Tibet has been under Chinese control since 1951, a situation often described by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) as “liberation”. This annexation has not only involved territorial claims but has also encompassed significant social, economic, and cultural dimensions.

The CCP’s approach to Tibet serves as a revealing example of its broader governance strategies towards officially recognised ethnic and religious minorities within China. For over seven decades, the treatment of Tibetans reflects the complexities of China’s deep state and its assimilationist policies, which have profoundly affected Tibetan identity and autonomy.

Tibetans, who represent approximately 90.48 per cent of the population in the Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR), are distinguished by their unique cultural and religious practices. Since the annexation, China has consistently asserted that Tibet is an “integral part” of its territory and has implemented various policies aimed at assimilating the Tibetan population. Click here to read more.