Welcome to Tenzin Tibet Website

Historical relations between Tibet and China

Located on the high altitude plateau thrown up by the Himalayas, despite its geographic remoteness, Tibet has played a crucial role in key historical developments in Asia. This has ranged from the Dalai Lama’s special relationship with the Mongol Emperors to Tibet’s role in the Great Game between Russia and Britain in the early 20th century. Throughout Tibet’s long history it has been clear to Tibetans and their neighbours that Tibet possesses a distinct cultural, religious, linguistic and ethnic identity. This distinct identity is very different from that of China. As the era of nation states emerged in the early 20th century, Tibet under the 13th Dalai Lama declared independence, but maintained a policy of distance and disengagement from the outside world. Until the invasion of Tibet by the People’s Liberation Army led by the Chinese Communists in 1949, China had exercised no direct control over Tibet. More click here...