View source for 2008 Tibetan unrest

{{Short description|Political violence in Tibet}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2024}}
{{Infobox civil conflict
| title = 2008 Tibetan unrest
| image            = Tibetan Monks arrested in 2008 遭逮捕的西藏僧侶.jpg
| subtitle = 
| partof =
| caption = Tibetan monks in Chinese custody, April 2008
| date = 
| place = [[Lhasa|Lhasa, Tibet]]
| coordinates = 
| causes = Alleged mistreatment of Tibetans by the Chinese government
| goals = 
| methods = 
| status = 
| result = 
| side1 = {{plainlist|
{{armed forces|China}}
[[People's Armed Police]]
}}
----
[[Han Chinese|Han]] and [[Hui people|Hui]] communities
| side2 = Tibetan demonstrators<br> [[Central Tibetan Administration]] (alleged; denied)<ref name=phyul/>
| leadfigures1 = 
| leadfigures2 = 
| howmany1 = 
| howmany2 = 
| fatalities = 23 (per government)<br>203-400 (per CTA and Dalai Lama)
| injuries = 
| arrests = 
| detentions = 
| charged = 
| fined = 
| casualties_label = 
| notes = 
| sidebox = 
}}

The '''2008 Tibetan unrest''', also referred to as the '''2008 Tibetan uprising''' in Tibetan media,<ref name="TR">{{cite web|last=tibetanreview|date=2018-06-21|title=The 2008 uprising and the Olympics|url=https://www.tibetanreview.net/the-2008-uprising-and-the-olympics/|access-date=2022-10-06|website=Tibetan Review|language=en-US}}</ref> was a series of protests and demonstrations over the [[Government of China|Chinese government]]'s treatment and persecution of [[Tibetan people|Tibetans]]. Protests in [[Lhasa]], the capital of [[Tibet]], by monks and nuns on 10 March have been viewed as the start of the demonstrations. Numerous protests and demonstrations were held to commemorate the 49th anniversary of the 1959 [[Tibetan Uprising Day]], when the [[Dalai Lama's escape from China|14th Dalai Lama escaped from Tibet]].<ref>{{cite news|date=2008-03-14|title=Tibet protests|language=en-GB|work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/gallery/2008/mar/14/1|access-date=2022-10-06|issn=0261-3077}}</ref> The protests and demonstrations spread spontaneously to a number of monasteries and throughout the Tibetan plateau, including into counties located outside the designated [[Tibet Autonomous Region]].<ref name="TR" />

The arrest of monks at [[Labrang Monastery]] increased the tension of the situation. Clashes occurred between Tibetans and Chinese [[Han Chinese|Han]] and [[Hui people|Hui]] residents, resulting in Han and Hui stores and buildings being destroyed and numerous Chinese civilians being injured or killed.<ref name="nyt23">{{cite news|date=March 16, 2008|title=Tibetan riots spread outside region|work=[[The New York Times]]|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/16/world/asia/16iht-tibet.1.11134870.html|url-status=live|access-date=January 7, 2011 <!--DASHBot-->|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200225070813/https://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/16/world/asia/16iht-tibet.1.11134870.html|archive-date=February 25, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2008-04-11|title=Transcript: James Miles interview on Tibet – CNN.com|website=[[CNN]]|url=http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/03/20/tibet.miles.interview/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080411130317/http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/03/20/tibet.miles.interview/|archive-date=2008-04-11|access-date=2018-03-26}}</ref><ref name="BBCAccounts">{{Cite news |date=2008-03-18 |title=Accounts from Lhasa and beyond |language=en-GB |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7302319.stm |access-date=2022-10-06}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=2008-03-17 |title='I can't just let this guy die on the ground' |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/2008/03/17/i_cant_just_let_this_guy_die_on_the_ground.html |access-date=2022-10-06 |website=thestar.com |language=en}}</ref>

The use of force by Chinese police and military forces during the unrest has been controversial, with some, including [[Human Rights Watch]] and [[Amnesty International]], deeming it [[Police brutality|excessive force]].<ref>{{Cite news|last=Yardley|first=Jim|date=2008-03-15|title=Violence in Tibet as Monks Clash With the Police|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/15/world/asia/15tibet.html|url-status=live|access-date=2018-03-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180326202951/https://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/15/world/asia/15tibet.html|archive-date=March 26, 2018|issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref name="BBC2">{{Cite news |date=2010-07-22 |title=China accused of excessive force over Tibet unrest |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-pacific-10723140 |access-date=2022-10-06}}</ref><ref name="nyt23"/><ref name="HRW2">{{Cite journal |date=2010-07-21 |title="I Saw It with My Own Eyes": Abuses by Chinese Security Forces in Tibet, 2008-2010 |journal=Human Rights Watch |url=https://www.hrw.org/report/2010/07/21/i-saw-it-my-own-eyes/abuses-chinese-security-forces-tibet-2008-2010 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=April 2008 |title=People's Republic of China: The Olympics countdown – crackdown on Tibetan protesters |url=https://www.amnesty.org/es/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/asa170702008eng.pdf |access-date=June 20, 2024 |website=Amnesty International}}</ref> The [[International Campaign for Tibet]] estimates a total of 235 protests occurred from 10 March until the end of October 2009.<ref name="ICT" /> The Chinese government's [[Xinhua News Agency]] estimated that 150 protests occurred between 10 March and 25 March.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://news.sina.com.cn/c/2008-04-01/233615271300.shtml|title=达赖和"西藏人民大起义运动"脱不了干系_新闻中心_新浪网|website=news.sina.com.cn|access-date=2018-03-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180326202923/http://news.sina.com.cn/c/2008-04-01/233615271300.shtml|archive-date=March 26, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="ICT">{{Cite web |title=2008-2009 Protest Logs |url=https://savetibet.org/archived-research/2008-2009-protest-logs/ |access-date=2022-10-06 |website=International Campaign for Tibet |language=en-US}}</ref>  The Chinese government reported that 23 people were killed during the riots themselves, while the [[Central Tibetan Administration]] claimed 203 were killed in the aftermath alone,<ref name="HRW3233">{{cite journal |date=July 7, 2008 |title=China's Forbidden Zones |url=https://www.hrw.org/en/reports/2008/07/06/china-s-forbidden-zones-0 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100302151055/http://www.hrw.org/en/reports/2008/07/06/china-s-forbidden-zones-0 |archive-date=March 2, 2010 |access-date=March 11, 2010 |website=[[Human Rights Watch]] |pages=32–33}}</ref> and the [[Dalai Lama]] alleged 400 Tibetans were killed in total. Foreign journalists were expelled or forced to leave during the uprising anniversary. [[Amnesty International]] reported 1,000 Tibetan protestors remained "unaccounted for" by June 2008,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tibet protesters missing, Amnesty says - CNN.com |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/06/19/oly.tibet.torch/ |access-date=2022-10-06 |website=CNN}}</ref> while the Central Tibetan Administration reported 5,600 arrests of Tibetans between March 2008 and January 2009, with 1,294 injuries within the same period.

Protests supporting Tibetans were held in cities in [[North America]] and [[Europe]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2008/mar/24/tibet.olympicgames2008|title=Tibet protesters disrupt Olympic flame ceremony|last1=Stratton|first1=Allegra|last2=agencies|date=2008-03-24|website=the Guardian|language=en|access-date=2018-03-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180327084632/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2008/mar/24/tibet.olympicgames2008|archive-date=March 27, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> as well as in [[Beijing]], [[Australia]],<ref>{{Cite news |title=TIMELINE: Day-by-day record of Tibet protests |language=en-US |work=[[Reuters]] |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-tibet-protests/timeline-day-by-day-record-of-tibet-protests-idUSSP15193420080321 |url-status=live |access-date=2018-03-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180326203155/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-tibet-protests/timeline-day-by-day-record-of-tibet-protests-idUSSP15193420080321 |archive-date=March 26, 2018}}</ref> [[India]],<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/01/world/asia/01india.html|title=Tibetans Protest in Delhi, but March Is Off|last=Kumar|first=Hari|date=2008-04-01|work=The New York Times|access-date=2018-03-26|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180326202830/https://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/01/world/asia/01india.html|archive-date=March 26, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> and [[Nepal]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-nepal-tibet-protests/nepal-police-break-up-tibet-protests-284-held-idUSDEL26990920080331|title=Nepal police break up Tibet protests, 284 held|work=U.S.|access-date=2018-03-26|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180326202823/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-nepal-tibet-protests/nepal-police-break-up-tibet-protests-284-held-idUSDEL26990920080331|archive-date=March 26, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Many of the international protests also called for a boycott of the [[2008 Summer Olympics|Beijing Olympics]]. On 24 March, the torch lighting ceremony in Greece was disrupted by activists, including some from [[Reporters Without Borders]]. At Chinese embassies, protests ranged from pelting the embassies with eggs and rocks<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 17, 2008 |title=Eggs, flags and tempers fly at Chinese consulate |url=https://www.theage.com.au/news/world/eggs-flags-and-tempers-fly-at-chinese-consulate/2008/03/16/1205602193544.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180327023633/https://www.theage.com.au/news/world/eggs-flags-and-tempers-fly-at-chinese-consulate/2008/03/16/1205602193544.html |archive-date=March 27, 2018 |access-date=2018-03-26 |website=[[The Age]] |language=en}}</ref> to protestors entering the premises and raising [[Flag of Tibet|Tibetan flags]], which was outlawed in Tibet by the Chinese government in 1959.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-britain-tibet-protests/tibetan-protesters-attack-londons-chinese-embassy-idUKKRA73981720080318|title=Tibetan protesters attack London's Chinese embassy|work=U.K.|access-date=2018-03-26|language=en-GB|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180326202547/https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-britain-tibet-protests/tibetan-protesters-attack-londons-chinese-embassy-idUKKRA73981720080318|archive-date=March 26, 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-nepal-tibet-protests/tibetans-protest-near-china-embassy-in-nepal-idUSDEL3818420080401|title=Tibetans protest near China embassy in Nepal|work=U.S.|access-date=2018-03-26|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180326203001/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-nepal-tibet-protests/tibetans-protest-near-china-embassy-in-nepal-idUSDEL3818420080401|archive-date=March 26, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Tibetans storm Chinese Embassy in Paris |url=http://www.phayul.com/news/article.aspx?id=19724&t=1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180327023427/http://www.phayul.com/news/article.aspx?id=19724&t=1 |archive-date=March 27, 2018 |access-date=2018-03-26 |website=[[Phayul.com]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Tibetans activists try to storm Chinese embassy in Delhi |work=[[News18]] |url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/tibetans-activists-try-to-storm-chinese-embassy-in-delhi-287394.html |url-status=live |access-date=2018-03-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180326202756/https://www.news18.com/news/india/tibetans-activists-try-to-storm-chinese-embassy-in-delhi-287394.html |archive-date=March 26, 2018}}</ref>

