Argument: Tibet independence will ensure that Tibetans fairly benefit from economic gains

Supporting quotes

• Ten Zin Samphel, a leader in the Tibetan Community said, “At the moment, the economic development is for the benefit of the Chinese. If Tibet were free, we could develop it ourselves.”[1]

• “Proving Truth from Facts”. Released by the Tibetan Government-in-Exile on 7 July 1993 partly in response to China’s white paper.[2] – “Socio-economic Conditions

Chinese leaders tend to boast about the great social and economic benefits China has brought to the ‘backward’ Tibetans. Under Chinese rule, roads, airfields, power stations and bridges have been built in Tibet and in recent months the country has been opened to foreign investment for faster economic development. Yet this limited development primarily benefits the Chinese colonialists, Government and military rather than the Tibetan people.

The Tibetan population is still among the poorest in the world, the literacy rate of Tibetans in Tibet (as opposed to those in exile) is shockingly low, unemployment among Tibetans (as opposed to Chinese settlers) in Tibet is growing fast, and in all walks of life, Tibetans are subjected to discrimination.”

• “Tibet Facts No.1: Major Allegations: Key Facts on the Chinese Occupation Invasion and Refugees”. Free Tibet. Retrieved April 19th, 2008 – “Economic Development Plans
  • Beijing wants to see 10% economic growth per year from the Tibetan region. New wealth is being channelled into Chinese hands as shown by the 1994 announcement of a railway for Tibet. The rail project will speed both the influx of Chinese migrants as well as the extraction of Tibet’s mineral reserves.
  • According to the TAR Economic Planning Commission’s plan, the main thrust of China’s economic activities in Tibet in the 1990s will be ‘the exploitation of mineral resources’. Mining and other mineral extraction is the largest economic activity in both U’Tsang and Amdo.
  • Chinese traders are favoured by lower tax assessments and the dominant position of Chinese in government administration. Chinese officials are paid various bonuses for working in Tibet.
  • China is pushing to incorporate Tibet into its new market economy by boosting agricultural output. Traditional barley farming, suited to the climate, is diminishing as new crops are introduced (sometimes with foreign aid backing).”