BOOK REVIEW: China’s Colonial Games in TibetCompiled and edited by Vijay Kranti with foreword by HH Dalai Lama. VK Media Group, New Delhi for Centre for Himalayan Asia Studies and Engagement (CHASE). Hard cover, 486 pp., Rs 2500/US$40.
By: Nava Thakuria
A new compendium edited by respected Tibetan scholar Vijay Kranti and published by VK media group for the Centre for Himalayan Asia Studies and Engagement (CHASE), comprises nearly 60 essays by 39 leading experts on Tibet and China, reiterating the spirit of independence of a subjugated people. Its central thesis is that China, rather than being a benign benefactor, is actually a colonial power, not only in Tibet but in east Turkistan, southern Mongolia, Hong Kong, Manchuria, and, if they had their way, Taiwan. The book emerges as an act of collective courage while providing comprehensive information to scholars, researchers, diplomats, and policy makers on security, strategy, defense studies, etc. It is picked up from more than 30 international webinars organized by the New Delhi-based think-tank CHASE between 2020 and 2023 on sensitive issues related to Tibet and China and covering issues including the relentless colonization by the Beijing administration. Kranti is a dedicated supporter of the Tibetan movement, providing voices to the voiceless. The celebrated Tibetologist, also a professional photographer, reveals that this book is the first of a series of works to present studies on China’s other colonies. In his foreword, the Dalai Lama writes that “Protecting the environment of the Tibetan plateau is of the utmost importance,” highlighting the significance of the plateau in the global climate system. “The rivers that flow from Tibet sustain the lives of over a billion people across Asia,” he noted. He has personally shouldered the responsibility of safeguarding his homeland and people, despite repeated efforts to negotiate with the Chinese regime. He remains hopeful, he writes, that a peaceful and mutually acceptable resolution to the long-standing Tibetan struggle will be achieved through dialogue. “I have made repeated efforts to safeguard my homeland and my people,” he said. “Because our cause is grounded in truth and justice, I remain hopeful that we will achieve a lasting solution.”… This is a preview sent to free subscribers like you. The full content of this article is available exclusively to our paid subscribers. Read the full story here. To enjoy the complete Asia Sentinel experience and access more in-depth, independent reporting, please consider subscribing for just US$10/month or US$100/year. Support independent journalism. Subscribe today. This is among the stories/excerpts we choose to make widely available.If you wish to get the full Asia Sentinel experience and access more exclusive content, please do subscribe to us for US$10/month or US$100/year.
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