Protesters in Tibet that were arrested and detained claimed they were tortured and told to admit they were paid to protest by the 14th Dalai Lama.<ref name="BBC2"/> The Chinese government stated the unrest was motivated by [[separatism]] and blamed the Dalai Lama for orchestrating it.<ref name="voa3">{{Cite web |date=October 27, 2009 |title=China Accuses Tibetan Protesters of Killing Innocent People |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/a-13-2008-03-15-voa2-66744812/562281.html |website=[[Voice of America]] |language=en}}</ref> The Dalai Lama denied the accusation and said that the situation was caused by "deep seated disillusionment and despair" in Tibet, and invited Chinese officials to come to India with its evidence.<ref name=phyul>{{Cite web |title=Dalai Lama Calls Again For Crackdown Probe |url=http://www.phayul.com/news/article.aspx?id=20522&t=1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180326202614/http://www.phayul.com/news/article.aspx?id=20522&t=1 |archive-date=March 26, 2018 |access-date=2018-03-26 |website=[[Phayul.com]]}}</ref> Representatives of the Chinese government and the Dalai Lama held talks on China's Tibet policies on 4 May and 1 July of the same year.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2013-09-02 |title=Dalai Lama calls for end to anti-Olympic protests |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2008/may/21/tibet.religion |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130902090543/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2008/may/21/tibet.religion |archive-date=2013-09-02 |access-date=2018-03-26 |website=[[The Guardian]]}}</ref><ref name="reuters2">{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSPEK26550320080701|title=China, Dalai Lama's envoys resume talks|date=July 1, 2008|access-date=July 1, 2008|work=[[Reuters]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090313103038/http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSPEK26550320080701|archive-date=March 13, 2009|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Background ==
[[File:TAR-TAP-TAC.png|thumb|right|250px|Orange refers to Tibet's original land boundaries, subdivided into provinces by China and designated as [[Tibetan people|Tibetan]] (and other ethnic minorities) [[Autonomous administrative divisions of China|autonomous areas]].]]
The protests erupted amidst growing frustrations with China's [[Antireligious campaigns of the Chinese Communist Party|persecution]] of Tibetans and of [[Tibetan Buddhists]],<ref name=CTA/><ref name="Dolma">{{cite web|last=Dolma|first=Kelsang|date=2020-08-31|title=Tibet Was China's First Laboratory of Repression, Xi Jinping is bringing methods honed in Xinjiang back to the Himalayas|url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2020/08/31/tibet-china-repression-xinjiang-sinicization/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200926152635/https://foreignpolicy.com/2020/08/31/tibet-china-repression-xinjiang-sinicization/|archive-date=2020-09-26|access-date=2020-09-26|website=[[Foreign Policy]]}}</ref> which Tibetans assert began after China's annexation in 1951. Unresolved situations remained regarding Tibet's three highest spiritual leaders - the [[14th Dalai Lama]] and the [[Orgyen Trinley Dorje|17th Gyalwang Karmapa]] both escaped to India, while the [[11th Panchen Lama]]'s location remains unknown. Photographs of the Dalai Lama remain outlawed,<ref name=NYT/> as are Tibetan flags. Efforts at brokering agreements on behalf of Tibetans by the Dalai Lama with China had stalled.<ref>{{cite web|date=2008-03-14|title=Protests in Tibet erupt into violence|url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2008/mar/14/tibet.china1|access-date=2022-10-06|website=The Guardian|language=en}}</ref>
The [[protests and uprisings in Tibet since 1950]] include earlier mass protests in Lhasa—the [[1959 Tibetan uprising]], and the [[1987-1989 Tibetan unrest|1987 protests]] which were likewise led by monks from [[Sera monastery]], [[Drepung monastery]] and [[Ganden monastery]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 5, 1987 |title=URGENT Chinese Block Roads, Arrest Monks After Protest |url=https://apnews.com/article/8fb7741fd941a56063f769a6dbc376f2 |website=[[Associated Press]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=30 years of resistance |url=https://www.tibetwatch.org/30-years-of-resistance |access-date=2022-10-06 |website=Tibet Watch |language=en-US}}</ref>

Of the 1989 bloody suppression in Lhasa, journalist [[Jim Yardley]] wrote:<blockquote>"In the past China has not hesitated to crush major protests in Tibet or to jail disobedient monks. [Former] President Hu Jintao, who [was] also the general secretary of the Communist Party, served as party boss in Tibet during a violent crackdown in 1989. His support for the bloody suppression of unrest that year earned him the good will of Deng Xiaoping, then the paramount leader, and led directly to his elevation to the Politburo Standing Committee and eventually to China’s top leadership posts."<ref name="Yardley">{{Cite news |last=Yardley |first=Jim |date=2008-03-15 |title=Violence in Tibet as Monks Clash With the Police |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/15/world/asia/15tibet.html |access-date=2022-10-06 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref></blockquote>

The Dalai Lama and the [[Central Tibetan Administration]] (CTA) proposed the [[Protests and uprisings in Tibet since 1950#Middle Way Approach|Middle Way Approach]] to address the government of China's policies in Tibet. Specific agreements offered to China include the Five Point Peace Plan in 1987, the Strasbourg proposal in 1988, and the [[Memorandum on Genuine Autonomy]] in 2008.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Staff Reporter |date=2019-05-23 |title=The 17-point Agreement - What China promised, what it really delivered and the future? |url=https://tibet.net/the-17-point-agreement-what-china-promised-what-it-really-delivered-and-the-future-2/ |access-date=2022-10-06 |website=Central Tibetan Administration |language=en-US}}</ref>
Tibetan loyalty to the Dalai Lama is considered disloyalty to the [[Chinese Communist Party]] (CCP),<ref>{{cite journal|last=Topgyal|first=Tsering|date=2013|title=Identity Insecurity and the Tibetan Resistance Against China|url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/43590713|journal=Pacific Affairs|volume=86|issue=3|pages=515–538|doi=10.5509/2013863515|jstor=43590713|issn=0030-851X|url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref name=HRW2/><ref name=CTA/> and is viewed by the Chinese government as a crime of separatism and a threat to China's national security and expansionism. Kelsang Dolma wrote, "when the 2008 Tibet protests erupted, fomented by discontent with decades-long repression, the CCP ruthlessly responded by killing and arbitrarily arresting protesters".<ref name="Dolma" />

As a policy begun by Chairman Mao in 1950, Beijing promotes settlements of Han Chinese within Tibet, which dilute Tibetan culture and identity, as the Dalai Lama and others have stated.<ref name="Settlers">{{cite web|date=2008-05-23|title=Tibet could be 'swamped' by mass Chinese settlement after Olympics, says Dalai Lama|url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2008/may/24/tibet.china|access-date=2022-10-06|website=The Guardian|language=en}}</ref><ref>International Commission of Jurists, 1997, https://www.icj.org/wp-content/uploads/1997/01/Tibet-human-rights-and-the-rule-of-law-thematic-report-1997-eng.pdf {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210221142741/https://www.icj.org/wp-content/uploads/1997/01/Tibet-human-rights-and-the-rule-of-law-thematic-report-1997-eng.pdf|date=2021-02-21}}</ref> The CTA also states, '' "[u]nder the guise of the economic and social development, Beijing encourages its population to migrate to Tibet with the clear aim to marginalize Tibetans from the economic, educational, political and social life of the region." ''<ref name=Asia/> A railway link opened in 2006 delivers three thousand Han a day to the region. Within Lhasa, [[Tsering Woeser]] reports that Tibetans are discriminated against at spiritual sites, and residents were relocated to rural areas, as urban areas were redeveloped for Han residents and businesses.<ref name=France>{{cite web|date=2013-05-21|title="Lhasa's Tibetans will soon be nothing but decorations for tourists"|url=https://observers.france24.com/en/20130521-lhasa-tibetans-nothing-decorations-tourists|access-date=2022-10-06|website=The Observers - France 24|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Tibet|first=International Campaign for
|date=2013-05-20|title=Destruction of Lhasa revealed in new images|url=https://savetibet.org/destruction-of-lhasa-revealed-in-new-images/|access-date=2022-10-06|website=International Campaign for Tibet|language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="Asia">{{cite web|last=AsiaNews.it|title=Beijing sends a new flood of Han migrants to Lhasa: Tibetans risk disappearing|url=https://www.asianews.it/news-en/Beijing-sends-a-new-flood-of-Han-migrants-to-Lhasa:-Tibetans-risk-disappearing-33294.html|access-date=2022-10-06|website=www.asianews.it|language=en}}</ref> Nomadic Tibetans are forced to build homes and borrow money for construction costs,<ref>{{cite news|date=2010-07-15|title=Is development killing Tibet's way of life?|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-pacific-10638506|access-date=2022-10-06}}</ref><ref name="NYT">{{cite news|last=Wong|first=Edward|date=2010-07-24|title=China's Money and Migrants Pour Into Tibet|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/25/world/asia/25tibet.html|access-date=2022-03-18|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> while their grazing lands are redistributed, as reported by Free Tibet.<ref name="Latest">{{cite web|title=Latest|url=https://freetibet.org/latest/|access-date=2022-10-06|website=Free Tibet|language=en}}</ref>

China's policies which the Dalai Lama describes as "cultural genocide"<ref name=phayul>{{cite news|date=March 18, 2008|author=Gavin Rabinowitz|title=Protests expose rifts among Tibetans|work=Phayul.com|publisher=Phayul|url=http://www.phayul.com/news/article.aspx?id=19823&t=1&c=1|url-status=live|access-date=October 18, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019060924/http://www.phayul.com/news/article.aspx?id=19823&t=1&c=1|archive-date=October 19, 2017}}</ref> marginalize Tibetans and create simmering socio-economic issues in [[Lhasa]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rethinking China's Tibet Policy |url=https://apjjf.org/-Ben-Hillman/2773/article.html |access-date=2022-10-06 |website=The Asia-Pacific Journal: Japan Focus|date=June 2008 }}</ref>

According to the Central Tibetan Administration, environmental concerns also motivated the protests.<ref name="CTA">''Tibetan protests 2008 ''[[Central Tibetan Administration]], https://tibet.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/tibetprotest2008.pdf {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200927160401/https://tibet.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/tibetprotest2008.pdf|date=September 27, 2020}}</ref> Some of Asia's most important rivers flow from the Tibetan plateau, and "are being polluted and diminished by careless industrialisation and unplanned irrigation" as stated by the Dalai Lama.<ref name="Settlers"/>

According to the [[Tibetan Independence Movement]], Tibetans in Lhasa were angered by inflation that caused the prices of food and consumer goods to increase.<ref>{{cite web|title=REASONS FOR UNREST ARE ANCIENT|url=https://www.tampabay.com/archive/2008/03/31/reasons-for-unrest-are-ancient/|access-date=2021-01-14|website=Tampa Bay Times|archive-date=2021-01-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210115092415/https://www.tampabay.com/archive/2008/03/31/reasons-for-unrest-are-ancient/|url-status=live}}</ref> Prices also continued to rise in other parts of the country,<ref name="refeco">{{cite news|title=Fire on the roof of the world|url=http://www.economist.com/daily/news/displaystory.cfm?story_id=10870258&top_story=1|newspaper=The Economist|date=2008-03-14|access-date=2008-03-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090526061019/http://www.economist.com/daily/news/displaystory.cfm?story_id=10870258&top_story=1|archive-date=2009-05-26|url-status=live}}</ref> while Tibetan youth stated that equal access to jobs and education is another economic issue related to the mass settling of Han Chinese.<ref>''"Sie haben sich am heftigsten beklagt, dass sie nicht die gleichen Stellen oder die gleiche Schulbildung bekommen wie die Chinesen, dass die Chinesen mehr Geld haben."''{{cite news|title=Die Jugend will mehr|url=http://www.nzz.ch/nachrichten/international/die_jugend_will_mehr_1.693955.html|work=[[Neue Zürcher Zeitung]]|date=2008-03-23|access-date=2008-04-09|language=de|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080327211808/http://www.nzz.ch/nachrichten/international/die_jugend_will_mehr_1.693955.html|archive-date=2008-03-27|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Protests in Tibet ==

=== Lhasa ===
{{Main|2008 Lhasa violence}}
[[File:China-Tibet.png|thumb|right|200px|[[Tibet Autonomous Region]]]]
According to a report by the [[Human Rights Watch]], a group of 300–400 protesting monks from [[Drepung monastery]] marched to [[Lhasa]]'s center on 10 March in midday demanding religious freedom, and their route was blocked by police.<ref name=HRW2/> According to the report, monks were kicked and beaten with batons and 60 monks were arrested that day.<ref name="HRW2"/>

