Tag: Tibet

3 Websites You Can't Use in China

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You may already be aware of China’s Internet censorship due to the clash between Google and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).  What you may not know is exactly what mainland Chinese citizens are prevented from viewing online.  Among political sites that discuss the “Tiananmen Square massacre” or shed a bad light on relations between China and Taiwan, there are many other banned websites that may surprise you.  For this post, I am specifically focusing on three types of social media that citizens are unable to access:

 

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WordPress

 

Wordpress, Facebook, and Twitter cannot be accessed by personal computer, cellphone, and especially not an Internet cafe. Top right: A security officer busts an illegal Internet cafe.
Wordpress, Facebook, and Twitter cannot be accessed by personal computer, cellphone, and especially not an Internet cafe. Top right: A security officer busts an illegal Internet cafe.

 

The blocking of Facebook and Twitter may not seem like a big deal at first.  For most people, Facebook and Twitter are just ways of tracking their friends and keeping in touch.  However, the Chinese people had previously utilized these social media to upload pictures and video of the aftermath of protests-turned-riots which often turn ugly once the government begins to crack down on dissenters.  This tactic was used during Tibet riots as well as riots in Xinjiang.

 

Even more mind-boggling is the realization that mainland Chinese citizens cannot view this blog because it is hosted by WordPress. It is also very unfortunate because blogs are made for human expression and the freedom to read or write using certain hosts has currently been taken away.

 

With some skillful maneuvering, one can bypass government-imposed Internet controls.  But if someone is caught doing this, there will surely be a harsh punishment.  Ultimately, it is the principle of restricting human rights that is extremely difficult to come to terms with. Whether citizens simply want to express their individuality or spread a political message, the Chinese government is disallowing freedom of expression by blocking access to social media.  We may take our ability to express ourselves using an online platform for granted.

 

Photo Sources:

Tensions Rise Over Dalai Lama Meeting

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Source: Britannica
Source: Britannica

The White House announced yesterday that President Obama will meet with the Dalai Lama on February 18th.  Among other recent controversies, this is the latest in line to further sour the rocky relations between China and the United States. 

 

Ma Zhaoxu, Foreign Ministry spokesmanfor China, responded quickly, “We urge the U.S. side to fully understand the high sensitivity of Tibet-related issues, honor its commitment to recognizing Tibet as part of China and opposing ‘Tibet independence.’”

 

You may recall that the “Tibet issue” received a large amount of attention during the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.  But, you might not know why the protests were occurring.  While it is impossible to fully explain the reasoning behind the protest of the Dalai Lama meeting in one post, here are a few points to consider:

 

  • The origin of the controversy is the “17-Point Agreement”

 

  • China claims the “17-Point Agreement” signed by the 14th Dalai Lama in 1951 is proof that the Chinese have sovereignty over Tibet

 

  • Other sources indicate that the Tibetan government was independent until 1951 and that the “17-Point Agreement” was signed under duress and is therefore not valid

 

  • China argues that their influence has reformed and improved Tibet, specifically economically and in terms of human rights

 

  • The Dalai Lama’s director of information, Thubten Samphel, asserts that the PLA is responsible for over 80,000 Tibetan deaths between 1952 and 1958

 

  • More recently, the March 2008 protest in Tibet was in regards to “widespread mistreatment of the Tibetan population and a denial of religious and political freedom.” 

 

The rift between China and Tibet runs deep and it can only be inferred that a meeting between Obama and the Dalai Lama will not bode well for US-China relations.  The only question left to consider is “How will the impact manifest itself for the United States and for Tibet?”