It's another day in China and another day of hypocrisy in the Chinese government. The brilliant economists in the government have decided to act on the long stated goal of "developing Tibet". This development includes Tibetans being forced to move from their rural homes to main roads where they can build a home in the "modern style". Of course this modern style does not include running water or electricity. The houses also do not have courtyards for livestock like a typical Tibetan home so Tibetans must get rid of a significant portion of their livelihood: their animals. This program is centrally designed but funds that have come to the region have been embezzled by local government officials. Tibetans only receive US$1200 to build $5000-6000 homes. Tibetans must take out loans to build the houses.
Tibetans who refuse this terrible practice get their houses bulldozed. Simply because you desire to live the way you want does not keep the Chinese from mining and stealing the resources under your home.
The Chinese are actually forcing urbanization. They figured out that wealth accumulates in urban areas while the rural areas are left poor. Let's simply create an urban population out of a people living in one of the most (if not, the most) sparsely occupied regions in the country. The way the Chinese government discusses the program seems insane to people growing up in a free market. It says these are where the four urban centers will be. These will be the industries that will magically flourish out of nothing. Here's the Chinese government front.
Human Rights Watch has called for the program to end immediately, so we'll see if the Chinese government listens to them for once.
Photo credit: Jeff Gao who has some beautiful pictures on his website. I hope he does not mind me borrowing one! Jeff's trips to Tibet
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