The next day on 11 March as 300–400 monks from [[Sera monastery]] departed in a line to demand the release of the arrested Sera monks. An eyewitness told the [[BBC]] that around 300 monks from [[Sera monastery]] moved onto the street and were kicked and beat by 10 to 15 plainclothes Chinese police officers in what he described as "gratuitous violence".<ref>{{Cite news |date=2008-03-14 |title=Eyewitness: Monk 'kicked to floor' |language=en-GB |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7296134.stm |access-date=2022-10-06}}</ref> Outside the monastery, the monks began a sitting protest and were surrounded by riot police and armed military units. [[Radio Free Asia]] reported that an eyewitness saw tear gas being fired into the crowd.<ref name=HRW2/><ref>Radio Free Asia, (12 March 2008), http://www.rfa.org/english/news/2008/03/12/tibet_march/ {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080330201346/http://www.rfa.org/english/news/2008/03/12/tibet_march/ |date=March 30, 2008 }}</ref> The Human Rights Watch report stated hundreds of monks and nuns from [[Ganden Monastery]] and Mani Nunnery also began marching into Lhasa on 11 March.<ref name=HRW2/> According to the report, participants claimed that they were stopped by police and returned to their monastic centers, which were promptly cordoned off.<ref name=HRW2/>

On 14 March, a group of monks preparing to depart from [[Ramoche Temple]] in the center of Lhasa to demand the release of monks from Drepung and Sera were barred from leaving by police. They began throwing stones at the police, some of which were hard enough to break their shields. As the police withdrew, the enraged crowd began targeting ethnic Chinese passersby.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=[[Barbara Demick]] |date=2008-03-22 |title=Tales of horror from Tibet |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2008-mar-22-fg-rage22-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109032531/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2008-mar-22-fg-rage22-story.html |archive-date=2020-11-09 |website=[[Los Angeles Times]] |language=en-US}}</ref> According to the ''[[Toronto Star]]'', businesses that had Chinese markings were targeted to be burned, smashed or looted.<ref name=":5" /> Fires were spread to buildings, and Han and [[Hui Chinese]] people were beaten,<ref name=":6" /> while a building's fire killed four Han women and a Tibetan woman hiding in same building.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Barboza |first=David |date=2008-03-28 |title=Putting Faces on 5 Victims of Tibetan Riots |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/28/world/asia/28victims.html |access-date=2022-10-06 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>

When Chinese police and military units reentered Lhasa on 14 March, reports state tear gas canisters were launched and shootings began. [[Amnesty International]] reports that machine guns were used.<ref name="Amnesty">{{Cite web |title=Leaked internal document shows China used machine guns to kill Tibetans in March 2008 protest |url=https://www.amnesty.org.uk/blogs/countdown-china/leaked-internal-document-shows-china-used-machine-guns-kill-tibetans-march |access-date=2022-10-06 |website=www.amnesty.org.uk}}</ref> State hospitals were reported by [[Human Rights Watch]] as closed to protestors by Chinese authorities, and reports of wounded and killed Tibetans were suppressed.<ref name="HRW2" />

Police cars, fire engines and other official vehicles were reportedly set on fire. Reports state Tibetans attacked Han and Hui passerby using stones, and an eyewitness stated from their hotel window, "It seems like it's ethnic—like they want to kill anyone not Tibetan." The witness also said he saw a group of 20 armed men firing guns, and that he was unsure if they were police officers or armed rioters.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Guardian Staff |date=2008-03-15 |title=Eyewitness account of violence between protesters and police in Tibet |url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2008/mar/15/tibet.china2 |access-date=2022-10-06 |website=the Guardian |language=en}}</ref> Chinese state media reported non-Tibetan-owned businesses and banks were robbed and houses were attacked and burned down, including government buildings and schools. Police used tear gas and cattle prods. According to Chinese state media, 18 civilians were killed by rioters.<ref name=":3">[http://hk.crntt.com/doc/1010/0/1/8/101001887.html?coluid=0&kindid=0&docid=101001887 As long as there are separists, there will be 3-14 event again] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171006162042/http://hk.crntt.com/doc/1010/0/1/8/101001887.html?coluid=0&kindid=0&docid=101001887 |date=October 6, 2017 }} (Trad Chinese) China Review News Agency, 22 June 2008</ref>

A crowd of 70-80 Tibetan youths tried to storm the [[Lhasa Great Mosque]] and set fire to the front gate. <ref name=":3"/> Shops and restaurants in the Muslim quarter were destroyed.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last=Barbara Demick |date=June 23, 2008 |title=Tibetan-Muslim tensions roil China |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2008-jun-23-fg-muslims23-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100622013126/http://articles.latimes.com/2008/jun/23/world/fg-muslims23 |archive-date=June 22, 2010 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}</ref> A Chinese businessman reported that many Hui Muslim stores were burnt. Also burnt were stationery shops, banks, and a wholesale market at Tsomtsikhang, where many shops are owned by Han Chinese and Hui Muslims.<ref name="BBCAccounts"/>

Throughout Lhasa, raids, security sweeps and arrests by Chinese security forces reportedly continued for several days. Tsondru, a monk, is reported to have died after being thrown off a roof while under arrest by Chinese security forces. An early official statement by Tibet Autonomous Region Chairman Pema Trinley reported, "Only three law-breakers died during the pacification of the Lhasa unrest, no participation from the [[People's Liberation Army|PLA]]" was revised to add that another person "jumped from a building" to avoid arrest.<ref>Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, Materials on the March 14 Incident in Tibet (I), Beijing: Foreign Languages Press, 2008, p. 32.</ref>

=== Amdo/Gansu ===
[[File:China-Gansu.png|thumb|right|200x200px|Gansu Province]]
On 14 March, 200 [[Labrang Monastery]] monks led a crowd of 300 people in demonstrations outside of their monastery in [[Gansu]].<ref name="Watts">{{Cite web |date=2008-03-14 |title=Tibet gripped by violent clashes |url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2008/mar/14/tibet.china3 |access-date=2022-10-06 |website=the Guardian |language=en}}</ref> ''[[The Guardian]]'' reported witness accounts of security vehicles being set on fire and Tibetan mob violence.<ref name="Watts"/>

On 15 March, 4,000 Tibetans gathered near the Labrang Monastery and clashed with Chinese forces.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Yardley |first=Jim |date=2008-03-15 |title=Chinese Forces Say They've Secured Tibet's Capital |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/15/world/asia/15cnd-tibet.html |access-date=2022-10-06 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref name=telegraph>{{cite news
 |first=Richard
 |last=Spencer
 |title=Tibet riots continue after day of violence
 |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2008/03/15/wtibet615.xml
 |work=The Daily Telegraph
 |date=March 15, 2008
 |access-date=March 15, 2008
 |location=London
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080319012953/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=%2Fnews%2F2008%2F03%2F15%2Fwtibet615.xml
 |archive-date=March 19, 2008
 |url-status=dead
}}</ref> The clashes centered around the [[Gelug school]]'s Labrang monastery, one of the largest Buddhist monasteries in Tibet.<ref name=telegraph /> Demonstrators marched through the streets of [[Xiahe]].<ref name=chicagotribune>{{cite news |first=Richard |last=Spencer |title=Q&A: The showdown in Tibet. Why would Tibet boil over right now |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-tibet_q_and_amar15,0,1154784.story |work=[[Chicago Tribune]] |date=March 15, 2008 |access-date=March 16, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080318161620/http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-tibet_q_and_amar15%2C0%2C1154784.story |archive-date=March 18, 2008 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref> There were reports of government offices being damaged by the protesters, as well as reports of police using [[tear gas]] and shooting at protesters.<ref name=telegraph />

In [[Lanzhou]] on 16 March, 100 students participated in a sitting protest.<ref name="BBClist">{{Cite news |date=2008-03-19 |title=Key places and events in Tibet unrest |language=en-GB |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7305288.stm |access-date=2022-10-06}}</ref>

In Machu on 16 March, rioters set a government building on fire, while clashes continued on 18 March.

In Hezou on 19 March, footage emerged showing protestors tearing Chinese flags and raising Tibetan flags in their place.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2008-03-19 |title=Key places and events in Tibet unrest |language=en-GB |work=[[BBC News]] |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7305288.stm |url-status=live |access-date=2021-01-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201019114524/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7305288.stm |archive-date=October 19, 2020}}</ref>

China's [[Xinhua News Agency]] reported the cost of damage in Gansu at an estimated [[Renminbi|¥]]230 million ([[US$]]32.7 million).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-03/25/content_7857168.htm|title=Questions, answers about casualties, damages of recent riots|publisher=Xinhua News Agency|date=March 25, 2008|access-date=March 26, 2008| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080330233716/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-03/25/content_7857168.htm| archive-date= March 30, 2008 | url-status= dead}}</ref>

The Tibetan government-in-exile stated that 19 Tibetans were shot and killed on 18 March.<ref>{{cite news|date=March 19, 2008|title=Dalai Lama calls for calm in Tibet|publisher=[[Al Jazeera Arabic|Al Jazeera]]|url=http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/2AE64C35-7CD5-4734-938A-82AFF9903485.htm|url-status=live|access-date=March 19, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080319233435/http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/2AE64C35-7CD5-4734-938A-82AFF9903485.htm|archive-date=March 19, 2008}}</ref>

=== Amdo/Qinghai ===
[[File:China-Qinghai.png|thumb|right|200x200px|Qinghai Province]]
Chinese authorities arrested twelve Tibetan monks after an incident in the historic region of [[Rebkong]], which is located in the [[Huangnan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture]] in [[Qinghai]] (known to Tibetans as [[Amdo]]).<ref name=chicagotribune /> Chinese security forces surrounded the Ditsa monastery in Bayan County.<ref name=chicagotribune />{{Dubious|date=March 2008}}<!--Bayan County is in Heilongjiang Province, not Qinghai. This is what it says in the source, but it is apparently an error.--> [[Qinghai province]] borders the Tibet Autonomous Region.

On 19 March, Chinese forces cordoned off the village of [[Taktser]], where the 14th Dalai Lama was born.<ref name=BBClist/>

In [[Tongren]], demonstrations occurred at the [[Rongwo Monastery]] between 14 and 16 March.

In the capital city of [[Xining]], a journalist with ''[[Neue Zürcher Zeitung]]'' reported that residents were receiving intimidating calls from the [[Public security bureau (China)|Public Security Bureau]]. A call received by a Tibetan professor was reported as having said "Take good care of yourself" in a threatening manner.<ref name=nzz/>

During special classes for students in the region, videos of Tibetan demonstrators demolishing stores and attacking police were shown. The sessions have been deemed [[Propaganda in China|propaganda]] by some. Tibetan students at the Medical University of Xining held demonstrations to express their solidarity with the protestors, as well as a vigil for killed protestors in Lhasa.<ref name="nzz">{{cite news |date=March 28, 2008 |title="Take Care": Control like in Mao's Days in Tibetan Territory |language=de |work=[[Neue Zürcher Zeitung]] |url=http://www.nzz.ch/nachrichten/international/tibet_mao_1.696424.html |url-status=live |access-date=March 28, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080331230726/http://www.nzz.ch/nachrichten/international/tibet_mao_1.696424.html |archive-date=March 31, 2008}}</ref>

Passports belonging to Tibetans were confiscated to prevent returns to India and the delivery of reports on events to Tibetan exiles. Tourists and foreign residents were surveilled and informed about their possible expulsion in case they got involved in Tibetan protests.<ref name=nzz/>

=== Kham & Amdo/Sichuan ===
{{Main|2008 Sichuan riots}}
[[File:China-Sichuan.png|thumb|right|201x201px|Sichuan Province]]On 16 March, Tibetan monks and local residents clashed with police in [[Ngawa Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture|Ngawa]] after monks held a protest at the traditional Tibetan grounds of Kham and Amdo. A witness told the BBC that approximately 17 Tibetans were killed, including a school girl. By 18 March, the town was "teeming with police and soldiers".<ref name=BBCAccounts/>

