Politics |
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Tibet is governed directly by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in Beijing. No Tibetan has ever been appointed Party Secretary - the most senior government post - in the Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR).
Between 2002 and 2008, talks on the future of Tibet were held between the Chinese government and envoys of the Dalai Lama, but little progress was made. The Chinese Government ended the talks in late 2008.
The United Kingdom, which formerly regarded China as having a 'special position' in Tibet, stated for the first time that 'Tibet is part of China' in October 2008, immediately before China abandoned the Sino-Tibetan talks.
Despite China's objections, world leaders still regularly meet the Dalai Lama.
 Anyone reading speeches made by the Dalai Lama can see the efforts the Tibetan leader has made to find a solution. |  As far as the Chinese government is concerned no discussion about Tibetan independence is merited, let alone tolerable. |
International opinion about Tibet  Click here for statements by other authorities: |  In recent years, parliaments and governments around the world have begun to take action on behalf of Tibet. |
