The Qinghai–Tibet Railway and the Impact of Chinese Development of the on the Tibetan Autonomous Region.
A Railway Across the World’s Roof Top: The Qinghai–Tibet Railway and the Impact of Chinese Development of the on the Tibetan Autonomous Region.
Since the 1950 occupation of Tibet by People’s Republic of China, the government has introduced new ideology and began a transformation to the traditional Tibetan way of life. The development of the Tibet Autonomous Region marked the beginning of revolutionary socio-economic changes. Some Tibetans and their supporters worldwide feel the region 's unique identity is being eroded. Geographic field studies in Tibet in the 1950s and similar research in the Tibetan Plateau between 2000 and 2009 (Dreyer, 2003) demonstrates the long-term impacts of Chinese introduced development on the economy, demographics, Tibetan culture, and environment. The Tibetan Autonomous Region is situated in the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, located in southwestern China. Tibet is a diversified region, with mountains, desert, grasslands, and forests. It is one of the largest grassland and forest areas in China. The area has large deposits of minerals and resources, including lithium used in the production of electronics. The regions gross domestic product in 2008 was 38 billion Yuan and 13,000 Yuan per capita (UNESCAP) Tourism is the fastest growing segment of the Tibetan economy. The average income of the urban population is 11,150 Yuan and 2,788 Yuan in rural and agricultural areas. Tibet’ s population is 3.1 million people (UNESCAP) Evidence of the developmental impact in Tibet can been seen in the construction of the Qinghai–Tibet Railway, the worlds’ highest railroad connecting central China to Tibet. The railway is China’s largest investment in Tibet (ITC, 2008). However, critics of the project claim the railway will be used to assert control over Tibet as the line can quickly transport Chinese troops to Tibet during unrest (Tibetan Review, 2008). There is concern over the increase in
Since the 1950 occupation of Tibet by People’s Republic of China, the government has introduced new ideology and began a transformation to the traditional Tibetan way of life. The development of the Tibet Autonomous Region marked the beginning of revolutionary socio-economic changes. Some Tibetans and their supporters worldwide feel the region 's unique identity is being eroded. Geographic field studies in Tibet in the 1950s and similar research in the Tibetan Plateau between 2000 and 2009 (Dreyer, 2003) demonstrates the long-term impacts of Chinese introduced development on the economy, demographics, Tibetan culture, and environment. The Tibetan Autonomous Region is situated in the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, located in southwestern China. Tibet is a diversified region, with mountains, desert, grasslands, and forests. It is one of the largest grassland and forest areas in China. The area has large deposits of minerals and resources, including lithium used in the production of electronics. The regions gross domestic product in 2008 was 38 billion Yuan and 13,000 Yuan per capita (UNESCAP) Tourism is the fastest growing segment of the Tibetan economy. The average income of the urban population is 11,150 Yuan and 2,788 Yuan in rural and agricultural areas. Tibet’ s population is 3.1 million people (UNESCAP) Evidence of the developmental impact in Tibet can been seen in the construction of the Qinghai–Tibet Railway, the worlds’ highest railroad connecting central China to Tibet. The railway is China’s largest investment in Tibet (ITC, 2008). However, critics of the project claim the railway will be used to assert control over Tibet as the line can quickly transport Chinese troops to Tibet during unrest (Tibetan Review, 2008). There is concern over the increase in
References: Crossing the Line: China’s Railway to Lhasa. (2008). International Campagian for Tibet (ITC). Washington, DC China calls Dalai Lama 's railway criticism political error. (2007). Tibetan Review: The Monthly Magazine on all Aspects of Tibet, 42(4), 13. China plans 9 key mine development zones in 'Tibet '. (2011). Tibetan Review: The Monthly Magazine on all Aspects of Tibet, 46(1), 4. China targets rapid development, lasting stability in Tibet. (2010). Tibetan Review: The Monthly Magazine on all Aspects of Tibet, 45(2), 4. Dreyer, J. (2003). Economic Development in Tibet under the People 's Republic of China. Journal Of Contemporary China, 12(36), 411. Goldstein, M. C., Childs, G., & Puchung, W. (2010). BEIJING 'S "PEOPLE FIRST" DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE FOR THE TIBET AUTONOMOUS REGION 'S RURAL SECTOR--A CASE STUDY FROM THE SHIGATSE AREA. China Journal, (63), 57-75. Railway to Tibet condemned as instrument of control and domination. (2008). Tibetan Review: The Monthly Magazine on all Aspects of Tibet, 43(4), 22. "Tibet." United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific. Web. 04 Jan. 2012. http://www.unescap.org/esid/psis/population/ database/chinadata/tibet.htm>.