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https://theconversation.com/chinas-interest-in-the-next-dalai-lama-is-also-about-control-of-tibets-water-supply-255843>
"As the 14th Dalai Lama celebrates his 90th birthday with thousands of Tibetan
Buddhists, there’s already tension over how the next spiritual leader will be
selected. Controversially, the Chinese government has suggested it wants more
power over who is chosen.
Traditionally, Tibetan leaders and aides seek a young boy who is seen as the
chosen reincarnation of the Dalai Lama. It is possible that after they do this,
this time Beijing will try to appoint a rival figure.
However, the current Dalai Lama, who lives in exile in India, insists that the
process of succession will be led by the Swiss-based Gaden Phodrang Trust,
which manages his affairs. He said no one else had authority “to interfere in
this matter” and that statement is being seen as a strong signal to China.
Throughout the 20th century, Tibetans struggled to create an independent state,
as their homeland was fought over by Russia, the UK and China. In 1951, Tibetan
leaders signed a treaty with China allowing a Chinese military presence on
their land.
China established the Tibetan Autonomous Region in 1965, in name this means
that Tibet is an autonomous region within China, but in effect it is tightly
controlled. Tibet has a government in exile, based in India, that still wants
Tibet to become an independent state.
This is a continuing source of tension between the two countries. India also
claims part of Tibet as its own territory.
Beijing sees having more power over the selection of the Dalai Lama as an
opportunity to stamp more authority on Tibet. Tibet’s strategic position and
its resources are extremely valuable to China, and play a part in Beijing’s
wider plans for regional dominance, and in its aim of pushing back against
India, its powerful rival in south Asia."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
