8th May: Is Ukraine on track to become the new Tibet? The Russian invasion of Ukraine today is eerily similar to China’s takeover of Tibet in 1959, in which a stronger nation invaded a weaker nation under the excuse that the two countries were once one. Is it normal for a larger, stronger country to attack and conquer a smaller, weaker country?
There have been many instances in history where a large powerful nation invades a smaller and weaker nation, but these instances are far fewer in modern history, particularly in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, when people are much more civilized and educated. With incessant battles and invasions throughout history, the world saw the formation of an organization to unify and promote peace among nations in the 20th century. However, the United Nations’ core goal of promoting peace and protecting human rights was not achieved.
Since the founding of the United Nations, numerous countries have been invaded, including Tibet. Only one country has spoken out against China’s invasion of Tibet. El Salvador spoke out against China’s invasion of Tibet at the United Nations.
Today, the majority of nations oppose Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and support Ukraine. Countries from all around the world have sent aid to Ukraine in the fight against Russia’s invasion. Ukraine is receiving all of the assistance and support it requires, from anti-tank weapons like the Javelin to cyber security.
However, no country has directly intervened in the invasion of Ukraine, making the situation in Ukraine identical to Tibet. Despite receiving more support and backing than Tibet, Ukraine was left to fend for itself in the end, with no one coming to their rescue from Russia.
Though Ukraine fared better against the Russian invasion than Tibet did against China, it is still waging a losing battle. If the invasion continues, Ukraine will undoubtedly lose its independence. After that, Russia’s cultural assimilation is used to eliminate the post-invasion resistance. Take the instance of Tibet, for example.
Tibet’s resistance movement is being suffocated by China’s cultural assimilation policies. Tibet’s Sinicization is nothing new. Chinese authorities love to imprison anyone who preserves their native culture and language. Language teachers are one of the most common targets for Chinese authorities, who justify their action of imprisonment by claiming that the tutors are inciting revolt.
Any endeavor by Tibetans to preserve their religion, culture, and language is greeted by the Chinese officials with imprisoning, torturing, and bullying. Expect the same from Russia if the Russians completely conquer Ukraine.
In order to thoroughly control a country, invaders frequently eliminate the host nation’s distinguishing characteristics, such as language or culture. England developed new regulations when it invaded Scotland in the Middle Ages to integrate the Scots. One such law is that English men are permitted to marry Scottish women regardless of whether or not the woman is already engaged to another Scottish guy. As a result, the next generation of Scottish resistance will be weak.
Based on the points raised above, the Ukraine invasion is essentially a modern-day Tibet invasion.
Image credit: Tibet.net