Anomalies of China? They Keep Mounting.

Friday June 17, by Jerome F. Keating Ph.D.

Tibet has been "liberated" by China for over half a century right? Why then with this grand liberation does China have to close the borders of Tibet to foreigners once again? Such are the anomalies of China or are they?

Recently even tour groups were banned from entering Tibet, a strange ban for a liberated country. The occasion of course was the upcoming 90th anniversary of the Chinese Communist Party. Beijing travel agencies were hoping this ban would be lifted by now, but not so. I guess the liberation effect is taking longer than expected.

In addition to the above, another anomaly is that a Chinese backed foundation is raising money at home and abroad to develop the birthplace of Buddha in Nepal. They hope to produce a place for Buddhists to visit just as Muslims have Mecca and Christians have the Holy Land in Israel. So what is the catch? This seems like a kind charitable thing to do.

Unfortunately, unsaid is the fact that China still wants to control the religion; it claims the right to appoint the Dalai Lama and the Panchet Lama and anyone else of importance.There is a limit to generosity. China will assist religions as long as the state controls them. No separation of church and state here; rather subordination of church to state. An anomaly, not if you know China.