The India-based [[Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy]] reported that at least seven people were shot.<ref>{{cite news|title=Tibet protests spread to other provinces |url=https://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080316/aponreas/china_tibet |work=[[Yahoo! News]] |date=March 16, 2008 |access-date=March 19, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080318222009/http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080316/ap_on_re_as/china_tibet |archive-date=March 18, 2008 |url-status=live |df=mdy }}</ref> There are other reports that police shot between 13 and 30 protesters after a police station was set on fire, reports of at least one policeman being killed, and the burning three or four police vans. Reports on the exact number of deaths were difficult due to the expulsion of journalists.<ref>{{cite news | title = Tension rises as armed police mass in capital | url = https://www.theguardian.com/world/2008/mar/18/tibet.china | work=The Guardian | date = March 18, 2008 | access-date = March 19, 2008 | location=London | first1=Jonathan | last1=Watts | first2=Tania | last2=Branigan| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080318223000/http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/mar/18/tibet.china| archive-date= March 18, 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref> The Chinese government stated that it opened fire on protestors in self defense on 20 March, reporting that four were wounded.<ref name=BBClist/><ref name=":2">{{cite news|date=March 21, 2008|title=川阿壩警開槍自衛 四暴徒受傷 (Sichuan, Ngawa police fire in self defence; four rioters wounded)|publisher=Da Kung Pao|location=Hong Kong|url=http://www.takungpao.com/news/08/03/21/ZM-880897.htm|url-status=dead|access-date=March 30, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080328070029/http://www.takungpao.com/news/08/03/21/ZM-880897.htm|archive-date=March 28, 2008}}</ref>

In [[Ngawa Town]], after days of protests by 3,000 monks and 300 nuns, 27 of the nuns at the Kirti monasteries and nunneries were arrested by Chinese police forces on 20 March. Photographs of killed protestors near Kirti were circulated.<ref name=BBClist/>

''[[Neue Zürcher Zeitung]]'' reported that phone calls into the region from Zurich were intercepted, and exiled Tibetans were harassed during the calls. The arrested nuns were not heard from afterwards. During a telephone call, a nun stated she and the other nuns had no regrets, and that "the road of liberty is long and arduous".<ref name=Kirti/>

A wave of arrests occurred in [[Sertar]] on 21 March, where police shot and killed a protestor. Chinese army troops blocked roads in Sertar, and many Tibetans were arrested. The [[London]]-based Free Tibet Campaign reported that troops had been sent to the county after protesters used explosives to destroy a bridge near the village of Gudu.<ref>{{cite news|title=China blankets Tibetan areas with troops |url=https://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080320/ap_on_re_as/china_tibet_131 |publisher=Yahoo News |date=2008-03-20 |access-date=2008-03-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080324061623/http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080320/ap_on_re_as/china_tibet_131 |archive-date=24 March 2008 |url-status=live |df=dmy }}</ref><ref name=Kirti>{{cite news|title=Beijing deploys army against nuns|url=http://www.nzz.ch/nachrichten/international/peking_setzt_armee_gegen_nonnen_ein_1.693952.html|work=[[Neue Zürcher Zeitung]]|date=2008-03-23|access-date=2008-03-23|archive-date=June 26, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080626102811/http://www.nzz.ch/nachrichten/international/peking_setzt_armee_gegen_nonnen_ein_1.693952.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Radio Free Asia reported demonstrations in [[Kardze]] on 23 April, and on 11–12 May when 14 of the nuns demanding the release of two arrested in April were beaten and detained. The report states nuns were from nearby nunneries, and armed Chinese forces continued to patrol the area.<ref name="RFA">{{Cite web |title=Tibetan Nuns Jailed, Detained |url=https://www.rfa.org/english/news/tibet/tibet_nuns-05122008160846.html |access-date=2022-10-06 |website=Radio Free Asia |language=en}}</ref> Other protests were held in Chori.

The BBC reported that around 16 March, 600 monks from Lhasa were flown to [[Chengdu]] by Chinese security forces.<ref name=BBClist/>

== Responses from Chinese government and Dalai Lama==
[[Premier of the People's Republic of China|Chinese Premier]] [[Wen Jiabao]] blamed the Dalai Lama's supporters for the recent violence in Tibet, and asserted that security forces exercised restraint in their response.<ref name=CNNbeijing>{{cite news|date=March 19, 2008|title=Report: Over 100 surrender, admit involvement in Tibet clashes|publisher=[[CNN]]|url=http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/03/18/tibet.unrest/index.html|url-status=dead|access-date=March 19, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080318082411/http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/03/18/tibet.unrest/index.html|archive-date=March 18, 2008|df=mdy}}</ref> 

The Dalai Lama called for both sides to avoid using violence and called on Chinese leaders to "address the long simmering resentment of the Tibetan people through dialogue with the Tibetan people."<ref name=Yardley/> A spokesman for the [[14th Dalai Lama]] said the Chinese government's accusations were "absolutely baseless".<ref name=Yardley/> The Dalai Lama has also stated that Tibetans are treated by China as second-class citizens in their own land,<ref name=CNNbeijing/> which has caused simmering resentment, and has repeatedly denied any involvement in organizing or inciting the unrest,<ref>{{cite web|title = An Appeal to the Chinese People  |url=https://www.dalailama.com/news.220.htm|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080401171102/http://www.dalailama.com/news.220.htm|archive-date=April 1, 2008|access-date=2008-03-29}} An Appeal to the Chinese People</ref> and proposed to resign as the political leader if the violence continued.<ref name=phayul/>

A reporter for [[The Economist]], James Miles, when asked in an interview if the Dalai Lama was responsible for the riots, responded that he "didn't see any evidence of any organized activity", opining that "it's more likely that what we saw was inspired by a general desire of Tibetans both inside Tibet and among the Dalai Lama's followers, to take advantage of this Olympic year, but also inspired simply by all these festering grievances on the ground in Lhasa."<ref name="miles interview">{{cite news|date=March 20, 2008|title=Transcript: James Miles interview on Tibet|work=[[CNN]]|url=http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/03/20/tibet.miles.interview/|url-status=live|access-date=April 9, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080411130317/http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/03/20/tibet.miles.interview/|archive-date=April 11, 2008}}</ref> He noted in another report that the rioting "seemed to be primarily an eruption of ethnic hatred".<ref name="refeco"/>

On 1 April, rhetoric increased when the Chinese Public Security Ministry alleged that Tibet's supporters were planning [[suicide attack]]s, stating that searches of monasteries had turned up 176 guns, 13,013 bullets, 19,000 sticks of dynamite, 7,725 pounds of unspecified explosives, two hand grenades, and 350 knives.<ref name=ap/> [[Samdhong Rinpoche]], prime minister of the Tibetan government-in-exile, denied these allegations, stating "Tibetan exiles are one-hundred-percent committed to nonviolence. There is no question of suicide attacks. But we fear that Chinese might masquerade as Tibetans and plan such attacks to give bad publicity to Tibetans".<ref name=ap>{{Cite web|last=Bodeen|first=Christopher|date=April 1, 2008|title=China Alleges Tibet 'Suicide Squads'|url=http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5h5Z6bJwtN_roGSIUQiQnfbf2NkhgD8VP4ITG0|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080412060301/http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5h5Z6bJwtN_roGSIUQiQnfbf2NkhgD8VP4ITG0|archive-date=April 12, 2008}}</ref>

On 14 April, Chinese forces claimed that they had found semi-automatic firearms hidden throughout a temple in [[Ngawa Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture|Ngawa]].<ref name="SMH">{{cite news|date=April 14, 2008|title=China finds firearms in Tibetan temple|work=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]|url=https://www.smh.com.au/world/china-finds-firearms-in-tibetan-temple-20080413-25wz.html|url-status=live|access-date=October 18, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019060956/http://www.smh.com.au/world/china-finds-firearms-in-tibetan-temple-20080413-25wz.html|archive-date=October 19, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|date=April 14, 2008|title=China says firearms found in Tibetan temple|work=Reuters|publisher=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-tibet/china-says-firearms-found-in-tibetan-temple-idUSPEK20364920080414|url-status=live|access-date=October 18, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019111353/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-tibet/china-says-firearms-found-in-tibetan-temple-idUSPEK20364920080414|archive-date=October 19, 2017}}</ref> Chinese police officers told Chinese reporters, "they were modified semi-automatic weapons."<ref name="SMH" />

=== Riot actions ===
China responded by deploying the [[People's Armed Police]]. The BBC reported seeing over 400 troop carriers mobilizing into Tibet,<ref>{{cite news|date=March 20, 2008|title=China steps up Tibetan crackdown|work=BBC News|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7306096.stm|url-status=live|access-date=March 26, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080325042449/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7306096.stm|archive-date=March 25, 2008}}</ref> which would represent a deployment of up to 4,000 troops. The Chinese authorities ordered all Hong Kong and foreign journalists to leave [[Lhasa]].<ref>{{cite news|date=March 19, 2008|title=Tibet media ban damages Beijing's cause|work=[[South China Morning Post]]|url=http://www.scmp.com/article/630480/tibet-media-ban-damages-beijings-cause|url-status=live|access-date=March 19, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181214202455/https://www.scmp.com/article/630480/tibet-media-ban-damages-beijings-cause|archive-date=December 14, 2018}}</ref>  According to General Yang Deping, regular military troops from the [[People's Liberation Army]] were not deployed.<ref>{{cite news|last=Yardley|first=Jim|date=March 16, 2008|title=Tibetans Clash With Chinese Police in Second City|work=[[The New York Times]]|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/16/world/asia/16tibet.html|url-status=live|access-date=March 19, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090411111957/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/16/world/asia/16tibet.html|archive-date=April 11, 2009}}</ref>

Chinese authorities were also reportedly concerned that the Tibetan protests could "embolden activists in restive [[Xinjiang]] province" to organise street protests as well.<ref name="chicagotribune" /> The Chinese government's ''People's Daily'' reported a statement by [[Gyaincain Norbu]], which condemned the unrest, stating<blockquote>"the rioters' acts not only harmed the interests of the nation and the people, but also violated the aim of Buddhism [...] We strongly condemn the crime of a tiny number of people to hurt the lives and properties of the people."<ref>{{cite news|date=March 16, 2008|title=11th Panchen Lama condemns Lhasa riot|work=[[People's Daily]]|url=http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90776/90882/6374367.html|url-status=live|access-date=March 19, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080321185020/http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90776/90882/6374367.html|archive-date=March 21, 2008}}</ref></blockquote>In addition to sealing off monasteries, an eyewitness at [[Sera Monastery]] claimed, "they [Chinese authorities] were grabbing monks, kicking and beating them."<ref>{{cite news|date=March 14, 2008|title=Eyewitness: Monk 'kicked to floor'|work=BBC News|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7296134.stm|url-status=live|access-date=March 26, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080318231257/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7296134.stm|archive-date=March 18, 2008}}</ref> In Ngawa, police fired at the crowd after protestors reportedly burned down government buildings including the local police station, destroyed vehicles including police vehicles, stabbed police officers with swords, and attempted to take firearms from the police, during which the police fired warning shots to no avail.<ref name=":2" /> The government stated that the police acted in self-defense. According to the Chinese government, four protesters were wounded, and 18 civilians, along with a police officer, were killed. The Tibetan government-in-exile claimed there were at least 99 deaths across the region.<ref>Agence France Presse, "Defiant China rejects dialogue, vows to smash Tibetan protests," March 22, 2008</ref>

=== PRC and Dalai Lama dialogues ===
On March 19, Premier [[Wen Jiabao]] condemned the Dalai Lama's alleged role in the riot, but said the possibility for a dialogue remained open if he renounced [[Tibetan independence]], and if he "recognizes Tibet and Taiwan as inalienable parts of the Chinese territory".<ref>{{cite news|date=March 18, 2008|title=Premier: ample facts prove Dalai's role in Lhasa riot, door of dialogue still open|publisher=[[Government of the People's Republic of China]]|url=http://english.gov.cn/2008-03/18/content_923278.htm|url-status=dead|access-date=March 20, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081201173553/http://english.gov.cn/2008-03/18/content_923278.htm|archive-date=December 1, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|date=March 18, 2008|title=Premier: Door of dialogue still opens to Dalai|publisher=[[Government of the People's Republic of China]]|url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-03/18/content_7813194.htm|url-status=dead|access-date=March 24, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080322090219/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-03/18/content_7813194.htm|archive-date=March 22, 2008}}</ref> The Dalai Lama has repeatedly stated he seeks autonomy, not independence, citing the need for Tibet to develop as a modern nation.

