:2008 Tibetan unrest

File:TAR-TAP-TAC.png (and other ethnic minorities) autonomous areas.]]

The protests erupted amidst growing frustrations with China's persecution of Tibetans and of Tibetan Buddhists,{{cite web|last=Dolma|first=Kelsang|date=2020-08-31|title=Tibet Was China's First Laboratory of Repression, Xi Jinping is bringing methods honed in Xinjiang back to the Himalayas|url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2020/08/31/tibet-china-repression-xinjiang-sinicization/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200926152635/https://foreignpolicy.com/2020/08/31/tibet-china-repression-xinjiang-sinicization/|archive-date=2020-09-26|access-date=2020-09-26|website=Foreign Policy}} which Tibetans assert began after China's annexation in 1951. Unresolved situations remained regarding Tibet's three highest spiritual leaders - the 14th Dalai Lama and the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa both escaped to India, while the 11th Panchen Lama's location remains unknown. Photographs of the Dalai Lama remain outlawed, as are Tibetan flags. Efforts at brokering agreements on behalf of Tibetans by the Dalai Lama with China had stalled.{{cite web|date=2008-03-14|title=Protests in Tibet erupt into violence|url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2008/mar/14/tibet.china1|access-date=2022-10-06|website=The Guardian|language=en}}

The protests and uprisings in Tibet since 1950 include earlier mass protests in Lhasa—the 1959 Tibetan uprising, and the 1987 protests which were likewise led by monks from Sera monastery, Drepung monastery and Ganden monastery.{{Cite web |date=October 5, 1987 |title=URGENT Chinese Block Roads, Arrest Monks After Protest |url=https://apnews.com/article/8fb7741fd941a56063f769a6dbc376f2 |website=Associated Press |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=30 years of resistance |url=https://www.tibetwatch.org/30-years-of-resistance |access-date=2022-10-06 |website=Tibet Watch |language=en-US}}

Of the 1989 bloody suppression in Lhasa, journalist Jim Yardley wrote:

"In the past China has not hesitated to crush major protests in Tibet or to jail disobedient monks. [Former] President Hu Jintao, who [was] also the general secretary of the Communist Party, served as party boss in Tibet during a violent crackdown in 1989. His support for the bloody suppression of unrest that year earned him the good will of Deng Xiaoping, then the paramount leader, and led directly to his elevation to the Politburo Standing Committee and eventually to China’s top leadership posts."{{Cite news |last=Yardley |first=Jim |date=2008-03-15 |title=Violence in Tibet as Monks Clash With the Police |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/15/world/asia/15tibet.html |access-date=2022-10-06 |issn=0362-4331}}

The Dalai Lama and the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) proposed the Middle Way Approach to address the government of China's policies in Tibet. Specific agreements offered to China include the Five Point Peace Plan in 1987, the Strasbourg proposal in 1988, and the Memorandum on Genuine Autonomy in 2008.{{Cite web |author=Staff Reporter |date=2019-05-23 |title=The 17-point Agreement - What China promised, what it really delivered and the future? |url=https://tibet.net/the-17-point-agreement-what-china-promised-what-it-really-delivered-and-the-future-2/ |access-date=2022-10-06 |website=Central Tibetan Administration |language=en-US}}

Tibetan loyalty to the Dalai Lama is considered disloyalty to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP),{{cite journal|last=Topgyal|first=Tsering|date=2013|title=Identity Insecurity and the Tibetan Resistance Against China|url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/43590713|journal=Pacific Affairs|volume=86|issue=3|pages=515–538|doi=10.5509/2013863515|jstor=43590713|issn=0030-851X|url-access=subscription}} and is viewed by the Chinese government as a crime of separatism and a threat to China's national security and expansionism. Kelsang Dolma wrote, "when the 2008 Tibet protests erupted, fomented by discontent with decades-long repression, the CCP ruthlessly responded by killing and arbitrarily arresting protesters".

As a policy begun by Chairman Mao in 1950, Beijing promotes settlements of Han Chinese within Tibet, which dilute Tibetan culture and identity, as the Dalai Lama and others have stated.{{cite web|date=2008-05-23|title=Tibet could be 'swamped' by mass Chinese settlement after Olympics, says Dalai Lama|url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2008/may/24/tibet.china|access-date=2022-10-06|website=The Guardian|language=en}}International Commission of Jurists, 1997, https://www.icj.org/wp-content/uploads/1997/01/Tibet-human-rights-and-the-rule-of-law-thematic-report-1997-eng.pdf {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210221142741/https://www.icj.org/wp-content/uploads/1997/01/Tibet-human-rights-and-the-rule-of-law-thematic-report-1997-eng.pdf|date=2021-02-21}} The CTA also states, "[u]nder the guise of the economic and social development, Beijing encourages its population to migrate to Tibet with the clear aim to marginalize Tibetans from the economic, educational, political and social life of the region." A railway link opened in 2006 delivers three thousand Han a day to the region. Within Lhasa, Tsering Woeser reports that Tibetans are discriminated against at spiritual sites, and residents were relocated to rural areas, as urban areas were redeveloped for Han residents and businesses.{{cite web|date=2013-05-21|title="Lhasa's Tibetans will soon be nothing but decorations for tourists"|url=https://observers.france24.com/en/20130521-lhasa-tibetans-nothing-decorations-tourists|access-date=2022-10-06|website=The Observers - France 24|language=en}}{{cite web|last=Tibet|first=International Campaign for

