05.09.2018

Kirsan Ilyumzhinov: "Russia could act as a mediator in the peaceful settlement of the Communist Party of China and Buddhism conflict"

It seems to be unwise to refuse to cooperate with such a powerful ally as the Dalai Lama, who is known by his positive attitude towards Russia and its policy.

However, what about China? Its authorities disapprove the Dalai Lama’s visits to any country to the extent of official meetings cancellation and freezing of economic cooperation. Is it worth to risk good relations and important projects for the sake of supporting one of the world's religious leaders?

You will have to study history to answer this question. It is believed that Tibet, which for a long time had the status of an empire, became part of China during the Ming the Qing dynasties in the 13th century. At the same time, most experts believe that there was no annexation per se; it was rather Beijing's suzerainty over Lhasa.

It was the result of the "divide and rule" policy of British in Tibet. On the other hand, the relative independence of Lhasa in those days is also confirmed by the fact that since the 17th century the Tibetan theocratic state was ruled by Dalai Lamas, who were considered to be both spiritual leaders and monarchs. Tibet declared its independence after the overthrow of the Qin Dynasty in 1911. But this independence did not last long. As early as 1950, troops of the People's Liberation Army of China entered the neighbouring state, and a year later the "Agreement on measures for the peaceful liberation of Tibet" was signed, which made this country part of the Celestial Empire. Five years later, the Tibet Autonomous Prefecture (TAP) was established.
However, in 1959, an anti-Chinese uprising inspired and prepared by the CIA broke out in Tibet. For the sake of justice, it should be noted that seeds of turbulence have been planted on the soil fertilized by radical reforms, the destruction of religion (which for Tibetans, who for many generations lived under theocracy, was like the end of the world) and ruthless Sinification. The rebellion was violently suppressed, and about one hundred thousand Tibetans, including the 24-year-old Dalai Lama Tengjing Gyamtskho, were forced to flee to India, whose government granted them a residence near Dharamsala, which became the new residence of the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government in exile.
It should be noted that the Indian authorities granted asylum to Tibetan refugees not only for humane reasons. Although this is not officially declared, the Indian leadership, mindful of the difficult relations with China, is interested in the existence of an independent Tibet as a buffer state. That is why China, fearing the Dalai Lama's great influence on the Tibetans and considering him to be a promoter of Indian interests that could lead to the fall of the TAP, is so actively opposed to the Buddhist leader's international contacts with anyone.
However, from an objective point of view, such an unbending position of Beijing is likely to cause surprise in recent years. Firstly, His Holiness has repeatedly spoken out against separatism, stating that he cannot imagine Tibet outside of China: "We are all eager to remain in the PRC, this is in our interests. Tibet has no access to the sea and is very poor," he said.
Moreover, in March 2011, the Dalai Lama refused to perform the administrative functions of the leader of "Tibet government in exile", and therefore, it is strange to say the least to consider his pastoral visits to any country as political actions. It would be the same as if Istanbul protested against the Pope's trip to Berlin.
Kirsan Ilyumzhinov noted: "Being a unique country, whose population traditionally professes all three world religions, Russia could act as a mediator in the peaceful settlement of the Communist Party of China and Buddhism conflict (in full accordance with the traditions and values of Buddhism)."
On the other hand, the peaceful preaching of the Dalai Lama, the spread of the Buddhist principles of nonviolence, harmony and compromise and Buddha’s ‘middle path’ strengthen the authority of our country. Unfortunately, so far, in response to our peace-loving policy and non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries, we receive more sanctions and face hostility.
However, if the people of our geopolitical opponents (there are many opinion leaders professing Buddhism there) would share the same Buddhism principles as our country, it will become much more difficult to harass Russia and easier to negotiate with us.
That is why the Dalai Lama's first for almost a decade and a half visit to our country is extremely important not only for Buddhists but for all of us. Given his indisputable authority, above all, in the Asian countries, the strengthening of relations between us will open new prospects for Russia in the Asia.