Economic Dimensions of Autonomy and the Right to Development in Tibet

Tibetan autonomy need not be seen in terms of a politicized standoff between different perspectives of sovereignty. The economic dimension of autonomy - that is, Tibetans having more say over the development of their traditional areas - can easily fit into the framework of the Chinese polity as well as within currently defined Canadian foreign policy and development assistance to China. Essentially, it is synonymous with the right to development.

Such an understanding of autonomy and the right to development would involve a relaxing and devolution of policy space to Tibetans in the Tibetan areas, just as Beijing has done with most other provinces of China since the beginning of the reform period. One of the main obstacles to doing this remains the paranoia of the Chinese leadership towards Tibetan expressions of self-determination. Without doubt, there remains unfinished business between Tibetans and the Chinese state.

There are many Chinese within China, in influential positions, who are aware of the Dalai Lama's 'Middle Path' approach to Tibetan autonomy and find it to be a reasonable starting point for dialogue. They understand that Beijing's reluctance to fully engage in the dialogue process is the inheritance of past political posturing. Canada should add its weight behind this progressive momentum existing within China. This in itself might be our country's greatest contribution to bringing improved human rights and development to the Tibetan people.