Chinese Influence in Tibet, 18th Century – by Dyologos

Hello all, I am studying the history of various interactions between Tibet and China. I would like to request any and all information that pertains to 18th century relations between the two peoples. To be more specific, I am really interested in Chinese commerce with Tibet (if there was anything that made an impact that early on) and any speculations on authoritarian motives that the Qing dynasty shared or enforced. Sources are much appreciated. Thanks, Dyologos

Frank Smitha    Thanks dyologos for the post – the first. I can't offer much. As for Qing motiives, this from http://stason.org/TULARC/travel/tibet/B ... y-164.html "Subordination was, however, an integral part of the Chinese view of international affairs. In traditional Chinese legal doctrine, the emperor was a universal ruler. Any territory that was not under direct imperial administration was considered to be either tributary or rebellious. In the official records of the Qing dynasty, _Da Qing Lichao Shilu_, various countries with a wide variety relationships with the Qing Empire are listed as vassal states (_shu2guo2_), including Korea, Vietnam, Tibet, Britain, and even the Papacy. [Walt5]" And a few basic dates: The Zungar Mongols invaded Tibet and sacked Lhasa. A military force sent by the Qing Emperor Kangxi came in 1721 and drove the Dzungers out, reestablishing what the Qing apparently believed to be their authority. They installed Kesang Gyatso as the 7th Dalai Lama. An invasion of Tibet by Nepalese in 1791 was followed by a Qing military response and the Qing emperor issuing a 29-point decree that attempted to tighten control over Tibet.

Dyologos    I'd like to add the following, from
http://fr-fr.facebook.com/topic.php?uid ... 1&topic=94 "

In 1792, the emperor issued a 29-point decree which appeared to tighten Qing control over Tibet. It strengthened the powers of the ambans. The ambans were elevated above the Kashag and the Dalai Lama in responsibility for Tibetan political affairs. The Dalai and Panchen Lamas were no longer allowed to petition the Chinese Emperor directly but could only do so through the ambans. The ambans took control of Tibetan frontier defense and foreign affairs. Tibetan authorities' foreign correspondence, even with the Mongols of Kokonor (present-day Qinghai), had to be approved by the ambans. The ambans were put in command of the Qing garrison and the Tibetan army (whose strength was set at 3000 men)." Amban is a Mongol word meaning high authority. Apparently they were responsible to the Qing emperor. fsmitha Site Admin   Posts: 5 Joined: Thu Nov 18, 2010 7:47 pm Top Re: Chinese Influence in Tibet, 18 century by dyologos » Wed Dec 01, 2010 10:58 pm It does show that China supported Tibetan peoples in wartime, but it also shows that Tibet won't find "freedom" until they have an educated idea on government, as I think the Buddhist monastical rule was always undermined through history. From an especially western perspective, sometimes deservedly so. I haven't finished reading this yet but I plan on doing so tonight: http://www.michaelparenti.org/Tibet.html Thanks.