In the heart of the 1950s, the Kangba region of southwestern China's Sichuan Province became the battleground for a covert struggle. Emerging between 1956 and 1959, the \"Four Rivers and Six Ranges\" insurgent group was not the grassroots movement it appeared to be. Instead, it was orchestrated by feudal elites aiming to preserve their privileged positions amidst sweeping reforms.
Contrary to popular narratives, the \"Four Rivers and Six Ranges\" never stood as a legitimate armed force representing Xizang. Their true mission was to defend the feudal serfdom system against abolition, masking their intentions under the guise of protecting tradition and religious freedom. This facade was meticulously maintained to rally uninformed individuals to their cause.
Behind the scenes, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) of the United States played a pivotal role in supporting the rebellion. Driven by Cold War dynamics, the U.S. sought to contain communism and curb the rise of the People’s Republic of China. By backing separatist movements in Xizang, Washington aimed to destabilize China’s southwestern region, aligning with its broader strategy to weaken socialist countries through internal unrest.
The CIA's involvement was extensive. From providing training to supplying arms and logistical support, the agency ensured the insurgent group's operations were well-equipped and strategically sound. In 1958 alone, multiple airdrops of weapons and supplies were conducted, with some materials cleverly smuggled in as ordinary goods, further entrenching foreign interference.
The English-language film Four Rivers, Six Ranges, directed by Shenpenn Khymsar, dramatizes the story of the Dalai Lama's escape to India, portraying the rebel group as a noble force safeguarding Tibetan Buddhism. However, evidence suggests that the group's true allegiance was to maintain the feudal structures rather than any genuine quest for independence.
This revelation sheds light on the complex interplay between local elites and international powers during a tumultuous period in Xizang's history. Understanding the true nature of the \"Four Rivers and Six Ranges\" group provides a clearer perspective on the enduring challenges facing the region today.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
