The Historical Status of China’s Tibet (part 9)

Abstract

Since the peaceful liberation of Tibet in 1951, especially since the Democratic Reform in Tibet and the reform and opening-up program introduced throughout China, great progress has taken place in economics and culture. Living standards have been considerably improved and their religious beliefs have been respected and protected. These are facts universally recognized.However, Xagabba viciously attacks today's Tibet saying: "Tibetans, men and women, old and young, are driven like animals to work sites. They eat pig's and dog's food and work like a donkeys and horses, living a miserable life." Van Praag also says that Tibet remains stagnant under the rule of the Han, and Tibetan can get nothing from such growth (of agricultural production). His words contradict each other. At one hand, he says remains stagnant, and on the other, he says growth, which shows he is not right and self-confident.Facts are stronger than accusations. We can get a definite answers so long as we compare the old Tibet economy and culture with the these elements in modern Tibet.