Chinese Authorities Caution Tibetan Monks Against Political Disobedience

23-2-2022

Alexandros Anthis

Tibet and Human Rights Researcher,

Global Human Rights Defence

According to state media sources, a high ranking Chinese government official attended several Tibetan monasteries in the region of Lhasa, Tibet’s capital. The aim of the visit was to ensure the monks’ loyalty to the state and the government.

The official in question was the party secretary of the Tibet Autonomous Region, Wang Junzheng. Sources allege that he visited on February 17 the Ramoche temple in Lhasa and the Gaden monastery at the capital’s outskirts where he drew the monks’ attention to the need to remain patriotic, law-abiding and loyal to the party. The TAR party secretary further advised the management bodies of the two facilities to apply the law to any excessive avowal of Tibetan culture and identity that would reach the threshold of separatism.

As reports indicate, the increased attention to Lhasa and other Tibetan regions in March is a common practice as authorities aim to forestall turmoil that could be triggered by momentous political events held in Beijing at the time. Many sensitive political anniversaries take place in March. The original events concern protests for the region’s autonomy or demonstrations against oppression.

Recent state activity in the region indicates a policy to tighten control. Commentators suggest that actions such as the visit by the party secretary ahead of the March 10 Uprising Day commemoration seek to curb unrest. They are also part of the wider plan to reinforce the Chinese state’s rule in Tibet and facilitate sinicization.

Sources and further reading:

Gelek, L. (2022, February 18). China warns Tibetan monks ahead of March anniversaries. Radio Free Asia. Retrieved February 23, 2022 from https://www.rfa.org/english/news/tibet/warns-02182022152247.html