The Seventeen Point Agreement between Tibet and China is a historic treaty that was signed in 1951. The agreement was signed by representatives of the Tibetan government and the central government of the People`s Republic of China. The treaty established the status of Tibet as an autonomous region of China. The Seventeen Point Agreement has been a controversial topic for many years, with some arguing that it was forced upon Tibet, while others argue that it was a legitimate agreement.
Here are the seventeen points of the agreement:
1. The Tibetan people shall unite and drive out imperialist aggressive forces from Tibet.
2. The local government of Tibet shall actively assist the People`s Liberation Army in its mission to liberate Tibet.
3. The religious and social order of Tibet shall be respected.
4. The land and property of the monasteries shall be protected.
5. The Tibetan people shall enjoy freedom of religious belief and practice.
6. The Tibetan language and culture shall be respected and developed.
7. The local government of Tibet shall maintain law and order in Tibet.
8. The central government of China shall not interfere in the internal affairs of Tibet.
9. The Tibetan government shall be guaranteed the right to manage its own internal affairs.
10. The local government of Tibet shall be composed of local Tibetans.
11. The central government of China shall not impose taxes on Tibetans.
12. The central government of China shall provide financial assistance to Tibet.
13. The central government of China shall bear the expenses of the People`s Liberation Army in Tibet.
14. The central government of China shall provide assistance in the development of Tibet.
15. The central government of China shall provide assistance in the development of Tibet`s transportation and communications networks.
16. The central government of China shall provide assistance in the development of Tibet`s agriculture and industry.
17. The central government of China shall provide assistance in the development of Tibet`s education and public health.
While the Seventeen Point Agreement was intended to be a treaty between two equal parties, many critics argue that Tibet was forced to sign the treaty under duress from the Chinese government. They argue that the treaty was a means for China to justify its control over Tibet. Despite this controversy, the Seventeen Point Agreement remains an important part of the history of Tibet and China.