As we all know Tibet is also known as the 'roof of the world' for its lofty and sky kissing Tibetan plateau. But before being called as an autonomous region of china, Tibet was an autonomous state on its own. You knew that right, didn’t you? 


When the Qing Dynasty collapsed in the revolution of 1911, it paved the way for the New republic.  All about china's journey of becoming modern china by collapsing of imperial China could be traced in 50 years starting from the series of rebellion, in the end, the 19th century ending with the establishment of People's Republic of China in October 1949 headed by Mao Zedong after many years violent struggle.


Tibet Problem: A Nehru's GOOF?

Source: 123rf

 


The annexation of Tibet was amongst the top agendas of Mao Zedong. He stated Tibet as "right palm of China" while Ladakh, Sikkim, Bhutan, Nepal, and Arunachal Pradesh are "five fingers."

 

 

What it’s all about...

 

On August 20, 1950, Chinese premier (head of government) Chou En-Lai with having the opinion that liberation of Tibet is a sacred Chinese duty and it would be taken place only via negotiations, but China back from its own words and attack Tibet on October 7, 1950, seriously endangering the stability of the whole region including India. Chinese were buying the time and succeeded in their trick and trapped the Tibet. (Yeah I know what you’re thinking). After a fortnight India's Then-Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru wrote a letter to Chou En-Lai emphasizing the need of a peaceful solution of Sino-Tibetan problem but the most interesting thing about the letter was it showed Mr. Nehru was not concerning much about Tibet and stability of the region, but it was stressing about the timing of Tibet problem because it would be deleterious to China's UN Security Council as a permanent member.


Tibet Problem
Source: TimesNow

  


The letter written by Mr. Nehru to Chou En-Lai: “In Tibet, there is not likely to be any serious military opposition, and any delay in settling the matter will, therefore, not affect Chinese interests or a suitable final settlement. The Government of India’s interest in the matter is only to see that the admission of the Peoples’ Government to the United Nations is not again postponed due to causes which could be avoided.”

 

 

Opinion...


Mr. Nehru who gave speeches like “It is not right for any country to talk about sovereignty over any area outside its range, the last voice regarding Tibet should be the voice of the people of Tibet and nobody else".

 

This showed the appeasement Mr. Nehru did to china while having sharp contrast from earlier statements regarding Tibet.

 

 

Stay tuned for the second part as this work will come with various aspects that played a crucial role in the happening of Tibetan Blunder.

 

Reference: Six Thousand Days: Jawaharlal Nehru, Prime Minister

 

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