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Just as a matter of interest, according to the World Book Encyclopedia, Tibet fell under the control of China in the early 1700s. It regained independence in 1911, although China never relinquished its claims. Chinese forces re-entered Tibet in 1950, and signed an agreement granting autonomy in 1951. The Chinese government never lived up to the agreement, and the Dalai Lama fled in 1959. The Tibetans resented the disrespect shown to their religion and traditions, and the favoritism shown Chinese settlers in the region, and there were sporadic riots throughout the '50s and '60s. In the '80s, China began a more conciliatory policy, but the slow pace of reform bred further discontent, and rioting halted reform and brought another crackdown... |
