Economic Development in Tibet under the People's Republic of China

Abstract

After 20 years of central government efforts that include generous state subsidies, the Tibet Autonomous Region remains China's poorest administrative unit. Growth rates over the past decade have exceeded the national average, while the average Tibetan is better fed and clothed than in the past. However, development has been extensive, resulting from higher subsidies, rather than intensive. Economic rates of return are low and dropping, raising fears that the TAR is becoming more dependent on external aid. There are also questions about the distribution of benefits between both Han versus Tibetans and urban versus rural dwellers; the impact of development projects on the environment; and their deleterious effects on traditional Tibetan culture.