A Forgotten Struggle: The 1950 Invasion of Tibet

The Battle of Chamdo, also known as the Invasion of Tibet, took place in 1950 between the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and the Tibetan Army. At a time when global attention was riveted on the Korean War, China had set its sights on the invasion of Tibet.

In October 1950, the PLA launched an assault on Chamdo, a crucial town in eastern Tibet. Despite fierce resistance led by Ngapoi Ngawang Jigme, the Tibetan Army was overwhelmed by the superior numbers and advanced weaponry of the Chinese forces.

Following the battle, the Chinese government pressured Tibet into signing the controversial 17-Point Agreement. The agreement was signed using duplicate stamps of the Tibetan government, casting doubt on its legitimacy.

Resistance against Chinese rule continues to this day. The Dalai Lama, Tibet’s spiritual leader, has been in exile since 1959, and Tibetans persist in their struggle to preserve their culture and gain autonomy.

The world largely overlooked the Battle of Chamdo, a pivotal event that, if addressed differently, might have prevented much suffering. Millions of lives could have been spared, potentially altering the course of Asia’s history. It remains essential to remember and acknowledge this significant chapter in Tibetan history.

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