Lhasa, Tibet, February 13: China’s aggressive policies in Tibet are amplifying concerns over the region’s environmental stability and the repression of its cultural identity, according to a report by The Diplomat.
Tibet, known as the “Third Pole” due to its vast glaciers and critical role in sustaining major rivers, faces escalating risks due to Beijing’s large-scale infrastructure projects and the ongoing suppression of Tibetan culture. The region, vital for global climate and water resources, is teetering toward a potential crisis driven by both environmental and cultural degradation.
Environmental Risks and Infrastructure Projects
A recent 6.8 magnitude earthquake in Dingri county in January 2025 raised alarms about Tibet’s fragile geological stability. The earthquake, which caused thousands of aftershocks, is seen as a stark reminder of the seismic vulnerabilities of the region. This event occurred shortly after China’s announcement to build one of the world’s largest hydroelectric projects on the Yarlung Tsangpo River, raising concerns about the region’s vulnerability to natural disasters.
Critics have linked China’s infrastructure projects to heightened seismic risks, arguing that the country’s aggressive exploitation of Tibet’s natural resources is jeopardizing both the environment and the region’s ecological balance. The large-scale projects, such as dam constructions and resource extraction, have been described as reckless, driven more by political and economic interests than the well-being of the region or its people.
Climate Change and Weak Global Response
Tibet’s significance in the global climate crisis is well-recognized. The United Nations and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) have acknowledged Tibet’s vulnerability to climate change, especially considering its critical role in supplying freshwater to many parts of Asia. However, despite these warnings, the global response to Tibet’s environmental situation remains weak and largely ineffective.
Cultural Repression and Sinicization Efforts
Beyond environmental threats, China’s increasing repression of Tibetan culture is another point of concern. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has escalated its control over Tibetan Buddhism, particularly targeting the Dalai Lama’s institution, one of Tibet’s most revered spiritual symbols. China has moved to assert its authority over the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama, attempting to dictate its future through forced approvals, undermining Tibet’s religious autonomy.
These measures are part of a broader sinicization campaign, which seeks to erase Tibetan culture and replace it with values aligned with Chinese Communist Party ideology. Efforts include banning the Tibetan language from public discourse and forcing Tibetans to refer to their homeland as “Xizang” instead of its traditional name.
Forced Relocation of Tibetan Children
The New York Times has reported that Beijing’s policies have led to the forced relocation of Tibetan children, sending them to state-run boarding schools to sever their ties to their heritage and promote loyalty to the Chinese state. These measures reflect a broader strategy to eliminate Tibetan cultural practices and replace them with communist values.
Call for Global Action
The Dalai Lama, who has long been an advocate for environmental responsibility and cultural preservation in Tibet, continues to call for global action to protect the region. However, despite his efforts, China’s tightening grip on Tibet and the global community’s lack of decisive action have left Tibet’s future in jeopardy.
The Diplomat warns that if China’s exploitation of Tibet’s natural resources and cultural identity continues unchecked, the consequences could be devastating for both the region and the billions who depend on its ecological stability.