Q.Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions based on it : "Tibet is one of the major issues that historically caused tension between India and China. From time to time in history, China had claimed administrative control over Tibet and from time to time, Tibet was independent too. In 1950, China took over the control of Tibet. Large sections of the Tibetan population opposed this takeover. The Tibetan leader accompanied the Chinese Premier during his official visit to India in 1956."
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Start your 14-day free trial to unlock the full solution →The Tibet question has been a persistent source of friction in Sino-Indian relations since China's 1950 takeover, culminating in the Dalai Lama's flight to India in 1959 and shaping the contours of India's foreign policy in Asia.
The Tibet Issue in India-China Relations
Tibet occupies a unique and sensitive position in the geopolitics of Asia. Historically, the relationship between China and Tibet oscillated between periods of Chinese suzerainty and Tibetan autonomy. This ambiguity became a flashpoint in modern times when the newly established People's Republic of China asserted full control over Tibet in 1950, claiming it as an integral part of Chinese territory. The Tibetan resistance to this annexation, and India's response to it, would go on to define one of the most complex bilateral relationships in post-independence Indian foreign policy.
The passage highlights a crucial moment in 1956 when the Chinese Premier visited India, accompanied by the Tibetan spiritual leader. This visit occurred during a brief thaw in India-China relations, a period when both nations were attempting to build a framework of peaceful coexistence despite underlying tensions over Tibet. India had initially adopted a cautious approach, recognizing Chinese sovereignty over Tibet while hoping to preserve Tibetan autonomy and cultural identity. The 1954 Panchsheel agreement between India and China—based on five principles of peaceful coexistence—was meant to provide a foundation for this delicate balance.
However, the situation deteriorated rapidly. By 1959, a major uprising in Tibet against Chinese rule was brutally suppressed, forcing the Dalai Lama to flee across the Himalayas. India granted him asylum, a decision that permanently strained relations with China. The Tibetan government-in-exile was established in Dharamshala, and India became home to a large Tibetan refugee community. This humanitarian gesture, while consistent with India's values, was viewed by China as interference in its internal affairs and contributed to the mistrust that eventually led to the 1962 border war.
The plateau of Tibet sits at an average elevation of over 4,500 meters and is often called the "Roof of the World." Geographically, it lies in Central Asia, bordered by the Himalayas to the south and the Kunlun range to the north, making it strategically significant for both India and China.
Now to the specific questions:
- Where is the plateau of Tibet situated? The Tibetan plateau is located in Central Asia. While it is now administered by China and lies to the north of India, its geographic classification places it in the Central Asian highland region.
- The Chinese Premier who visited India in 1956: Zhou Enlai was the Chinese Premier who came to India in 1956. Zhou was a skilled diplomat and played a key role in articulating China's foreign policy during the early years of the People's Republic. His visit was part of efforts to manage the growing tensions over Tibet and to reinforce the spirit of Panchsheel.
- The year of the Panchsheel agreement: …
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