Expert says Dalai group's 'Greater Tibet' aims to create division

In an interview with CGTN, a leading Chinese expert on Tibetology refuted the so-called "Greater Tibet" made up by the Dalai group and its followers, saying the notion aims to create division. 

"Historically, there has never been a so-called 'Greater Tibet.' The reason the Dalai group and some Western forces propose this notion is that separatists include not only the former local upper class of Xizang but also some chieftains or their descendants from neighboring areas," said Zhang Shigao, director of the Institute of Contemporary Studies at the China Tibetology Research Center.

"Without advocating for 'Greater Tibet,' their group would face disintegration."

Zhang made the remarks after U.S. President Joe Biden on Friday signed into law the "Promoting a Resolution to the Tibet-China Dispute Act," which redefines Tibet to include not only the Xizang Autonomous Region, but also neighboring areas, giving recognition to the so-called notion of "Greater Tibet."

"During the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), the central government roughly divided the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau region into three administrative areas. Later, during the Emperor Yongzheng period in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), the central government re-adjusted the administrative divisions of Xizang and some surrounding provinces," Zhang said. "This adjustment led to the administrative divisions that have largely continued to the present day."

However, Zhang argued that the Act itself spreads disinformation. "You can tell from its name: 'Promoting a Resolution to the Tibet-China Dispute Act.' But there is no dispute as it claims."

"After years of development, Xizang now enjoys a growing economy and a stable society. Different ethnic groups live harmoniously, and there's a friendly environment for religious activities. So where does the so-called dispute come from?" Zhang said.

The expert emphasized that Tibetans are integral members of the Chinese nation, making their history and development an inseparable part of Chinese history. The regions inhabited by Tibetans have always been within the boundaries of ancient China. Therefore, it's indisputable that Xizang has been part of China since ancient times.

Zhang said Xizang is currently experiencing its best period in history, with economic and cultural prosperity, comprehensive social progress, a good ecological environment, and continuously improving living standards for its people.

He noted that these are hard-won achievements given that the region used to be a feudal serfdom society with low productive forces, and an average altitude of 4,000 meters also poses great challenges to its development.

"No matter what actions the Dalai group and some in the West take, I don't think they will affect the overall development and stability of Xizang," Zhang said.