This story just off the wire talks about more violence on the foothills of the Himalayas, resulting from a recent government crack-down on a long simmering separatist movement. … [Read more...] about Separatists kill 8 railway workers
Archives for May 2008
Major earthquake centered in Tibetan autonomous area
A devastating earthquake has struck western Sichuan province. Early press reports are available here, and here; video from CCTV is here (Internet Explorer required). The earthquake's epicenter is in Wenchuang county, which is part of the larger Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture. The earthquake occurred at a very shallow depth, which accounts for the heavy damage, … [Read more...] about Major earthquake centered in Tibetan autonomous area
Tibet: Answers to a reader's questions
A reader of our blog asked this question on a previous thread: To Buxi and CLC: Thanks for your replies. WRT Tibetan independence, some Tibetans seek it, presumably as they see it to be to their benefit. PRC opposes it, as they see it as a detriment. I would like to explore the second part. I’ve read the historical justifications for Tibet being within China, such as the … [Read more...] about Tibet: Answers to a reader's questions
Western coverage begins to find balance
In recent weeks, Western press coverage has substantially changed in tone from earlier, one-sided demonized versions. One article today which, while still criticizing Beijing on human rights + Tibet issues, concludes there is another side of the Olympics story yet to be heard. Telegraph: New China basks in golden glow of Olympics … [Read more...] about Western coverage begins to find balance
Southern Weekly: New rules on "Release of Information"
Transparency in government remains one of the major obstacles in China's social and political reform. The Communist Party has publicly acknowledged the need for more transparency; only in the last 3-5 years has government offices at every level around the country begun to add press departments, issue press releases, and hold regularly press conferences. But this is only one … [Read more...] about Southern Weekly: New rules on "Release of Information"