ABSTRACT
This chapter analyses the nature of the Tibetan conflict by firstly looking at its historical background and then at more recent events. It argues that the conflict has both an internal and an external dimension. Tibet or Xizang is China's second-largest province just after Xinjiang. It is about fifteen times the size of the United Kingdom, and about half the size of the United States. The monastic communities were showered with respect and protection. Tibetans valued their autonomy and retaliated and responded to these draconian measures with violence. In Eastern Tibet, especially in places like Kham, people rose up in revolt, particularly in the year 1905. The president of the new Republic of China, Yuan Shikai, profusely apologized for what had happened in the past and reinstated the Dalai Lama's position and restored him to his office and titles. The Chinese state invaded Tibet on the seventh of October, 1950.
