China is cracking down on the Dalai Lama and his “propaganda” by making sure the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader can’t be received by anyone through the internet, television, or any other means.
China has tried for years to keep Tibetans from listening to or watching programs broadcast from outside the country, or finding any information online about the Dalai Lama and Tibet’s exiled government.
However, many Tibetans can still find the information and broadcasts , usually from illegal satellite television dishes or skirting Chinese internet restrictions, reports The New York Times . The Dalai Lama’s teachings and picture are also smuggled in by brave visitors.
Tibet’s party chief, Chen Quaguo, wrote in the ruling Communist Party’s Qiushi journal on Saturday, saying the government would make sure it is the only voice Tibetans hear. Chen wrote, “Strike hard against the reactionary propaganda.”
He added that the government will silence the Dalai Lama and other outside forces by confiscating illegal satellite dishes, increasing its monitoring of the internet, and make sure all telephone and internet users are registered under their real names.
He added that the government will “work hard to ensure that the voice and image of the party is heard and seen over the vast expanses” of China’s Tibetan regions. Al Jazeera notes that the Dalai Lama slammed China’s censorship , calling it “immoral.”
The Tibetan spiritual leader made the claim after also accusing the Chinese government of blocking him from traveling to Desmond Tutu’s 80th birthday. His absence was symbolized at the event by an empty chair. The Dalai Lama was supposed to deliver an inaugural peace lecture at the event at the University of the Western Cape.
Instead, the Dalai Lama spoke with Tutu on Saturday, answering questions via a video link. When Tutu asked why the Chinese feared him, the spiritual leader explained that “some Chinese officials describe me as a demon so naturally some fear about the demon.”
China calls the Dalai Lama a “wolf in sheep’s clothing” who tries to use violent methods to establish an independent Tibet. However, the leader denies supporting violence, explaining he simply wants genuine autonomy for Tibet.
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