The Tibet protests had initially unnerved the Chinese government. With the Beijing Olympics just a few months away, it could not throw in battalions of PLA soldiers with orders to crush the rebellion brutally. Instead, it is dealing with the rebellion of army soldiers disguised as policemen. The idea is to show the world that this is an internal security matter, needing only police action; no need for the army.
These furtive measures along with brusque warnings to major powers to stay off Tibet have worked. The blunt talking has worked not only because China is a military power, but also because it’s economic clout is enormous. India is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that China is not the least offended. US president Bush has said he will go to the opening ceremony of the Olympics as a ’sports lover’. This fools no one. Everyone is looking the other way. Tibetans are alone, except for shrill but futile noises from human rights organizations.
All this has emboldened China. It has beefed up security in the troubled province. The dirty tricks department of the Chinese government has let loose rumours that some Tibetans have ganged up with Al Qaeda elements amongst Muslim Uighurs. This is like finishing off a job well done (of subduing the protest).
The Tibetans can do nothing but smoulder in anger in their hearts. The more practical ones, who see only the economic benefits of being a part of a rapidly growing country, have actually denounced the Tibetan uprising. It seems the Chinese economic success story is dousing the flames of the cry for Tibetan independence.
