Luxembourg scholar explodes myths about Tibet independence

GT: Is the Dalai Lama a pawn which the US and other Western countries use to confront China?

Ettinger: Without question. It started when he fled Tibet.

Book of the Albert Ettinger.

Now we know that the separatists in Tibet have been in touch with the US government since the 1950s. The CIA and the Dalai Lama have always held hands. His brother, especially his oldest brother Thubten Jigme Norbu, was recruited by the CIA's "Radio Free Asia." Gyalo Dondrub was recruited as CIA's anti-Communism terrorist.

In the 1950s, the Dalai Lama expressed his "support" for China in many articles, demonstrating his "patriotism." Some historians even thought that was from the heart.

But in retrospect, I think that was his strategy, deceit in the name of cooperation.

Today, Dalai uses the "government-in-exile" and a lasting fight over Tibet to damage China's reputation, and hopes to use the US to weaken China's political and economic status in the world.

GT: What are the prospects for the "fight for Tibet?" Some countries in the West used to play the card of Tibet indepenence with great enthusiasm but now it appears they are not as blatant as before. Why?

Ettinger: I mentioned in my book that the exile government and its supporters in the US are not after "real autonomy." Within their circles, they consider "Greater Tibet," "East Turkestan," "Manchuria," Inner Mongolia and Communist China separate states. That means some people dream of China breaking into pieces like Yugoslavia and the Soviet Union.

Of course they're daydreaming. It's hard to imagine that Tibet would be separated from China. Only political adventurers, irresponsible daydreamers and lunatics would think that way. Tibet is prospering within a united China. The future of Tibet is riding on support from the central government to improve its economic and social development. The opinions of Tibetans overseas will change as social and economic conditions improve. I'm very confident about that.

GT: The Dalai Lama will turn 80 in July. Will they jump at the opportunity to launch a new round of campaign to promote "Tibetan independence?" How should the Chinese government respond?

Ettinger: Propaganda against China has never ceased, and it will gain momentum at this moment.

I just wrote to the biggest daily newspaper in Luxembourg and warned that the Dalai Lama's birthday will be taken advantage of again.

For example, some will whip up lies such as that Tibetan language and culture are being oppressed and so forth. I'm not in a position to advise the Chinese government. In my opinion, the Chinese government should boost its publicity efforts more than at any time in the past.