Solving a solved problem

Abstract

China has considered the Tibet problem an internal issue and is not willing to discuss it with any third party. However, China’s failure to win over the hearts and minds of Tibetans has made Tibet a focus of international attention. India has a special role to play in the Tibet issue as it hosts the Dalai Lama, the Tibetan government-in-exile, and thousands of Tibetans. Although India has promised to recognize Tibet as part of China, it is also trying to adjust its policy by requesting more reciprocity from the Chinese. How New Delhi deals with Tibet has become a barometer of China–India relations. China’s increasingly assertive posture toward India will create strong incentives for India to play the “Tibet card.” On the other hand, when China–India relations develop smoothly, or when India tries to improve bilateral relations with China, New Delhi is usually more cooperative with Beijing over Tibet.