Why Tibet is Important to China

Before 1959, the present area of the Tibet Autonomous Region was governed by the government of Tibet (headed by the Dalai Lama). But, today, Tibet is part of China. Tibet is the second-largest province of China by area. The Communist government of China believe that Tibet is their territory and "reclaimed" at the end of its civil war. Here is several reason why Tibet is important to China.

First, Tibet's strategic significant of China's geopolitical. As we know, Tibet serving as a buffer region between China and India. Control of Tibet gave China a boundary with Pakistan, and access to the Arabian Sea. Tibet would also have threatened Beijing's access to Xinjiang. Tibet is a vital link between China, south and central Asia.

Second, Tibet's natural energy resources. According to the Ministry of Water Resources and the China State Power Group, The Tibet has 448.2 billion cubic meters of water. Tibet producing approximately 200 million kw of natural hydro energy annually, or about 30 percent of China's total. Tibet also rich in geothermal, solar and wind energy. More than 100 sites in Tibet have good geothermal energy reserves.

Third, Tibet's mineral resources. Since 1999, Chinese geologists have discovered more than 600 new sites of copper, iron, lead and zinc ore deposits on Tibet. 11 mineral reserves including chromium, iron, lithium, copper and boron rank first-fifth in China. China ships its own experts and workers to Tibet to remove these resources. The China-Tibet railroad is allowing for faster extraction of iron, copper, natural gas, and oil from Tibet.

Fourth, forestry in Tibet. Tibet has one of the oldest forest reserves in central Asia. As we know, southern, eastern and southeastern parts of Tibet have alpine, temperate,sub-tropical and even tropical forests. With forest coverage stands at 9.8% of the area, Tibet being one of China's biggest forest areas. Tibet has one of the greatest resources of the economic plants in use of making fabrics, spices, food and paper, etc.

Fifth, Tibet's tourism. Tourism in Tibet is a large part of China's business interest here. Tibet is home to the Buddhist and the area is picturesque and old. Thats why, Tibet is interesting for tourist. In recent years Tibet's tourism has expanded rapidly, especially after the finish of Qingzang Railway in July 2006. Unfortunately, spirituality, now, mixes with commercialism in Tibet. Usually, young monks running up to tourist, and asking for money.

Ironically, according to a new UN report on the quality of life of the Tibetan people indicates that Tibetans are virtually at the bottom of the economic and social ladder. Most of the economic benefits from Tibet go to migrant Han Chinese. Tibet still remains one of China's poorest spots.

http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSSP2305020080325
http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/200308/05/eng20030805_121735.shtml
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/bizchina/2007-02/13/content_833286.htm
http://www.tibettrip.com/facts/natural-resource.htm