Chinese authorities have recently introduced strict measures that limit the cultural and religious freedoms of Tibetan children, coinciding with the winter school break, as reported by Radio Free Asia (RFA). These regulations, which took effect on December 30, aim to diminish the use of the Tibetan language and restrict engagement in religious practices among the youth.
Ban on Private Tibetan-Language Lessons
A key aspect of the new policy is the outright prohibition of private Tibetan-language classes. Children across Tibet, including in the capital Lhasa, are no longer allowed to take part in any extracurricular Tibetan education during the two-month winter break. Authorities are pushing for children to focus on improving their Mandarin skills and are requiring lessons centered around Chinese political education and government-approved materials instead.
Restrictions on Religious Participation
In addition to language restrictions, local authorities in various regions, including Dzoge (Zoige) and Ngaba (Aba) counties in Sichuan province, have implemented measures to curtail religious practices among Tibetan children. Children are banned from wearing religious symbols, and families are prohibited from taking their children to monasteries or allowing them to participate in religious ceremonies. These actions are part of a broader effort to suppress Tibetan culture and enforce assimilation into Han Chinese culture.
Push for Political Indoctrination
The Chinese government continues to target the Tibetan language as a significant barrier to full integration. Tibetan students are now only allowed to participate in academic activities that adhere to the Chinese government’s prescribed curriculum, which places a strong emphasis on political indoctrination. Authorities have also begun conducting random checks in residential areas and businesses to ensure compliance, monitoring students for any unauthorized private lessons or involvement in religious activities.
Cultural Assimilation Campaign
These new measures are seen as part of China’s ongoing effort to erase Tibetan identity and integrate Tibet more fully into China’s political and cultural systems. The strict enforcement of these policies, which extend across multiple Tibetan regions including Golog (Guoluo) in Qinghai and Kardze in Sichuan, reflects Beijing’s broader aim to suppress Tibetan traditions and promote assimilation into Chinese culture.
