Tibet is living under threat of “cultural genocide” and may cease to exist completely within 15 years, its exiled spiritual leader has warned.
The Dalai Lama said young people in the region were becoming increasingly “Chinese”, lessening the importance of Tibetan traditions, culture and language.
In an interview with George Negus, to be screened on SBS’s Dateline tonight, the Buddhist monk said if something was not done soon, Tibet’s population faced decimation.
“There is a real danger. The population in Lhasa, our capital, is about 300,000 – 100,000 Tibetan and 200,000 Chinese.
“Whether intentionally or unintentionally, some kind of cultural genocide is taking place.
“[Among] people in the younger generation in Lhasa, the Tibetan language [i} now not much use.
“Their daily life is becoming more like Chinese, and their mentality is becoming more like Chinese.”
Autonomy, not independence
The religious leader said one of the reasons for this was the emphasis on Chinese in schools in the region.
“Then, the other thing, unintentionally, simply because of the overwhelming Chinese population, the Tibetan culture, Tibetan way of life is diminishing, including Tibetan language,” he added.
But the 71-year-old said he firmly believed autonomy and not independence from China was the answer to the territory’s problems, despite calls to the contrary from many young Tibetans.
“Many people know Tibetans in the spiritual field very, very advanced, but in material field, very, very backward.
“Every Tibetan wants modernised Tibet. No single Tibetan [i} dreaming [of the] return of previous backwardness.
“Therefore, as far as economic development is concerned, [if] Tibet remains within the Republic of China, we will get a greater benefit […] provided the Chinese government respects our culture, our spirituality, our environment.”
The Dalai Lama said his controversial visit to Australia had not been intended as a political statement.
But he said he understood the reluctance of some politicians to meet him during his 11-tour of the country.
“Of course, relations with China, good relations with China certainly are important,” he said.
“From my part, [there i} no particular political agenda,” he explained.
“If I have some political agenda then I may insist I want to see Prime Minister, because I have some political point to discuss with him.
“Then if he deny, I feel sad, but there is no political agenda. If he feels very much inconvenienced, okay, let him. More peaceful.”