|date=2013-05-20|title=Destruction of Lhasa revealed in new images|url=https://savetibet.org/destruction-of-lhasa-revealed-in-new-images/|access-date=2022-10-06|website=International Campaign for Tibet|language=en-US}}{{cite web|last=AsiaNews.it|title=Beijing sends a new flood of Han migrants to Lhasa: Tibetans risk disappearing|url=https://www.asianews.it/news-en/Beijing-sends-a-new-flood-of-Han-migrants-to-Lhasa:-Tibetans-risk-disappearing-33294.html|access-date=2022-10-06|website=www.asianews.it|language=en}} Nomadic Tibetans are forced to build homes and borrow money for construction costs,{{cite news|date=2010-07-15|title=Is development killing Tibet's way of life?|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-pacific-10638506|access-date=2022-10-06}}{{cite news|last=Wong|first=Edward|date=2010-07-24|title=China's Money and Migrants Pour Into Tibet|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/25/world/asia/25tibet.html|access-date=2022-03-18|issn=0362-4331}} while their grazing lands are redistributed, as reported by Free Tibet.{{cite web|title=Latest|url=https://freetibet.org/latest/|access-date=2022-10-06|website=Free Tibet|language=en}}

China's policies which the Dalai Lama describes as "cultural genocide"{{cite news|date=March 18, 2008|author=Gavin Rabinowitz|title=Protests expose rifts among Tibetans|work=Phayul.com|publisher=Phayul|url=http://www.phayul.com/news/article.aspx?id=19823&t=1&c=1|url-status=live|access-date=October 18, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019060924/http://www.phayul.com/news/article.aspx?id=19823&t=1&c=1|archive-date=October 19, 2017}} marginalize Tibetans and create simmering socio-economic issues in Lhasa.{{Cite web |title=Rethinking China's Tibet Policy |url=https://apjjf.org/-Ben-Hillman/2773/article.html |access-date=2022-10-06 |website=The Asia-Pacific Journal: Japan Focus|date=June 2008 }}

According to the Central Tibetan Administration, environmental concerns also motivated the protests.Tibetan protests 2008 Central Tibetan Administration, https://tibet.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/tibetprotest2008.pdf {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200927160401/https://tibet.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/tibetprotest2008.pdf|date=September 27, 2020}} Some of Asia's most important rivers flow from the Tibetan plateau, and "are being polluted and diminished by careless industrialisation and unplanned irrigation" as stated by the Dalai Lama.

According to the Tibetan Independence Movement, Tibetans in Lhasa were angered by inflation that caused the prices of food and consumer goods to increase.{{cite web|title=REASONS FOR UNREST ARE ANCIENT|url=https://www.tampabay.com/archive/2008/03/31/reasons-for-unrest-are-ancient/|access-date=2021-01-14|website=Tampa Bay Times|archive-date=2021-01-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210115092415/https://www.tampabay.com/archive/2008/03/31/reasons-for-unrest-are-ancient/|url-status=live}} Prices also continued to rise in other parts of the country,{{cite news|title=Fire on the roof of the world|url=http://www.economist.com/daily/news/displaystory.cfm?story_id=10870258&top_story=1|newspaper=The Economist|date=2008-03-14|access-date=2008-03-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090526061019/http://www.economist.com/daily/news/displaystory.cfm?story_id=10870258&top_story=1|archive-date=2009-05-26|url-status=live}} while Tibetan youth stated that equal access to jobs and education is another economic issue related to the mass settling of Han Chinese."Sie haben sich am heftigsten beklagt, dass sie nicht die gleichen Stellen oder die gleiche Schulbildung bekommen wie die Chinesen, dass die Chinesen mehr Geld haben."{{cite news|title=Die Jugend will mehr|url=http://www.nzz.ch/nachrichten/international/die_jugend_will_mehr_1.693955.html|work=Neue Zürcher Zeitung|date=2008-03-23|access-date=2008-04-09|language=de|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080327211808/http://www.nzz.ch/nachrichten/international/die_jugend_will_mehr_1.693955.html|archive-date=2008-03-27|url-status=live}}

{{Main|2008 Lhasa violence}}

File:China-Tibet.png]]

According to a report by the Human Rights Watch, a group of 300–400 protesting monks from Drepung monastery marched to Lhasa's center on 10 March in midday demanding religious freedom, and their route was blocked by police. According to the report, monks were kicked and beaten with batons and 60 monks were arrested that day.

