China tightened its grip on Tibet last Wednesday, in an effort to halt weeklong protests. Tibet is a region of China near the Indian border. Tibetans have long struggled against China's strict rule. China's leaders say Tibet is part of their nation. They have cracked down on Tibetan language, culture and Buddhist religion.
The protests began peacefully on March 10. On that day in 1959, Tibetans rose up against Chinese rule. The rebellion failed, and Tibet's spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, fled. He has lived in exile in Dharamsala, India, ever since.
On March 14, this year's protests turned violent. Tibetans in Lhasa started attacking Chinese residents. Chinese troops quickly moved into the capital city. The Dalai Lama's government received reports that 80 Tibetans had been killed. Chinese officials said the riots killed 16 people. No one knows for sure. The area is closed to visitors.
Still, the world is watching. As host of the 2008 Summer Olympics, China does not want more attention on its troubling human-rights record. Chinese officials blamed the Dalai Lama for the violence. The Nobel Peace Prize winner denied the charge and called for peace: "I say to China and the Tibetansódon't commit violence."
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