Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
China enters a period of liberalisation and reform and limited religious freedoms are restored in
Tibet. Out of a pre-1950 total of around 2000 monasteries, only 45 are reopened.
1982
A three-person team sent to Běijīng from Dharamsala is told Tibet is part of China and that the
Dalai Lama would be given a desk job in Běijīng on his return. By 1983 talks had broken down.
1987-89
Pro-independence demonstrations take place in Lhasa; the response is violent, several tourists
are injured and martial law is declared.
1989
The Dalai Lama's efforts to achieve peace and freedom for his people are recognised when he is
awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
2006
Western climbers on Mt Cho Oyu film Chinese border guards shooting unarmed nuns as they flee
China over the Nangpa-la to Nepal.
2006
The 4310m Nathu-la pass with Sikkim opens to local traders for the first time in 44 years, hinting
at warmer ties between India and China.
2007
The Chinese government passes a new law requiring all incarnate lamas to be approved by the
government, part of an attempt to increase political control over Tibet's religious hierarchy.
2008
In the run-up to the Olympic Games in Běijīng, the worst riots for 20 years hit Lhasa, southern
Gānsù and western Sìchuān; 19 people are killed and thousands are subsequently arrested.
