Most Chinese believe that Tibet is a longstanding part of China’s territory. Then again, most Chinese believe that Genghis Khan was Chinese because Mongolia (or at least Inner Mongolia) is also a longstanding part of China’s territory. Tibetans, of course, tend to think otherwise, as do the Uighur people of Xinjiang, for example. There have been reports of human rights abuses concerning Chinese suppression of voices speaking up for Tibetan independence. However, what is likely to be more effective in the long-term is the economic colonization of Tibet rather than its political counterpart. Economics usually trumps politics, in most countries anyway.
The opening of a new railway line linking China to Tibet has intensified the effect of economic change in the mountain land once known as Shangri-La. The line makes it very much easier to gain access to Tibet – previously, the capital of Lhasa was accessible only by air. That makes trade much more practical and, where trade takes place, there are generally benefits for consumers while some local producers will be put out of business as they find imported goods of a better quality or lower price than they can manage. Thousands of Han Chinese have been moving to Tibet in the hope of a better life. Several Chinese government campaigns have encouraged this trend, as the need for more balanced regional development across the country has become evident. One of these has been to establish an economic development zone at Lhasa, which is, albeit slowly, drawing interest from companies from across China.
As companies open their factories and offices in Tibet, opportunities are provided for local ethnic Tibetans to obtain jobs and higher levels of income than would previously been possible. Unfortunately, most Tibetans have received lower levels of education and training than their Chinese counterparts and, with a lack of local skilled workers, Han Chinese are being brought in to Tibet to take the new jobs available.
There are clear dangers that the economic opportunities which have seen shops, restaurants and karaoke bars spring up across Tibet, will benefit outsiders principally while the local people will be left behind. The Chinese government is taking some steps to train Tibetan people such that they can be productive in modern manufacturing companies. However, it remains to be seen whether bias or discrimination issues will become problematic.
Among the many new tourists to Tibet are some voices complaining of the declining authenticity of Tibetan culture as modernization and Sinicization take place. This may be true but the desire people have for a better life (defined in terms of more consumer goods) will usually outweigh their desire to retain the quaintness of most local customs.
