17 Point Agreement

The 17 point agreement is a historic agreement signed between the People`s Republic of China and the Tibetan government in 1951. It marked a significant moment in Tibetan history, as it effectively established the Chinese government`s control over Tibet.

The agreement was signed in Beijing on May 23, 1951, by representatives of the Chinese government and the Tibetan government. It was signed under duress, as the Tibetan government had little choice but to agree to the terms set out by the Chinese government.

The agreement consisted of 17 points, which outlined the terms of the relationship between China and Tibet. Some of the key points included:

1. Tibet would be part of the People`s Republic of China and would be under Chinese sovereignty.

2. The Tibetan government would agree to follow the policies of the Chinese government.

3. The Chinese government would guarantee the religious and cultural rights of the Tibetan people.

4. The Tibetan government would not engage in any activities against the Chinese government.

5. Chinese troops would be stationed in Tibet to maintain order and protect the border.

The agreement was highly controversial at the time and remains a contentious issue today. Many Tibetans argue that the agreement was signed under duress and that it was not a true representation of the wishes of the Tibetan people.

Despite this, the Chinese government continues to use the agreement as a justification for its control over Tibet. The Chinese government argues that the agreement legitimized its rule and that Tibet is an integral part of China.

In recent years, there have been calls for the Chinese government to revisit the issue of Tibet and to engage in meaningful dialogue with the Tibetan government. However, progress on this issue has been slow, and the status of Tibet remains a contentious issue within China and internationally.

In conclusion, the 17 point agreement was a historic agreement signed between China and Tibet in 1951. While it remains a controversial issue, it is important to understand its significance in the context of Tibetan history and the ongoing debate over Tibet`s relationship with China.