In Lhasa, Tibet, 73-year-old Kalsang Lhamo is diligently practicing Tibetan calligraphy, a skill she is learning later in life. While she has always spoken Tibetan, the new "ethnic unity" law implemented on July 1 mandates Chinese as the primary language for schools and government, prohibiting acts that incite division among China's ethnic groups and promoting national unity.
The law has faced international criticism, with rights groups and Tibetan activists arguing it further erodes the rights of minorities and allows Beijing to suppress dissent, even outside China. The Chinese government has dismissed these concerns as "ideological bias." The law is seen by some as a continuation of forced cultural assimilation, similar to language policies implemented in Xinjiang and Inner Mongolia.
Preserving Identity
Despite the pressures, some Tibetans are finding ways to embrace their language and identity. Lhamo attends classes at a center for older adults to learn Tibetan script. Others, like 19-year-old student Qongqiu Quco, prioritize speaking Tibetan at home and with family, while acknowledging that Mandarin is used at school due to dialect differences among students. Tibetan cultural practices, including traditional weaving and Buddhist rituals, continue to be observed.
Reminders of China's authority are pervasive in Tibet, from airport welcome messages and billboards promoting "ethnic unity" to Chinese national flags and portraits of President Xi Jinping displayed in public spaces. At Jokhang Temple, a significant religious site, and the Potala Palace, the former residence of the Dalai Lamas, there are no public references to the current Dalai Lama, who has lived in exile since 1959. The succession of the Dalai Lama remains a contentious issue, with Beijing asserting its right to approve any reincarnation.
A Trend Codified
Historians suggest that the new law codifies existing trends in language and education policies that have already been diminishing minority rights for years. Benno Weiner, a professor at Carnegie Mellon University, noted that the government's approach to cultural preservation often highlights elements that are less politically sensitive and suitable for tourism, such as certain celebrations and traditional attire, rather than religious or politically charged aspects.
The Tibet Museum displays exhibits emphasizing Tibet's historical ties to Chinese dynasties, a narrative Beijing uses to assert its claim over the region, a historical interpretation disputed by many Tibetans in exile. Laba Ciren, an official at the museum, stated that the new law "only brings benefits and does not have any negative effects."
During a government-organized trip to Tibet, authorities arranged visits to cultural sites, businesses, and eldercare centers, with officials accompanying journalists. The Associated Press retained full editorial control of its content. While access to Tibet for foreigners is restricted, the presence of Chinese and Tibetan signage is notable, though prominent official messages often favor Chinese, such as the welcome sign at Lhasa Gonggar International Airport reading, "Xizang welcomes you."