What are the differences between the terms "Tibet," "Tibetan areas" and "Tibet and other Tibetan areas" that often appear in certain publications? Did there once exist in history a great unified Tibetan area?
　Are there any historical facts providing supporting evidence that Tibet has long been an inseparable part of China?
　What kind of social system was in force under the Dalai Lama in old Tibet? Was the old Tibet really the last "Shangri-La"?
　13. Why was the Democratic Reform implemented in 1959? How did it benefit the Tibetan people?
　What changes have occurred in Tibet's economic development since the Democratic Reform?
　What favorable policies have been implemented in Tibet by the Central Government?
　What demographic changes have taken place in Tibet over the past decade?
　The Dalai Lama states that the Chinese government has instigated mass emigration to Tibet in a bid to make the Tibetan people living in Tibet an ethnic minority. Is this true?
　Are all Tibetans Buddhists?
　What are the main characteristics of Tibetan Buddhism?
　The Dalai Lama was awarded the "Nobel Peace Prize" abroad, and some people call him "guardian of human rights" and "advocator of non-violence." How would you comment on this?
　What is the central government's view on the Dalai's "nonviolence"?
 
8. Q: How was the Agreement on measures for the Peaceful Liberation of Tibet signed? What are its main contents? Did people from all walks of life in Tibet sup-port this agreement?
A: After the People's Republic of China was established in October 1949, the Central People's Government, in line with Tibet's history and current situation, adopted the policy of peaceful liberation of Tibet, and in January 1950 requested the local government of Tibet to send representatives to Beijing for peace negotiations. On May 23, 1951, the Agreement of the Central people's Government and Local Government of Tibet on Measures for Peaceful Liberation of Tibet, also called the "17-Article agreement," was signed. With the full support of the people in Tibet, the people's Liberation Army subsequently entered Lhasa without obstruction.
The main contents of the agreement include provisions that: the Tibetan people shall unite and drive out imperialist aggressive forces from Tibet; the local government of Tibet shall actively assist the PLA to enter Tibet and consolidate the national defense; Tibet shall practice regional ethnic autonomy, the existing political system in Tibet and the established status, functions and officials of various ranks shall continue to hold office; a policy of religious freedom and respect for Tibetan people's customs will be implemented; Tibet's spoken and written language and school education, as well as agriculture, animal husbandry and commerce, will gradually be developed, and the living standards of the Tibetan people improved; Tibet's foreign affairs should be placed under the unified management of the Central People's government; in matters related to various reforms in Tibet, there will be no arbitrary enforcement on the part of the central authorities; the local government of Tibet shall carry out reforms of its own accord, and reforms demanded by the people will be executed by means of consultation with the leading administrators of Tibet; the established status, functions and powers of the 13th Dalai Lama and of the 9th Panchen when they were on friendly and amicable terms shall be maintained; funds for the People's Liberation Army and personnel sent to the Tibetan areas shall be provided by the central government.
The "17-Article Agreement" won support from people of all walks of life in Tibet. A conference of Tibetan monks and lay officials held by the local government of Tibet culminated in a report to the Dala Lama: "The 17-Article Agreement is of great benefit. This unprecedented agreement should be implemented." The Dalai and Panche sent telegram or made statement expressing their support of the agreement.

 
 
 
 
 
  
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