Why Tibet?

 It’s a question governments around the world should be asking right now. Because as ICT’s latest report shows, what’s happening in Tibet is not just a human rights crisis. It’s a geopolitical flashpoint, with consequences far beyond China’s borders.

ICT’s newly released report reveals how China’s continued domination of Tibet is a key part of its wider plan to advance its authoritarian agenda across South Asia and globally. Tibet’s vast plateau is positioned at the border of India, Nepal, Bhutan and Myanmar, making it a critical frontier for regional influence. As the home of Asia’s major rivers, its highest mountains, rare minerals and more, Tibet is central to China’s authoritarian ambitions—and the rest of the world must take notice.

The report —supported by donors— details how Beijing has leveraged Tibet by exerting control over its geography, resources, and of course the Tibetan people themselves, including:

• Militarization: High in the mountains of Tibet, China is building military infrastructure, including airbases, missile sites, and radar systems, enhancing China’s ability to flex its power over neighboring countries.
• Control of water: The source of seven major rivers, Tibet is Asia’s “Water Tower,” sustaining 1.8 billion people in South and Southeast Asia. China’s ability to control the flow of these waters through damming and hydropower projects, absent any consultations with local Tibetan communities, allows it to exercise immense leverage over downstream nations, not to mention increasing the risk of floods, mudslides and earthquakes.
• Nuclear activity: In the last five years, China has significantly expanded its nuclear test site at Lop Nur, in a remote desert area that borders Tibet. We’ve seen a surge of recent activity: new underground facilities, deep tunnels excavated into granite, new roads and energy grids. And the railways that transport people and materials to the site? They run right through Tibet.
• Critical mineral reserves: A recently discovered belt of rare earth minerals within Tibet could upend the global rare earth supply chain. But will Tibetans benefit? Of course not. China is planning to continue to extract resources from Tibet to reinforce their dominance in the global rare earth supply chain, while polluting Tibet’s environment and displacing Tibetans in the process.

China’s repression of Tibetans is inseparable from their strategy. As Beijing tightens its grip on Tibet, it strengthens its ability to pressure neighboring countries, undermine democracy, and project power throughout Asia. They can’t control the region and increase their global influence without controlling Tibet first.

But, "Why Tibet?" doesn’t just sound the alarm—it also lays out what we must do next. The report calls on world leaders to recognize Tibet as a geopolitical priority; to include Tibet in security, environmental, and economic planning, in addition to human rights diplomacy; to push back against China’s manipulation of water and resources; and to make Tibet a Zone of Peace where Tibetans’ rights and voices will be respected.

We are making the case for Tibet in Washington, across Europe, in Asia, and with partners around the world—ensuring Tibet is not sidelined, and that China’s actions will face consequences.

At a time when China’s massive propaganda machine works to obscure reality, ICT provides trusted, independent research that policymakers, journalists, and global leaders depend on to understand what is truly happening inside Tibet.

This reporting—and the growing rallying cry of international opposition—would not be possible without supporters like you.

Thank you for standing with Tibet and for helping ensure the truth reaches those with the power to act.

Sincerely,

Ryan Fioresi
Executive Director
International Campaign for Tibet