On May 4, two representatives of the PRC government, Zhu Weiqun and Sitar met with two representatives of the [[Dalai Lama]], [[Lodi Gyari]] and [[Kelsang Gyaltsen]], in the southern Chinese city of [[Shenzhen]]. The two sides exchanged views and agreed that a further round of talks should be held at an appropriate time.<ref name="xinhuanet1">{{cite news|date=May 4, 2008|title=China's central gov't officials meet with Dalai Lama's private representatives|publisher=[[Xinhua News Agency]]|url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-05/04/content_8104983.htm|url-status=dead|access-date=May 6, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080508180107/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-05/04/content_8104983.htm|archive-date=May 8, 2008}}</ref>

Plans for the meeting had been announced by the Xinhua News Agency on April 25,<ref>{{cite news|date=April 26, 2008|title=China's decision to meet Dalai's representative receives positive responses|publisher=[[Xinhua News Agency]]|url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-04/25/content_8052398.htm|url-status=dead|access-date=April 26, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080501153437/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-04/25/content_8052398.htm|archive-date=May 1, 2008}}</ref> and was confirmed by the Dalai Lama's spokesman.<ref>{{cite news|date=April 26, 2008|title=China to meet Dalai Lama aides|newspaper=[[Sydney Morning Herald]]|url=https://www.smh.com.au/news/world/china-to-meet-dalai-lama-aides/2008/04/26/1208743292136.html|url-status=live|access-date=April 26, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080429203339/http://www.smh.com.au/news/world/china-to-meet-dalai-lama-aides/2008/04/26/1208743292136.html|archive-date=April 29, 2008}}</ref>

This was the first high-level dialogue between the Dalai Lama's representatives and the PRC government since the March unrest, and was the continuation of a series of talks between the Chinese government and the Dalai Lama's representatives, including his immediate family and close aides.<ref>{{cite news|date=July 26, 2007|title=China says door 'wide open' on Dalai Lama talks|publisher=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]]|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/07/29/1991005.htm|url-status=dead|access-date=May 11, 2009 <!--DASHBot-->|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200926145906/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2007-07-29/china-says-door-wide-open-on-dalai-lama-talks/2516234|archive-date=September 26, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Zacharia|first=Janine|date=April 26, 2008|title=China's Tibet Talks May Skirt Autonomy Demands of Dalai Lama|publisher=[[Bloomberg L.P.]]|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=akPS6Pkzcy90|url-status=live|access-date=April 26, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200926145905/https://www.bloomberg.com/politics?pid=20601087&sid=akPS6Pkzcy90|archive-date=September 26, 2020}}</ref>

A second meeting was scheduled for June 11. However, due to the [[2008 Sichuan earthquake]]s, the two sides agreed to postpone the meeting.<ref name="reuters1">{{cite news|date=June 6, 2008|title=Tibet, China talks postponed after quake – Dalai aide|work=[[Reuters]]|url=http://in.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idINIndia-33939420080606|url-status=dead|access-date=June 12, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080821162854/http://in.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idINIndia-33939420080606|archive-date=August 21, 2008}}</ref> The second meeting was held on July 1.<ref name="reuters2" />

== Casualties and fatalities ==
China's state media Xinhua News Agency reported on early Saturday, 15 March, that 10 people had been burned to death by Tibetans, including two hotel employees and two shop owners.<ref>{{cite news|title=Chinese security forces swarm Tibet |url=https://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080315/ap_on_re_as/china_tibet |work=[[Yahoo! News]] |date=March 15, 2008 |access-date=March 19, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080318181905/http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080315/ap_on_re_as/china_tibet |archive-date=March 18, 2008 |url-status=live |df=mdy }}</ref> It also reported that the victims were all innocent civilians<ref>{{cite news | title = The victims are all innocent civilians | url = http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?from=rss_World&set_id=1&click_id=3&art_id=iol1205574933123T130 | work = [[Independent Online (South Africa)|Independent Online]] | date = March 15, 2008 | access-date = March 19, 2008 }}</ref> and that most of them were business people.<ref>{{cite news | title = Ten people killed in Tibet riots | url = http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_asiapacific/view/335091/1/.html | publisher = [[Channel NewsAsia]] | date = March 15, 2008 | access-date = March 19, 2008 | language = <!--DASHBot--> | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080318215647/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_asiapacific/view/335091/1/.html | archive-date = March 18, 2008 | url-status = live }}</ref>  The state-run People's Daily reported on 21 March that, according to the Tibet regional government, 18 civilians and 1 police officer had been confirmed dead in the unrest by the night of Friday, 14 March. It also reported the number of injured civilians rose to 382 from 325, 58 of whom were critically wounded. 241 police officers were injured, 23 of whom were critically wounded.<ref>{{cite news | title = 18 civilians, 1 police officer killed by Lhasa rioters | url = http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/90001/90776/6378824.html | newspaper = [[People's Daily]] | date = March 22, 2008 | access-date = March 22, 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080706222446/http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/90001/90776/6378824.html | archive-date = July 6, 2008 | url-status = live }}</ref>

On 17 March, [[Tibet Autonomous Region]] governor [[Qiangba Puncog|Champa Phuntsok]] announced that 16 had been confirmed dead over the weekend's violence and dozens injured.<ref>{{cite news
 |title       = Tibet governor promises leniency, says death toll is 16 as protests spread
 |url         = http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/capress/080317/world/china_tibet_10
 |work   = [[Yahoo! News]]
 |date        = March 17, 2008
 |access-date  = March 19, 2008
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20080320000839/http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/capress/080317/world/china_tibet_10
 |archive-date = March 20, 2008
 |url-status     = dead
 |df          = mdy
}}</ref> Other sources published after the same press conference indicate that China put the death toll in Lhasa at 13.<ref>{{cite news
| title = China and Dalai Lama face off over Tibet unrest | url = https://www.reuters.com/article/sportsNews/idUSPEK26733920080318?virtualBrandChannel=10112 | work = [[Reuters]] | date = March 18, 2008 | access-date = March 21, 2008
| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080403082418/https://www.reuters.com/article/sportsNews/idUSPEK26733920080318?virtualBrandChannel=10112| archive-date= April 3, 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title = 13 civilians burned or stabbed to death in Lhasa riot | url = http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-03/17/content_7805191.htm | publisher = [[Xinhua]] | date = March 17, 2008 | access-date = March 26, 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160304064105/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-03/17/content_7805191.htm | archive-date = March 4, 2016 | url-status = dead }}</ref> The Associated Press later reported that the Chinese government's official death toll from the previous week's rioting in Lhasa had risen to 22.<ref name="ref23" /> Accordingly, the death toll reported by Xinhua had risen to 19.<ref name="xinhua0326">{{cite news | title = Arrest warrants issued for 29 suspects in Lhasa riots | url = http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-03/25/content_7857294.htm | publisher = [[Xinhua]]
| date = March 25, 2008 | access-date = March 26, 2008 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080422211317/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-03/25/content_7857294.htm| archive-date= April 22, 2008 | url-status= dead}}</ref>

The [[14th Dalai Lama]] said China was causing a cultural genocide in Tibet, and the [[Central Tibetan Administration]] reported by 16 March to have confirmed at least 80 deaths of Tibetans,<ref>{{cite news |title=Dalai Lama: China causing 'cultural genocide' |url=http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/03/16/tibet.unrest/index.html |publisher=[[CNN]] |date=March 17, 2008 |access-date=March 19, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080316125250/http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/03/16/tibet.unrest/index.html |archive-date=March 16, 2008 |url-status=dead |df=mdy }}</ref> then increased the death count by Chinese forces to more than 140 people, as reported on 5 April.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2008-04-05 |title=Burning debate over relay boycott |language=en-GB |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/7330295.stm |access-date=2022-10-06}}</ref> The Central Tibetan Administration's number of Tibetans killed since increased to 220, including subsequent deaths through to January 2009.

A month after the unrest began on 10 March, the Dalai Lama stated that since the beginning of the demonstrations in Tibet at least 400 people had been killed, and thousands of others arrested.<ref>[http://www.radio-canada.ca/nouvelles/National/2008/04/18/004-Dalai-lama-canadiens.shtml Le dalaï-lama, la Chine et Hitler] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080422000047/http://www.radio-canada.ca/nouvelles/National/2008/04/18/004-Dalai-lama-canadiens.shtml |date=April 22, 2008 }}, [[Radio-Canada.ca]], Citation: Selon lui, depuis le début des manifestations au Tibet, il y a un mois, au moins 400 people ont été tuées et des milliers d'autres arrêtées. Il déplore que les armes l'emportent maintenant sur la raison.</ref>

Foreign tourists and Chinese eyewitnesses in Lhasa said "they saw and heard repeated gunfire there on Friday", 14 March.<ref name="France"/> Although Phuntsok claimed that Chinese police did not fire their guns or use [[anti-personnel]] weapons against the Tibetan protesters, additional reports from BBC, Central Tibetan Administration, Tibetan Review, Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International contradict Puncog's claim and state "indiscriminate shootings" by Chinese forces occurred, and that leaked evidence of machine gun use has been documented.<ref name="BBC2"/><ref>{{Cite web |author=Staff Reporter |date=2014-08-22 |title=Leaked documents: Chinese security forces used machine guns to kill Tibetans in 2008 protest |url=https://tibet.net/leaked-documents-chinese-security-forces-used-machine-guns-to-kill-tibetans-in-2008-protest/ |access-date=2022-10-06 |website=Central Tibetan Administration |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=tibetanreview |date=2014-08-24 |title=Internal report shows China used lethal force during '08 Lhasa repression |url=https://www.tibetanreview.net/internal-report-shows-china-used-lethal-force-during-08-lhasa-repression/ |access-date=2022-10-06 |website=Tibetan Review |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=Amnesty/> Puncog also states Tibetans wounded 61 police officers, including six seriously,<ref name="edition">{{cite news | title = China's premier blames Dalai Lama 'clique' for violence in Tibet
| url = http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/03/17/tibet.unrest/index.html | publisher = [[CNN]] | date = March 18, 2008 | access-date = March 19, 2008 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080319013851/http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/03/17/tibet.unrest/index.html| archive-date= March 19, 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref> and reported that 13 civilians had been killed.<ref>{{cite news | title = UN calls for restraint in Tibet | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/7301912.stm | work = [[BBC News]] | date = March 17, 2008 | access-date = March 19, 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080321103740/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/7301912.stm | archive-date = March 21, 2008 | url-status = live }}</ref> According to reporter James Miles, the police fatalities included both Tibetans and Han officers.<ref name="edition"/>

A blockade by China of monasteries was reported by an Indian newspaper and Phayul, a news source affiliated with Central Tibetan Administration. The police had blocked off water, electricity, food and health facilities in [[Sera Monastery]], [[Drepung monastery]], [[Ganden monastery]] and at other monasteries active in the demonstrations. As a consequence, monks were suffering starvation, and on 25 March, one monk died from starvation at [[Ramoche Temple]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Ramoche monk dies from starvation as tight restrictions continue in Monasteries |url=http://www.phayul.com/news/article.aspx?id=20055&article=Ramoche+monk+dies+from+starvation+as+tight+restrictions+continue+in+Monasteries&t=1&c=1 |publisher=Tibet.net |date=March 25, 2008 |access-date=March 25, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080403051831/http://www.phayul.com/news/article.aspx?id=20055&article=Ramoche%2Bmonk%2Bdies%2Bfrom%2Bstarvation%2Bas%2Btight%2Brestrictions%2Bcontinue%2Bin%2BMonasteries&t=1&c=1 |archive-date=April 3, 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title = China tightens monastery blockade, monk dies of starvation (1st Lead) | url = http://news.monstersandcritics.com/asiapacific/news/article_1396916.php/China_tightens_monastery_blockade_monk_dies_of_starvation__1st_Lead_ | publisher = Monsters and Critics | date = March 26, 2008 | access-date = March 26, 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080403070244/http://news.monstersandcritics.com/asiapacific/news/article_1396916.php/China_tightens_monastery_blockade_monk_dies_of_starvation__1st_Lead_ | archive-date = April 3, 2008 | url-status = dead | df = mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title = Monk in Lhasa monastery died of starvation | url = http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/uncategorized/monk-in-lhasa-monastery-died-of-starvation_10031160.html | publisher = Thaindian News | date = March 26, 2008 | access-date = March 26, 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080401101713/http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/uncategorized/monk-in-lhasa-monastery-died-of-starvation_10031160.html | archive-date = April 1, 2008 | url-status = dead | df = mdy-all }}</ref>

