for assistance due to the priest-patron relationship. The Manchus (Quing Dynasty) launched their first war on Tibet in 1908 AD in an attempt to stifle the growing British might.
As a result, the 13th Dalai Lama fled Tibet and sought safety in India, staying in Kalimpong and Darjeeling. Additionally, because the patron had attacked the status of priest, he ended the priest-patron relationship with the Quing Dynasty. The 13th Dalai Lama declared independence on February 14, 1913, following the fall of the Quing Dynasty in 1912. This independence lasted until 1950–1951 when Tibet was taken over by the Chinese government.
Tibet has never been a part of China, and the current situation shows that China has occupied a sovereign state against its will. This much is certain. China has not only conquered Tibet, but it is also regularly enlarging the territory it occupies, and India, which was established on October 1, 1949, has done everything in its power to back China. This support is demonstrated by India’s signing of the Panchsheel pact, its response to the Hindi-Chini bhai-bhai slogan, and numerous other acts.
In contrast, China not only betrayed India in 1962 by seizing substantial portions of Indian territory in Aksai Chin and minor portions of other border regions. India’s attempts to forge cordial relations through bilateral accords and steps to boost confidence were completely derailed in 2020 when China crossed the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh at several points.
Given that the current state of affairs impacts India due to its own security concerns, a new strategy is needed. If China’s expansionist program is not stopped, it will pose a significant threat to international security in the future.
Understanding China’s strategy and goals, the US and the West have already taken a number of steps to impede China’s unrelenting growth, which looks to be an attempt to unseat the US from its dominant position. The US’s enactment of the “Resolve Tibet Act” and the start of numerous additional initiatives are obviously in line with Indian objectives.
Given that the current state of affairs impacts India due to its own security concerns, a new strategy is needed. If China’s expansionist program is not stopped, it will pose a significant threat to international security in the future.
Actions India may take against China
- In accordance with its own claim line, sign a boundary agreement with the Tibetan Government in Exile.
- Launch a diplomatic offensive to persuade the US to pass the “Free Tibet Act” as a UN resolution.
- Assist those governments in exile that China has seized beyond their true borders, such as those in East Turkestan, etc. Take the lead by interacting with the US and the West.
- Open diplomatic ties with Taiwan.
- Speak up in favor of Tibet becoming a single, undivided region that includes Kham, Amdo, and the Tibet Autonomous Region. The word “India-Tibetan border” should be used in all correspondence, not “India-China border” or “LAC”.
- Eliminate the “One China Policy” until China leaves all traces of its presence in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir and the Shaksgam Valley, as well as until our claim lines are restored.
- All locations having Indian names should be renamed to Tibetan names outside of declared territory.
- Publicize maps showing India’s claim lines and make sure all other nations with which it has diplomatic ties follow them. It must be carried out purposefully and strategically.
- Don’t permit travelers from the China-occupied regions to enter India with a Chinese visa.
- Give border areas’ infrastructural development priority. Reinforce forces and resources in the border areas. Enhance support for vibrant villages in the border areas.
There may be many more measures in addition to the ones listed above. These must be pragmatistically embraced for the good of the country. It is imperative to acknowledge that India will be guaranteeing its own national security by endorsing Tibet.
