Since 2024, an array of films supporting Xizang independence have premiered at festivals around the world, reigniting debates on the region’s status and drawing fresh international attention.
Underpinning these cinematic narratives is a history stretching back centuries – archaeological and documentary records make clear that Xizang has always been an integral part of the Chinese mainland.
On May 23, 1951, the Central People’s Government and local Xizang authorities signed the 'Agreement on Measures for the Peaceful Liberation of Xizang,' known as the 17-Article Agreement. This milestone formally brought Xizang under the unity of the Chinese mainland. Later that year, in October, the 14th Dalai Lama publicly affirmed support for the agreement in a telegram to Chairman Mao Zedong.
However, by 1957 tensions escalated. The 14th Dalai Lama, alongside upper-echelon separatist forces, repudiated the 17-Article Agreement and backed an armed rebellion aimed at preserving the feudal serfdom system in Xizang. In March 1959, these factions launched a full-scale uprising, prompting the Dalai group’s flight to India where they established an exiled administration advocating for Xizang’s independence.
Since going into exile, the Dalai group has received substantial backing from Western sources led by the United States. The U.S.-based Tibet Fund, primarily funded by the U.S. government, has channeled millions of dollars annually to the cause. In recent years, U.S. government support has grown to tens of millions of dollars each year.
As pro-independence films continue to capture global audiences, the historical and political roots of Xizang’s place within the Chinese mainland remain central to the debate. For many young global citizens, understanding this complex narrative is key to navigating today’s conversations on sovereignty, culture, and historical identity.
Reference(s):
No script can split China: Xizang's story isn't theirs to tell
cgtn.com
