Tibet after 60 years of democratic reforms

World
Europe

Editor's Note: Adam Garrie is director of the UK-based global policy and analysis think tank Eurasia Future and co-host of a talk show "The History Boys." The article reflects the author's opinion and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

This year marks the 60th anniversary of democratic reforms in southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region. To better ascertain the significance of these reforms, it is important to understand that as recently as 1959, Tibet was living in medieval and primitive conditions which inexplicably retarded the progress of the people.

Prior to the reforms, 95 percent of the population were serfs who toiled under the whip hand of an elite class which comprised a mere five percent of the total population. The 14th Dalai Lama himself owned 6,000 serfs who toiled at his scores of properties.

The feudalism which entrenched the power of an elite theocratic class of landowners at the expense of illiterate serfs who had no possibility to advance their social condition resulted in the region living under crippling poverty.

Today's Tibet Autonomous Region is a very different place. Feudal serfdom has long been replaced by democratic equality; illiteracy has been replaced by education; theocratic oppression has been replaced by a modern separation of religion and state and Tibet's GDP continues to grow as ever more inward investment comes into the region.

Local people celebrate the 60th anniversary of democratic reforms in Tibet Autonomous Region, Lhasa, Tibet, March 28, 2019. /VCG Photo

Social and economic progress is simply impossible without a meritocratic system of equality that comes with the establishment of modern governance. In today's world, the most prosperous and stable societies are those in which economic opportunity is a right of the public rather than a narrow birthright privilege of a small group.

When this dichotomy is better understood, it becomes clear why the people of Tibet are experiencing higher living standards and higher educational standards than at any time in the history of the region.

As such, the continued reform and opening-up implicit in Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era continues to elevate the condition of all the people.

As a result, peace through prosperity has been a fundamental outgrowth of democratic reforms. This has led to separatist violence becoming a thing of a distant past that no one wishes to return to.

Against this background, it is important for China and India to work closely to ensure peaceful development in order to break with a past in which some certain groups in India had consistently tempted to foment extremism in the region as a lawless means of provoking China.

Villagers celebrate the abolishment of serfdom in Changdu, Tibet Autonomous Region, March 28, 2019. /VCG Photo

India itself is home to many unresolved conflicts involving groups whose desire is to politically separate from India. China does not interfere in this dynamic as it is China's lawfully held position that these are internal matters of the Indian state. India must reciprocate in respect of forever refraining from encouraging separatism against Chinese territorial integrity.

It is likewise important to understand that as the 14th Dalai Lama nears the end of his natural life, there will be a tendency among some in India to provoke a new conflict with China. This must be avoided at all costs as it would be a negative development for Asia.

The Tibetan people themselves want no part of any conflict and are instead happy to enjoy the fruits of their own labor in a democratic and modern society. India should therefore not second-guess people who want no part in an exploitative conflict waged on New Delhi's terms.

Those who sow discord outside of their own borders set a dangerous global precedent that will ultimately be harmful to all nations concerned with maintaining an internal peace. As India itself contends with unresolved internal issues, the Indian government should keep this in mind and push for calm on all sides rather than for agitation and banditry.

Today, those making provocative noises over Tibet are found exclusively outside of the region. The people themselves are experiencing erstwhile unknown prosperity that will continue to grow as China moves toward creating a moderately prosperous society in all respects.

While serfdom and toil were the reality 60 years ago, opportunity and equality are the defining characteristics of Tibet today. This is something that the entire world ought to commend.

(If you want to contribute and have specific expertise, please contact us at opinions@cgtn.com.)