On 28 March, the [[The New York Times International Edition|''International Herald Tribune'']] reported 5 female retail workers had been burned alive when Tibetan rioters set fire to the Yishion clothing store where they worked. The article noted one of them was Tibetan.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/03/28/asia/tibet.php |title=For victims of Tibet riots, a complex fate – International Herald Tribune |publisher=Iht.com |access-date=September 1, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080529014940/http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/03/28/asia/tibet.php |archive-date=May 29, 2008 |url-status=live }}</ref>

On April 30, state press acknowledged that a pro-independence gunman and a police officer were killed in a gun battle.<ref name="france">{{cite web |title=China kills Tibetan insurgent |url=https://www.france24.com/en/20080430-china-admits-killing-tibetan-insurgent-tibet-china |website=France 24|date=30 April 2008 }}</ref>

In October 2009, four Tibetans were executed in connection with their involvement with the unrest.<ref name="Four-Tibetans">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/24/world/asia/24china.html/|title=Group Says China Has Executed 4 for Roles in Tibet Riots|last=Jacobs|first=Andrew|date=October 23, 2009|newspaper=The New York Times|access-date=November 11, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927003843/http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/24/world/asia/24china.html|archive-date=September 27, 2011|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Arrests and disappearances ==
[[File:Arrested Monks and lay Tibetans in 2008 遭逮捕藏族僧侶與平民.jpg|thumb|Tibetans arrested by Chinese authorities. The signs list their crime and their name.]]
The BBC, sourcing information from a Human Rights Watch report, reported that "witnesses recounted that monks who initially tried to go through the police lines were thrown to the ground, kicked, and taken away."<ref name="BBC2"/><ref name=HRW2/> The arrest of 15 monks from Sera Monastery was confirmed by state-run China Tibet News, which added 13 of the monks were prosecuted.<ref name="HRW2" /> The Human Rights Watch report stated that "up to 60 monks were arrested" on 10 March in Lhasa.<ref name=HRW2/>

The first non-monastic Tibetans were reportedly arrested in Barkhor Square on 11 March.<ref name="BBCAccounts"/>

In [[Ngawa Town|Aba Town]], Free Tibet reported on 21 March that dozens of nuns from Mani Nunnery were arrested, while many more Tibetans in the area were reported as missing.<ref name="Latest"/>

Another report on the [[Kardze]] area from Radio Free Asia in May 2008 states at least 200 people were detained after 24 March, while 7 nuns were sentenced to prison and 107 nuns were detained.<ref name=RFA/> The Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy reported that three nuns from Dragkar Nunnery detained in Kardze were tortured, reportedly leading to the death and disappearance of one of the nuns.<ref name=TCHRD/>

During a Chinese state sponsored tour for journalists on 7 April, two monks at [[Labrang Monastery]] that spoke out to reporters have since disappeared.<ref name=AsiaP/>

[[Amnesty International]] reported in June 2008 that over 1,000 Tibetan protesters detained by Chinese authorities were "unaccounted for",<ref>CNN, [http://articles.cnn.com/2008-06-19/world/oly.tibet.torch_1_vehicles-and-shops-lhasa-olympic-torch?_s=PM:WORLD Tibet protesters missing, Amnesty says] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120126160335/http://articles.cnn.com/2008-06-19/world/oly.tibet.torch_1_vehicles-and-shops-lhasa-olympic-torch?_s=PM%3AWORLD |date=January 26, 2012 }}, June 19, 2008</ref> while more than 1,000 monks, nuns, students and citizens had disappeared by 2008.<ref name="AsiaP">{{Cite web |last=AsiaNews.it |title=More than a thousand monks and many civilians have disappeared since the March crackdown |url=https://www.asianews.it/index.php?l=en&art=13322&geo=6&size=A |access-date=2022-10-06 |website=www.asianews.it |language=en}}</ref><ref name="TCHRD">{{Cite web |title=Tibetan nun disappeared since 2008 died of torture |url=https://tchrd.org/tibetan-nun-disappeared-since-2008-died-of-torture-in-chinese-police-custody/ |access-date=2022-10-06 |language=en-US}}</ref> Another report from Amnesty International stated 5,600 Tibetans were arrested through to January 2009.<ref name="Amnesty" />
 
By 5 April, the Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy reported that the Chinese authorities had arrested over 2,300 Tibetans from various parts of Tibet,<ref>[http://tchrd.org/press/2008/pr20080405b.html China arrests over 2300 Tibetans in Tibet] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080408085612/http://www.tchrd.org/press/2008/pr20080405b.html |date=April 8, 2008 }}</ref> and claimed that "Tibetans are sometimes secretly killed in detention".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Jacobs |first=Andrew |date=2009-10-24 |title=Group Says China Has Executed 4 for Roles in Tibet Riots |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/24/world/asia/24china.html |access-date=2022-10-06 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>

The TCHRD also reported that a 38-year-old Tibetan woman, who was involved in protests on 16 and 17 March in Ngaba County, died after reportedly being tortured in a Chinese prison. Following her release, the government hospital allegedly refused to admit her.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tchrd.org/press/2008/pr20080505.html |title=A Tibetan woman succumbs to torture|publisher=Tibetan Center for Human Rights and Democracy|access-date=2008-05-05 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080513030024/http://www.tchrd.org/press/2008/pr20080505.html |archive-date=May 13, 2008 }}</ref>

According to a 10 October 2009 report by the U.S. [[Congressional-Executive Commission on China]], at least 670 Tibetans had been imprisoned in 2009 for activities that included peaceful protest or leaking information to the outside world.<ref name="Four-Tibetans" /><ref>[http://www.cecc.gov/pages/annualRpt/annualRpt09/CECCannRpt2009.pdf Congressional Executive Commission On China, Annual Report 2009 (October 10, 2009)] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091103235417/http://www.cecc.gov/pages/annualRpt/annualRpt09/CECCannRpt2009.pdf |date=November 3, 2009 }}</ref>

On 7 November, the state-run Lhasa Evening News reported a retired doctor was sentenced in Lhasa to 15 years imprisonment on espionage charges for passing information to the Central Tibetan Administration. The sentencing corresponds to the PRC's concealment of hospital records, as Human Rights Watch reported.<ref name="HRW2" />

== Media coverage ==
[[File:2008 Olympic Torch Relay in SF - Embarcadero 03.JPG|thumb|Protest in San Francisco|244x244px]]
During the protests and demonstrations, Chinese authorities prohibited foreign and [[Media of Hong Kong|Hong Kong media]] from entering Tibet and expelled those already there.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.dw.com/en/china-expels-last-foreign-journalists-from-tibet/a-3205178|title=China Expels Last Foreign Journalists From Tibet {{!}} Germany{{!}} News and in-depth reporting from Berlin and beyond {{!}} DW {{!}} 20.03.2008|last=(www.dw.com)|first=Deutsche Welle|website=DW.COM|language=en|access-date=2018-03-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180326203358/http://www.dw.com/en/china-expels-last-foreign-journalists-from-tibet/a-3205178|archive-date=March 26, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=30&art_id=63248&sid=18107553&con_type=1|title=HK journalists thrown out of Tibet|date=March 18, 2008|work=[[The Standard (Hong Kong)|The Standard]]|access-date=March 19, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080408113253/http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=30&art_id=63248&sid=18107553&con_type=1|archive-date=April 8, 2008|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Two German reporters, [[Georg Blume]] of ''[[Die Zeit]]'' and Kristin Kupfer of ''[[Profil (magazine)|Profil]]'', left Tibet on March 18 due to pressure from the authorities, and James Miles, a correspondent from ''[[The Economist]],'' said that China "insisted however that when my permit did expire on the 19th that I had to leave. I asked for an extension and they said decisively no."<ref>{{Cite web |title=Transcript: James Miles interview on Tibet - CNN.com |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/03/20/tibet.miles.interview/ |access-date=2022-10-06 |website=CNN}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hrw.org/reports/2008/china0708/5.htm#_ftnref116|title=China's Forbidden Zones: Shutting the Media Out of Tibet and Other "Sensitive" Stories: V. The Closure of Tibet|website=www.hrw.org|access-date=2018-03-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190730050340/https://www.hrw.org/reports/2008/china0708/5.htm#_ftnref116|archive-date=July 30, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> Domestic Chinese media initially downplayed the riots, but this changed relatively quickly as they began to focus on the violence against Han citizens.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/30/world/asia/30iht-china.4.11537294.html|title=Nationalism at core of China's angry reaction to Tibetan protests|last=Yardley|first=Jim|date=2008-03-30|work=The New York Times|access-date=2018-03-26|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180326202649/https://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/30/world/asia/30iht-china.4.11537294.html|archive-date=March 26, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> There was speculation that the violence would affect attendance at the 2008 Olympic Games,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-olympics-tourism/china-says-storm-of-bad-publicity-may-hurt-olympic-turnout-idUSPEK16226220080528|title=China says storm of bad publicity may hurt Olympic turnout|work=U.S.|access-date=2018-03-26|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181013093422/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-olympics-tourism/china-says-storm-of-bad-publicity-may-hurt-olympic-turnout-idUSPEK16226220080528|archive-date=October 13, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> particularly amid pressure for leaders to boycott the games,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.economist.com/node/10924179|title=A sporting chance|newspaper=The Economist|date=March 27, 2008|language=en|access-date=2018-03-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180326202621/https://www.economist.com/node/10924179|archive-date=March 26, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> but the calls for boycott went largely unheeded.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://content.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1823561,00.html|title=Why Nobody's Boycotting Beijing|last=Walt|first=Vivienne|date=2008-07-16|magazine=Time|access-date=2018-03-26|language=en-US|issn=0040-781X|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180313050105/http://content.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1823561,00.html|archive-date=March 13, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="attendance">{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUST30989220080806|title=World leaders to attend Olympics opening in Beijing|last1=Cutler|first1=David|date=August 6, 2008|work=Factbox|access-date=July 31, 2010|agency=[[Reuters]]|last2=Murdoch|first2=Gillian|archive-date=September 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200926145903/https://www.reuters.com/article/idUST30989220080806|url-status=live}}</ref>

Tania Branigan of ''[[The Guardian]]'' reported the Chinese government blocked foreign broadcasters and websites, and denied journalists access to protest areas. Websites such as [[YouTube]], ''The Guardian'' website, portions of the [[Yahoo!]] portal, and sections of ''[[The Times]]'' website had been restricted.<ref>{{cite news | first = Jonathan | last = Richards | title = China blocks YouTube, Yahoo! over Tibet | url = http://technology.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/tech_and_web/article3568040.ece | work = The Times | location = London | date = March 17, 2008 | access-date = March 19, 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080509201205/http://technology.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/tech_and_web/article3568040.ece | archive-date = May 9, 2008 | url-status = dead }}</ref>

