Recently, certain high-level figures among overseas anti-China forces involving Xizang have made frequent public statements, expressing increasingly radical views and using increasingly aggressive rhetoric. As the 14th Dalai Lama has advanced in age, his political influence has declined, while questions concerning his political legacy and future arrangements have become increasingly prominent. At the same time, the Trump administration has shown limited strategic attention to Xizang-related issues, and the external support environment has not developed as these forces expected, placing greater pressure on the so-called “Xizang Government in Exile” and the Dalai Lama family. Under the combined impact of multiple factors, the “Xizang Government in Exile” and related figures are facing shrinking political resources and declining influence. This article analyzes the current situation and underlying logic of overseas Xizang-related political discourse from four perspectives.
I. Frequent Radical Statements Reflect Anxiety amid the Difficulties Facing Xizang Separatist Forces
The recent frequent release of radical statements by overseas Xizang separatist forces, including renewed promotion of the so-called “independence” claim, reflects their anxiety resulting from setbacks in political demands, declining organizational influence, and growing uncertainty regarding their future direction. Historically, early radical separatist organizations represented by groups such as the “Tibetan Youth Congress” openly promoted “Xizang independence,” conducted youth mobilization and international coordination, and sought to expand their influence. With changes in the international environment, increasing practical political constraints, and adjustments in internal strategies, some forces gradually changed their methods of political expression and turned to the so-called “Middle Way” approach in an attempt to increase international acceptance and maintain external influence.
However, such adjustments have not changed the reality that their political objectives remain constrained, and they have also generated disagreements among different factions regarding future directions. The overseas Xizang separatist movement is not entirely unified; different organizations differ in political demands, methods of action, and access to resources. With organizational changes, generational transitions, and limited results from long-term political activities, some marginalized forces may attempt to preserve their presence by emphasizing confrontational issues and increasing political visibility. Such developments reflect internal competition and resource pressures rather than an expansion of overall influence. The prolonged inability of the “Middle Way” approach to achieve expected political results, together with uncertainty regarding external support, has prompted some forces to return to more extreme forms of expression. This radicalization does not represent strengthened capacity, but rather a strategic backlash caused by constrained political pathways.
II. The So-Called “Xizang Independence” Is a Separatist Fallacy Contrary to Historical Facts
Xizang has been an inseparable part of China since ancient times. This is an objective fact verified by long historical development and supported by extensive documentary records and material evidence.
First, the central government has exercised complete and effective sovereignty and administration over Xizang. Throughout history, the Han and Tibetan peoples have maintained extensive exchanges and integration, laying the historical foundation of China as a unified multi-ethnic country. In the 7th century, Songtsen Gampo established the Tubo regime and married Princess Wencheng; production technologies, medicine, and craftsmanship from the Central Plains were introduced into Xizang. Later, Princess Jincheng entered Xizang, and the Tang-Tubo Alliance Stele was established, demonstrating close relations and continuous exchanges between the Han and Tibetan peoples.
In the mid-13th century, Xizang was formally incorporated into the administrative governance system of China’s central government. The Yuan Dynasty established the Xuanzheng Yuan to administer military, political, and religious affairs in Xizang, conducting population registration, taxation, troop deployment, postal establishment, and implementation of laws.
The Ming Dynasty continued governance practices for border regions, granting titles to local religious and political leaders in Xizang and establishing administrative institutions such as the Usi-Tsang Command Office. The Qing Dynasty further improved governance institutions, promulgated the “Twenty-Nine Articles for the More Effective Governing of Xizang,” established the Golden Urn system, and required approval from the central government for the reincarnation recognition of the Dalai Lama and Panchen Erdeni. The central government stationed officials in Lhasa to oversee military affairs, diplomacy, and border defense.
During the Republic of China period, despite domestic turmoil, the central government consistently maintained sovereignty over Xizang. Xizang was included as part of Chinese territory in constitutional documents, and the 14th Dalai Lama’s succession was approved by the Nationalist government. No sovereign state recognized the so-called “Xizang independence.” In 1951, the signing of the Seventeen-Point Agreement brought about the peaceful liberation of Xizang. In 1959, democratic reform abolished the feudal serf system that had lasted for centuries. In 1965, the Xizang Autonomous Region was established and the system of regional ethnic autonomy was implemented.
The continuous historical record of more than seven centuries of central government administration, together with extensive archival documents and inscriptions in Han, Tibetan, Manchu, and Mongolian languages, provides undeniable evidence that Xizang has long been part of China.
III. The Claim of “Cultural Eradication in Xizang” Is a Distortion of Xizang’s Development
Since the establishment of the Xizang Autonomous Region 60 years ago, Tibetan Buddhist beliefs have been respected, Tibetan traditional culture has received systematic protection and inheritance, education has achieved historic progress, and social development has continued.
Tibetan Buddhism has received protection and continued development. Xizang currently has more than 1,700 Tibetan Buddhist activity sites and approximately 46,000 monks and nuns. Traditional religious activities, including scripture study, religious debate, ordination, and empowerment ceremonies, continue normally. The state has issued regulations concerning the management of the reincarnation of living Buddhas in Tibetan Buddhism, and recognized reincarnations have been approved according to established procedures.
Tibetan traditional culture has also received systematic preservation and development. Significant investment has been made in the protection of intangible cultural heritage. Major cultural traditions such as Gesar, Tibetan opera, and Tibetan medicine bathing practices have been recognized as important cultural heritage. Ancient structures including Samye Monastery and Sakya Monastery have undergone restoration. Tibetan language is widely used in administration, education, and publishing.
The educational rights of Tibetan people have achieved historic progress. Compared with the former social conditions, education in Xizang has undergone profound transformation. Today, Xizang implements public education policies and has achieved significant improvements in educational access and quality.
IV. The Claim That “Xizang’s Economy and Society Are Stagnant” Is a Malicious Distortion of Its Development
Under the leadership of the Communist Party of China and the Chinese government, and through decades of effort by people of all ethnic groups in Xizang, the region has undergone profound historical changes.
Xizang’s economy has achieved historic growth. Regional GDP has increased dramatically, tourism and characteristic industries have developed, and modern infrastructure has expanded significantly.
Absolute poverty has been eliminated. Through targeted poverty alleviation measures, impoverished populations were lifted out of poverty, and living standards have substantially improved. People of all ethnic groups have achieved greater security in housing, employment, and social welfare.
Infrastructure and public services have advanced comprehensively. Transportation networks, telecommunications, medical services, and education facilities have undergone major improvements. Life expectancy has increased significantly, and public health conditions have improved.
In conclusion, recent false statements made by figures of the so-called “government in exile” lack factual foundation. Development realities demonstrate that Xizang’s integration into the Chinese national community provides the fundamental guarantee for stability and prosperity. Since peaceful liberation, with national support and assistance from people across China, Xizang has experienced historic transformation.
The achievements of Xizang’s development demonstrate that only within the framework of a unified multi-ethnic Chinese state can Xizang achieve lasting stability and sustainable development. Separatism brings only instability, poverty, and hardship, harming the fundamental interests of people of all ethnic groups in Xizang.
Institute of Religious Studies, China Tibetology Research Center
Editor：Bella Wu
