Beijing steps up publicity offensive on Tibet
By Channel NewsAsia's Maria Siow | Posted: 10 March 2009 1431 hrs

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BEIJING: Chinese President Hu Jintao has ordered leaders in Tibet to build what he called a "Great Wall" against separatism. The call was made on the eve of the 50th anniversary of a failed uprising in Tibet against Chinese rule.

Security has been tightened across the region ahead of Tuesday’s anniversary, to stem any possible unrest. Beijing has also stepped up its publicity offensive on Tibet.

The exhibition in central Beijing is held to commemorate what Beijing calls the 50th anniversary of Tibet's democratic reform.

It hopes to convince visitors that under five decades of Chinese rule, Tibet is now more modern and progressive.

The guide explains that Tibetans enjoy religious freedoms, pointing out that there are over 1,700 temples and monasteries in the region.

Per capita income rose from a mere 35 yuan in 1959, to over 3,100 yuan last year, alongside other improvements in physical infrastructure, health, literacy, and mortality rates.

Some of the tools at the exhibition were reportedly used by Tibetan elites five decades ago to shackle and oppress ordinary Tibetans.

"The harsh and brutal lives of the serfs left a deep impression on me, as were the difficulties of building a railway linking Tibet to the rest of China," said Yang Jing.

Yong Jirong, director, Beijing Ethnic Museum, said: "Through the common efforts of all ethnic groups, millions of Tibetan serfs were liberated and became masters of their own destinies. This is something that all ethnic groups in China can be truly proud of."

A number of exhibits were also directed at spiritual leader Dalai Lama and his supporters, who are accused of spreading rumours to destroy Tibet's stability.

The exhibition and the ongoing publicity blitz is a clear attempt by Beijing to counter international opinion about Tibet.

Afterall, a US human rights report had accused China of cultural and religious repression, while others have suggested that on the eve of the anniversary, the mood in Tibet is solemn, sombre, and even in a severe state of mourning.

Last year, massive anti-government protests spread across Tibet, following a deadly riot in Lhasa.

Known as the March 14 riots, it began after Chinese security forces suppressed a protest in the Tibetan capital.

The crackdown that followed led to the deaths of 200 people. Over 1,300 were injured, and more than 7,000 detained and imprisoned.

Beijing claims Tibet as part of its territory but some Tibetans and western groups say the Himalayan region was virtually independent for centuries.

They feel that Beijing's tight-fisted control has stripped Tibetans of their culture and identity.

For players on either side, what's said to be the truth is often depicted in black and white when perhaps there may be countless shades of grey between the two extremes. - CNA/vm