The Chinese media accused Western media of reporting with inaccuracy and little independent cross-checking. The Chinese state-run newspaper ''[[China Daily]]'' accused Western media of deliberately misrepresenting the situation. Among these accusations involved CNN's use of a cropped picture that shows only a military truck but not rioters who were attacking it.<ref name=vause/> [[John Vause]], who reported this story, responded to the criticism saying, "technically it was impossible to include the crashed car on the left".<ref name=vause>{{cite news|url=http://www.ibnlive.com/news/china-bars-foreign-journalists-tourists-from-tibet/61684-2.html|title=China bars foreign journalists, tourists from Tibet|publisher=IBN|date=March 21, 2008|access-date=March 24, 2008| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080325223328/http://www.ibnlive.com/news/china-bars-foreign-journalists-tourists-from-tibet/61684-2.html| archive-date= March 25, 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref> The CNN image was later replaced with one that was cropped differently. On 24 March, the German TV news channel [[RTL Television]] disclosed that a photograph depicting rioters had been erroneously captioned.  Separately, another German station, [[n-tv]], admitted that it had mistakenly aired footage from Nepal during a story on Chinese riots.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/194241,german-tv-channel-admits-film-error-in-tibet-coverage.html|title=Earth Times: show/194241,german-tv-channel-admits-film-error-in-tibet-coverage.html|website=www.earthtimes.org|access-date=March 26, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120829120406/http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/194241,german-tv-channel-admits-film-error-in-tibet-coverage.html|archive-date=August 29, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Agence France-Presse]] reported that Chinese students abroad had set up the website [[Anti-CNN]] to collect evidence of "one-sided and untrue" foreign reporting. Media accused of falsified reporting include [[CNN]], [[Fox News]], ''[[The Times]]'', [[Sky News]], [[Der Spiegel (website)|''Der Spiegel'']], and the [[BBC]]. ''Der Spiegel'' has rejected the accusations in an article.<ref>http://www.spiegel.de/netzwelt/web/0,1518,542545,00.html {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080323142552/http://www.spiegel.de/netzwelt/web/0,1518,542545,00.html |date=March 23, 2008 }} Spiegel Online: Schlachtfeld der tausend Wahrheiten (in German)</ref><ref>The caption under the Spiegel Online picture in question reads ''"Chinesisches Sicherheitspersonal im Steinhagel. Das Militär reagiert mit Härte"''. anti-cnn.com translates only the second sentence, to ''"army responded with cruel act"''. {{sic}}  In fact, ''"Härte"'' has been routinely used in German media and by German police to describe robust measures in the past: [https://www.welt.de/berlin/article845031/Das_Konzept_der_Polizei_Toleranz_und_Haerte.html] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080408133420/http://www.welt.de/berlin/article845031/Das_Konzept_der_Polizei_Toleranz_und_Haerte.html|date=April 8, 2008}}[http://www.stern.de/politik/deutschland/:Rostock-Krawallen-Es/590335.html] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080408050024/http://www.stern.de/politik/deutschland/:Rostock-Krawallen-Es/590335.html|date=April 8, 2008}}[http://www.tagesspiegel.de/berlin/;art270,2068337] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080408024934/http://www.tagesspiegel.de/berlin/;art270,2068337|date=April 8, 2008}}.</ref> According to ''The New York Times'', CNN apologized on May 18 over some comments made on April 9.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/16/world/asia/16briefs-CNNAPOLOGIZE_BRF.html|title=China: CNN Apologizes Over Tibet Comments|first=David|last=Barboza|newspaper=The New York Times|date=May 16, 2008|access-date=February 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160723120844/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/16/world/asia/16briefs-CNNAPOLOGIZE_BRF.html|archive-date=July 23, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>

Chinese TV channels aired footage of [[anti-Chinese]] riots in Lhasa and the aftermath which was broadcast for several hours.<ref>{{cite news | first =Tania | last =Branigan | title = State TV switches to non-stop footage of Chinese under attack | url = https://www.theguardian.com/world/2008/mar/18/tibet.china1 | work=[[The Guardian]] | location =London | date = March 18, 2008 | access-date = March 19, 2008 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080320022537/http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/mar/18/tibet.china1| archive-date= March 20, 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref> China's [[Communist Party of China|Communist Party]] [[newspaper]], the ''[[People's Daily]]'', called on the government to "resolutely crush the 'Tibet independence' forces' conspiracy and sabotaging activities".<ref name="ref23">{{cite news|url=http://freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1989890/posts|title=China official paper: crush protesters|date=March 22, 2008|work=[[Free Republic]]|access-date=October 17, 2017|publisher=[[Associated Press]]|archive-date=September 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200926145903/http://freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1989890/posts|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Crush "Tibet independence" forces' conspiracy, People's Daily urges |url=http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/90001/90776/6378810.html |publisher=[[People's Daily]] Online |date=March 22, 2008 |access-date=April 2, 2008| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080326165503/http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/90001/90776/6378810.html| archive-date= March 26, 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref> The ''People's Daily'' also accused the [[Dalai Lama]] and the [[Central Tibetan Administration]] of orchestrating the protests in its commentary.<ref name="ref23" /> [[Yahoo! China]] published "most wanted" posters across its homepage to assist Chinese police in apprehending protestors; 24 Tibetans are believed to have been arrested as a result.<ref>{{cite news | title = Yahoo and MSN helping to root out Tibetan rioters | url = http://observers.france24.com/en/content/20080321-yahoo-msn-used-root-out-tibetan-rioters-china | work=[[France24]] | date = March 21, 2008 | access-date = March 22, 2008 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080324000739/http://observers.france24.com/en/content/20080321-yahoo-msn-used-root-out-tibetan-rioters-china| archive-date= March 24, 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref>

On 17 March, the [[Toronto Star|''Toronto Sta''r]] reported the accounts of various Canadian witnesses who were caught up in the violence.<ref name=":5">Bill Schiller, [https://www.thestar.com/News/World/article/346763 "Canadians caught in Tibet's violence"], ''[[Toronto Star]]'', March 17, 2008.  Accessed 2009-07-17.  [https://web.archive.org/web/20080621113054/http://www.thestar.com/News/World/article/346763 Archived] 2009-07-23.</ref> One Canadian witnessed an attack by a mob on a motorcyclist, others recounted how the violence of the riots forced them to escape with help from taxi drivers and guides, and another described how they intervened to save a Han Chinese man from a mob.<ref name=":1" />

=== Foreign reporter group ===
After expelling foreign journalists, the Chinese government selected a group of foreign journalists which were given restricted access to the region.<ref name="afptibet">[https://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20080326/wl_afp/chinaunresttibetrights_080326103537 Foreign press taken to Tibet, China says 660 surrendered], AFP, March 26, 2007</ref><ref>[http://www.dw-world.de/dw/function/0,,12215_cid_3217478,00.html?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf China escorts foreign press to Tibet] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080408153302/http://www.dw-world.de/dw/function/0%2C%2C12215_cid_3217478%2C00.html?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf |date=April 8, 2008 }}, [[Deutsche Welle]], March 26, 2007</ref> The [[Agence France-Presse]] and [[Deutsche Welle]] reported on the decision by the Chinese government, which allowed a small group of reporters to tour Tibet. The journalists allowed to tour Tibet included those from ''[[The Wall Street Journal]]'', ''[[USA Today]]'', ''[[Financial Times]]'', [[Kyodo News Agency]], the [[Korean Broadcasting System]], [[Al Jazeera Arabic|Al-Jazeera]], and the [[Associated Press]].<ref name="Hutlzer">{{cite news
 |first=Charles
 |last=Hutlzer
 |title=Foreign journalists allowed in Tibet
 |url=https://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080326/ap_on_re_as/china_tibet
 |work=[[Yahoo! News]]
 |date=March 26, 2008
 |access-date=March 26, 2008
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080328014334/http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080326/ap_on_re_as/china_tibet
 |archive-date=March 28, 2008
 |url-status=live
 |df=mdy
}}</ref> The journalists were kept under close control while in Lhasa. Chinese authorities said the limited number of journalists permitted to attend and the restrictions on their movements were based on logistical considerations.<ref>{{cite news | title = Mönche stören Journalistenbesuch in Lhasa | url = http://www.nzz.ch/nachrichten/international/moenche_protest_lhasa_auslaendische_journalisten_1.695804.html | work = [[Neue Zürcher Zeitung]] | date = March 27, 2008 | access-date = March 27, 2008 | language = de | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080408113550/http://www.nzz.ch/nachrichten/international/moenche_protest_lhasa_auslaendische_journalisten_1.695804.html | archive-date = April 8, 2008 | url-status = live }}</ref>

On 27 March, the media tour through Lhasa was disrupted by a group of detained monks from [[Jokhang Monastery]].<ref>{{cite news| title =Tibet Monks Disrupt Tour by Journalists| url =http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5h5Z6bJwtN_roGSIUQiQnfbf2NkhgD8VLLA600| agency =[[Associated Press]]| date =March 27, 2008| access-date =March 27, 2008| url-status =dead| archive-url =https://archive.today/20120701151646/http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5h5Z6bJwtN_roGSIUQiQnfbf2NkhgD8VLLA600| archive-date =July 1, 2012| df =mdy-all}}</ref> Reports from [[Taiwan]]ese journalists also invited on the tour stated that the Jokhang monks told them that they had been locked down in the temple even though they had not participated in the riots, and implored the journalists to report the information. [[Padma Choling]], the vice-chairman of the Tibetan Autonomous Region, stated that they were locked down pending police interviews in relation to the riots, and that they were released once interviewed. He also promised that the monks involved in the protest would be "dealt with" according to law.<ref>{{cite news| first = Jikuan| last = Huang| title = 拉薩大昭寺僧侶要求向世人傳達真象 (Lhasa Jokhang monks request truth be told to the world)| url = http://www.cna.com.tw/menu/NewsDetail.aspx?strCatL=CN&strSearchDate=&strNewsID=200803270284&strType=PM| work = [[Central News Agency (Republic of China)|Central News Agency]]| location = Taipei| date = March 27, 2008| access-date = March 29, 2008| language = zh| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080410195221/http://www.cna.com.tw/menu/NewsDetail.aspx?strCatL=CN&strSearchDate=&strNewsID=200803270284&strType=PM| archive-date = April 10, 2008| url-status = dead| df = mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite news
 |first=Ningkang
 |last=Wu
 |title=大昭寺抗議事件 新華社和親中媒體口徑一致 (Jokhang protest incident: Xinhua and pro-China media say the same thing)
 |url=http://www.rti.org.tw/News/NewsContentHome.aspx?NewsID=104202&t=1
 |work=[[Central News Agency (Republic of China)|Central News Agency]]
 |location=Taipei
 |date=March 27, 2008
 |access-date=March 29, 2008
 |language=zh
 |url-status=dead
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720200351/http://www.rti.org.tw/News/NewsContentHome.aspx?NewsID=104202&t=1
 |archive-date=July 20, 2011
}}</ref> The Tibetan activist group [[International Campaign for Tibet]] stated on 28 March that it feared for the welfare and whereabouts of the monks which spoke out during the media tour, specifically those monks from [[Sera Monastery]], [[Drepung Monastery]], [[Ganden Monastery]] and [[Ramoche Temple]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Activists fear for Tibetan monks who protested at media tour |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/03/27/tibet.china.ap/index.html |publisher=[[CNN]] |date=March 27, 2008 |access-date=March 28, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080329130146/http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/03/27/tibet.china.ap/index.html |archive-date=March 29, 2008 |url-status=dead |df=mdy }}</ref> The group did not explain why it identified four monasteries when the protest involved only monks from [[Jokhang Monastery|Jokhang]]. Choling later told reporters the monks would not be punished.<ref>{{cite news
 |title       = Police shut Muslim quarter in Lhasa
 |url         = http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/03/28/tibet.china.ap/index.html
 |publisher   = [[CNN]]
 |date        = March 28, 2008
 |access-date  = March 28, 2008
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20080402230647/http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/03/28/tibet.china.ap/index.html
 |archive-date = April 2, 2008
 |url-status     = dead
 |df          = mdy
}}</ref> Detained monks at [[Labrang Monastery]] also reportedly spoke to the journalists on tour, and likewise implored them to report their detainment. 

