This book explores China's efforts to assimilate Tibet, in the process rewriting Tibetan history to conform to Beijing's goals. Warren Smith provides the historical context for understanding the current situation through an overview of China's actual -- as opposed to its promised -- policies toward Tibet over time. His appraisal of Chinese policy shows that the PRC's ultimate intention is assimilation rather than autonomy. The author argues that Beijing fears that any genuine autonomy or dialogue withthe Dalai Lama will fuel renewed nationalistm in "China's Tibet." as the Chinese leadership calls its possession. This book highlights China's past and current propaganda on Tibet to demonstrate China's sensitivity and defensiveness regarding the legitimacy of its rule. Smith shows how China has tried to use Sino-Tibetan dialogue to defuse Tibetan exile and international criticism, while making no concessions in regard to Tibetan autonomy. In the absence of any solution, Smith advocates the promotion of Tibet's right to self-determination as the most viable strategy for sustaining international attention and maintaining the most essential elements of Tibetan national identity.

China has produced a tremendous amount of propaganda justifying its invasion and occupation of Tibet. This book reproduces excerpts from some of the most notable of these articles, along with a critical analysis. The primary themes of Chinese propaganda about Tibet are that Tibet has "always" been a part of China, thus there is no question about "Tibetan independence" or a Chinese "invasion" of Tibet; that the traditional Tibetan social system was a "dark, cruel, savage, feudal hell on earth" from which Tibetans welcomed their liberation by the CCP; and that China has selflessly assisted Tibetan social and economic development ever since while taking nothing from Tibet. China denies the legitimacy of any issues of Tibetan nationalism, self-determination or any desire by Tibetans for an independent political existence. Despite China's claims about the happiness of the Tibetan people, Tibetan resistance has continued. These excerpts from propaganda articles and documents reveal the political and cultural ideology of the Chinese as they attempt to maintain and justify their control over Tibet.

Despite Chinese efforts to stop foreign countries from granting him visas, the Dalai Lama has become one of the most recognizable and best loved people on the planet, drawing enormous crowds wherever he goes. By contrast, China's charismatically-challenged leaders attract crowds of protestors waving Tibetan flags and shouting "Free Tibet!" whenever they visit foreign countries. By now most Westerners probably think they understand the political situation in Tibet. But, John Powers argues, most Western scholars of Tibet evince a bias in favor of one side or the other in this continuing struggle. Some of the most emotionally charged rhetoric, says Powers, is found in studies of Tibetan history. narratives.

V. Statement of Mr. Reed Brody