Why is holding on to Tibet and suppressing independence calls so important for China?
The one thing that appears to concern the authorities in China more than anything is the break up of China, regardless of whether it is Tibet, Taiwan or Xinjiang, the Muslim region in China’s far west. This is not a new phenomenon, and it was one of the great challenges to the imperial dynasties of the past to hold together one of largest countries on Earth. The government is also nervous of any religious groups (eg Tibetan buddhism or the Falun Gong) that challenge its authority, especially those that inspire a fervour greater than they can command. Both of these sensitive issues are combined in the question of Tibetan independence and the Chinese government is keen that neither gathers any momentum. Are most Tibetans in favour of independence? Tibetan monks lay down their arms after the failed 1959 uprising [AFP] That is very hard to say, as journalists are never allowed free access to Tibet (trips are always monitored very closely by officials) and over the past 12 months have not b