==International reaction==
{{Main|International reactions to 2008 Tibetan unrest}}
[[File:FreeTibetprotestSanFrancisco2008.jpg|thumb|right|A Free Tibet rally outside the Chinese consulate in [[San Francisco]], [[California]], on March 17, 2008|241x241px]]According to [[Wen Jiabao]], the [[Premier of the People's Republic of China]], attacks on between ten and twenty Chinese embassies and consulates occurred around the same time as attacks on non-Tibetan interests in the [[Tibet Autonomous Region]] and several other ethnic Tibetan areas.<ref name="Wen">{{cite news|date=March 31, 2008|title=温总促达赖停止西藏暴力 (Premier: ample facts prove Dalai's role in Lhasa riot, door of dialogue still open)|language=zh|publisher=Wen Wei Po|location=Hong Kong|url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-03/18/content_7813012.htm|url-status=dead|access-date=March 31, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080914125527/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-03/18/content_7813012.htm|archive-date=September 14, 2008}}</ref>

According to an article by [[Doug Saunders]] published in ''[[The Globe and Mail]]'', the protests were loosely coordinated by a group of full-time organizers hired by two umbrella groups that were loyal to the Tibetan government in exile. Documents were sent to more than 150 Tibet support groups around the world giving them detailed notes on how to behave when organizing similar disruptions as the [[Olympic flame]] made its six-month trip around the world. This included advice on maintaining [[non-violence]] and following the Dalai Lama's opposition to Tibetan national independence. Protesters were to advocate a more autonomous Tibet within China. However, many of the protestors did not follow this advice.<ref>{{cite news|date=March 29, 2008|title=How three Canadians upstaged Beijing|newspaper=[[The Globe and Mail]]|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080328.wtibetcampaign0328/BNStory/International/|url-status=live|access-date=April 3, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080401231314/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080328.wtibetcampaign0328/BNStory/International/|archive-date=April 1, 2008}}</ref> Doug Saunders further stated that the torch-relay protests had no relationship with the unrest in Tibet.<ref>{{cite news|date=April 19, 2008|title=Beijing has become the guardian of the Chinese brand|newspaper=[[The Globe and Mail]]|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080419.wreckoning0419/BNStory/International/?query=|access-date=April 20, 2008}}</ref>

== Impact on the 2008 Summer Olympics ==
[[File:"OLYMPICS IN CHINA TORTURE IN TIBET" sign detail, Olympics torch protest (2417352003) (cropped).jpg|thumb|Sign from 2008 Olympic protests]]There were rumors that some athletes were considering [[boycotting]] the [[2008 Summer Olympics]] over the unrest. The vice-president of the [[International Olympic Committee]] discouraged this,<ref>{{cite news|date=March 17, 2008|title=Olympic official: athletes mulling Beijing boycott|newspaper=[[The Straits Times]]|url=http://www.straitstimes.com/Latest+News/Sports/STIStory_217583.html|url-status=dead|access-date=August 6, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080319014048/http://www.straitstimes.com/Latest%2BNews/Sports/STIStory_217583.html|archive-date=March 19, 2008}}</ref> as well as the [[European Union]] and the [[International Olympic Committee|Olympic Committees]] of [[European Olympic Committees|Europe]] and [[Australian Olympic Committee|Australia]], who condemned politicizing sport.<ref name="Malaysia">{{cite news|date=March 18, 2008|title=China vows to protect its territory, blames Dalai Lama for attacks on embassies|work=[[Yahoo! News]]|url=http://malaysia.news.yahoo.com/ap/20080318/tap-as-gen-china-tibet-9th-ld-writethru-bb10fb8.html|access-date=March 19, 2008}}{{dead link|date=April 2019|bot=InternetArchiveBot|fix-attempted=yes}}</ref> The [[14th Dalai Lama]] also reiterated that he was against any boycott.<ref>{{cite news|date=March 18, 2008|title=Dalai Lama against Olympic boycott|work=ABC News|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2008-03-18/dalai-lama-against-olympic-boycott/1076948|url-status=live|access-date=October 18, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180906121518/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2008-03-18/dalai-lama-against-olympic-boycott/1076948|archive-date=September 6, 2018}}</ref>

The attendance of government leaders at the [[2008 Summer Olympics opening ceremony]] was watched by the media, because some groups called for a boycott of the ceremony on both [[human rights]] and Tibetan violence grounds. Nonetheless, by the end of July 2008, the leaders of more than 80 countries had decided to attend the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics, more than in any of the preceding Olympics.<ref name="attendance" /> All but one leader of the countries that did not attend the opening ceremonies emphasized that it was not to boycott the Olympics;<ref>{{Cite web|title=Olympic Torch Draws Buenos Aires Protests for Boycott. |date=April 11, 2008|website = [[Bloomberg News]]|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601080&sid=akrvDCOedD6U|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200926145917/https://www.bloomberg.com/politics?pid=20601080&sid=akrvDCOedD6U|archive-date=September 26, 2020|access-date=March 4, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|date=April 2, 2008|title=Brazilian president will not attend Olympic ceremony: official|publisher=turkishpress|url=http://www.turkishpress.com/news.asp?id=223719|url-status=live|access-date=April 2, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080405121613/http://www.turkishpress.com/news.asp?id=223719|archive-date=April 5, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|date=April 8, 2008|title=Harper says Olympics boycott would be ineffective: report|publisher=CTV.ca|url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/harper-says-olympics-boycott-would-be-ineffective-1.287936|url-status=live|access-date=April 8, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080410101114/http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20080408/torch_relay_080408/20080408?hub=TopStories|archive-date=April 10, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=April 11, 2008|title=Greens call for Olympic boycott|url=http://home.nzcity.co.nz/news/article.aspx?id=83916|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716122528/http://home.nzcity.co.nz/news/article.aspx?id=83916|archive-date=July 16, 2011|access-date=April 12, 2008|publisher=NZCity News}}</ref> one German [[Angela Merkel|chancellor]] said that there was "no link to Tibet".<ref>{{cite news|last=Lungescu|first=Oana|date=March 28, 2008|title=Call for Olympic boycott rejected|work=BBC News|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7319147.stm|url-status=live|access-date=March 29, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080329131446/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7319147.stm|archive-date=March 29, 2008}}</ref> [[Prime Minister of Poland]] [[Donald Tusk]] was the one European [[head of government]] to boycott the opening ceremonies because of the violence in Tibet.<ref>{{cite news|date=March 27, 2008|title=Polish government to boycott opening of Olympics|work=[[Warsaw Business Journal]]|location=Warsaw|url=http://www.wbj.pl/?command=article&id=40560|url-status=live|access-date=March 27, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080405014900/http://www.wbj.pl/?command=article&id=40560|archive-date=April 5, 2008}}</ref>

On 20 March, the [[United States Department of State|U.S. Department of State]] issued a warning to U.S. citizens attending the [[2008 Summer Olympics|Beijing Olympics]], stating that "Americans' conversations and telephones could be monitored and their rooms could be searched without their knowledge or consent".<ref>{{cite news|last=Berkes|first=Howard|date=March 23, 2008|title=Tibet Activists Plan Olympic-Relay Protests|publisher=[[NPR]]|url=https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=88883486&ft=1&f=1001|url-status=live|access-date=March 26, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080408164923/http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=88883486&ft=1&f=1001|archive-date=April 8, 2008}}</ref><ref>ABC News: Headed for Olympics? Beware of Big Brother: https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/story?id=4492008&page=1 {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190225223813/https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/story?id=4492008&page=1|date=February 25, 2019}}</ref>

== Aftermath ==
According to the ''[[People's Daily]]'', normalcy returned on 24 March to some affected areas in Sichuan Province, as schools, shops and restaurants reopened to the public.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Schools in SW China ethnic Tibetan area resume classes after riots - People's Daily Online |url=http://en.people.cn/90001/90776/90785/6379886.html |access-date=2022-10-06 |website=en.people.cn |archive-date=October 6, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181006223050/http://en.people.cn/90001/90776/90785/6379886.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The [[Open Constitution Initiative]] (OCI), operated by several [[Weiquan movement|Weiquan]] lawyers and intellectuals, issued a paper in May 2009 challenging the official narrative and suggesting that the protests were a response to economic inequities, Han Chinese migration, and religious sentiments. The OCI recommended that Chinese authorities better respect and protect the rights and interests of the Tibetan people, including religious freedom.<ref>Congressional Executive Commission. [http://www.cecc.gov/pages/annualRpt/annualRpt09/CECCannRpt2009.pdf 2009 Annual Report] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091103235417/http://www.cecc.gov/pages/annualRpt/annualRpt09/CECCannRpt2009.pdf |date=November 3, 2009 }}. Oct 10, 2009.</ref>

== See also ==
{{Portal|China|Asia}}
* [[Annexation of Tibet by the People's Republic of China]]
* [[Buddhism and violence]]
* [[Censorship in China]]
* [[History of Tibet (1950–present)]]
* [[Human rights in China]]
* [[Human rights in Tibet]]
* [[Lhakar]]
* [[Phurbu Tsering Rinpoche]]
* [[Protests and uprisings in Tibet since 1950]]
* [[Racism in China]]
* [[Sinicization of Tibet]]
* [[Tibetan independence movement]]
* [[Tibetan sovereignty debate]]
* {{Section link|Persecution of Buddhists|Tibet}}
* {{Section link|Anti-Chinese sentiment|Tibet}}
* [[List of massacres in China]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== Further reading ==
* Muni, S.D. [http://se1.isn.ch/serviceengine/FileContent?serviceID=PublishingHouse&fileid=DAE4EA66-BF22-3E76-F62D-C0A10F7F0BA9&lng=en ''The Third Tibetan Uprising: India's Response''] in ISAS Background Briefs, Issue: 61,  Mar 24, 2008. Singapore: Institute of South Asian Studies (ISAS).
*  Zellen, Barry. [http://se1.isn.ch/serviceengine/FileContent?serviceID=PublishingHouse&fileid=DF653256-9FAD-F88A-E379-D1959C229808&lng=en ''Tibetans Rise Up, as Hope Overtakes Fear on China’s Western Front''] in Strategic Insights, Volume VII, Issue April 2, 2008. Monterey: Center for Contemporary Conflict (CCC).
* Hillman, Ben. [http://japanfocus.org/-Ben-Hillman/2773 ''Rethinking China's Tibet Policy''] in The Asia-Pacific Journal: Japan Focus, August 2008.
{{Commons category|2008 Tibetan unrest}}
{{Wikinews|has=News related to this article| Anti-China protesters clash with police in Tibet| Tibetans say 80 killed in protests; China continues to crack down| China: Dalai Lama's comments are 'downright nonsense'| Dalai Lama threatens to resign if situation in Tibet worsens| China: 'the Dalai Lama is scheming to take the Beijing Olympics hostage'| Olympic flame for Beijing Games lit amidst protest}}{{21st century protests in the People's Republic of China}}
{{China national security}}
{{Tibet topics}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Tibetan Unrest}}
[[Category:2000s in Tibet]]
[[Category:2008 in China]]
[[Category:2008 riots]]
[[Category:Crime in China]]
[[Category:Ethnic riots]]
[[Category:Riots and civil disorder in China]]
[[Category:Tibetan independence movement]]
[[Category:Protests in China]]
[[Category:2008 Summer Olympics]]
[[Category:Rebellions in China]]
[[Category:Indigenous rights protests]]
[[Category:Violence against indigenous peoples in Asia]]
[[Category:Racially motivated violence in Asia]]
[[Category:2000s political riots]]
[[Category:Politicides]]
[[Category:Mass killings by communist regimes]]
[[Category:Anti-Chinese violence in Asia]]
[[Category:Persecution of intellectuals]]
[[Category:Religious faiths, traditions, and movements]]