Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Tibet Riots Raises Concern in China

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March 23- Authorities closed down Tibet's capital and sent in additional troops for rigid control after a violent uprise occurred from an Anti-Chinese protest group.

On Monday morning, the Tibetan exile group also known as the Buddhist Monks, launched deadly riots against Chinese rule. The Chinese government accused the exiled spiritual leader, Dalai Lama, for plotting these violent riots. Allegedly, Dalai has been identified as the current leader and supporter of 3 decades of combative persuasion in gaining Tibet's independence.
As the anti-Chinese movement continues to spread, protest groups are actively burning down government offices, cars, shops, hotels, schools, and homes. According to CNN news, Foreign Ministry spokesman, Qin Gang, he has demanded that foreign tourists must restrict their travels and to ut of westerremain in Gansu and Sichuan provinces. Many tourists that were banned from the capital, described the area to be very hostile because of the constant gun shots. 30 were reported killed and 325 were injured that day. On Wednesday, local police arrested 24 protestors in Xiahe.

The following day, Chinese authorities immediately closed down the city. The main streets are empty and reinforced with military and law enforcement officials. Streets are completely occupied with military blockades which are used to keep Tibetans in and reporters out of the area. Even at airports, Tibetan police turned away foreigners at the check-in counters.

These riots have no doubt caused critics to judge the state of China's affairs and the human rights issues surrounding the Bejing Olympics. The Olympics are scheduled to kickoff in two weeks. There have been rumors that possible boycotts may occur during the opening ceremony. To add insult to injury, the Chinese government is already being scrutinized for their involvement in the Darfur Movement.

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