The next day on 11 March as 300–400 monks from Sera monastery departed in a line to demand the release of the arrested Sera monks. An eyewitness told the BBC that around 300 monks from Sera monastery moved onto the street and were kicked and beat by 10 to 15 plainclothes Chinese police officers in what he described as "gratuitous violence".{{Cite news |date=2008-03-14 |title=Eyewitness: Monk 'kicked to floor' |language=en-GB |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7296134.stm |access-date=2022-10-06}} Outside the monastery, the monks began a sitting protest and were surrounded by riot police and armed military units. Radio Free Asia reported that an eyewitness saw tear gas being fired into the crowd.Radio Free Asia, (12 March 2008), http://www.rfa.org/english/news/2008/03/12/tibet_march/ {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080330201346/http://www.rfa.org/english/news/2008/03/12/tibet_march/ |date=March 30, 2008 }} The Human Rights Watch report stated hundreds of monks and nuns from Ganden Monastery and Mani Nunnery also began marching into Lhasa on 11 March. According to the report, participants claimed that they were stopped by police and returned to their monastic centers, which were promptly cordoned off.

On 14 March, a group of monks preparing to depart from Ramoche Temple in the center of Lhasa to demand the release of monks from Drepung and Sera were barred from leaving by police. They began throwing stones at the police, some of which were hard enough to break their shields. As the police withdrew, the enraged crowd began targeting ethnic Chinese passersby.{{Cite web |last=Barbara Demick |date=2008-03-22 |title=Tales of horror from Tibet |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2008-mar-22-fg-rage22-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109032531/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2008-mar-22-fg-rage22-story.html |archive-date=2020-11-09 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}} According to the Toronto Star, businesses that had Chinese markings were targeted to be burned, smashed or looted. Fires were spread to buildings, and Han and Hui Chinese people were beaten, while a building's fire killed four Han women and a Tibetan woman hiding in same building.{{Cite news |last=Barboza |first=David |date=2008-03-28 |title=Putting Faces on 5 Victims of Tibetan Riots |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/28/world/asia/28victims.html |access-date=2022-10-06 |issn=0362-4331}}

When Chinese police and military units reentered Lhasa on 14 March, reports state tear gas canisters were launched and shootings began. Amnesty International reports that machine guns were used.{{Cite web |title=Leaked internal document shows China used machine guns to kill Tibetans in March 2008 protest |url=https://www.amnesty.org.uk/blogs/countdown-china/leaked-internal-document-shows-china-used-machine-guns-kill-tibetans-march |access-date=2022-10-06 |website=www.amnesty.org.uk}} State hospitals were reported by Human Rights Watch as closed to protestors by Chinese authorities, and reports of wounded and killed Tibetans were suppressed.

Police cars, fire engines and other official vehicles were reportedly set on fire. Reports state Tibetans attacked Han and Hui passerby using stones, and an eyewitness stated from their hotel window, "It seems like it's ethnic—like they want to kill anyone not Tibetan." The witness also said he saw a group of 20 armed men firing guns, and that he was unsure if they were police officers or armed rioters.{{Cite web |author=Guardian Staff |date=2008-03-15 |title=Eyewitness account of violence between protesters and police in Tibet |url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2008/mar/15/tibet.china2 |access-date=2022-10-06 |website=the Guardian |language=en}} Chinese state media reported non-Tibetan-owned businesses and banks were robbed and houses were attacked and burned down, including government buildings and schools. Police used tear gas and cattle prods. According to Chinese state media, 18 civilians were killed by rioters.[http://hk.crntt.com/doc/1010/0/1/8/101001887.html?coluid=0&kindid=0&docid=101001887 As long as there are separists, there will be 3-14 event again] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171006162042/http://hk.crntt.com/doc/1010/0/1/8/101001887.html?coluid=0&kindid=0&docid=101001887 |date=October 6, 2017 }} (Trad Chinese) China Review News Agency, 22 June 2008

A crowd of 70-80 Tibetan youths tried to storm the Lhasa Great Mosque and set fire to the front gate. Shops and restaurants in the Muslim quarter were destroyed.{{Cite web |last=Barbara Demick |date=June 23, 2008 |title=Tibetan-Muslim tensions roil China |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2008-jun-23-fg-muslims23-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100622013126/http://articles.latimes.com/2008/jun/23/world/fg-muslims23 |archive-date=June 22, 2010 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}} A Chinese businessman reported that many Hui Muslim stores were burnt. Also burnt were stationery shops, banks, and a wholesale market at Tsomtsikhang, where many shops are owned by Han Chinese and Hui Muslims.

Throughout Lhasa, raids, security sweeps and arrests by Chinese security forces reportedly continued for several days. Tsondru, a monk, is reported to have died after being thrown off a roof while under arrest by Chinese security forces. An early official statement by Tibet Autonomous Region Chairman Pema Trinley reported, "Only three law-breakers died during the pacification of the Lhasa unrest, no participation from the PLA" was revised to add that another person "jumped from a building" to avoid arrest.Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, Materials on the March 14 Incident in Tibet (I), Beijing: Foreign Languages Press, 2008, p. 32.

File:China-Gansu.png

On 14 March, 200 Labrang Monastery monks led a crowd of 300 people in demonstrations outside of their monastery in Gansu.{{Cite web |date=2008-03-14 |title=Tibet gripped by violent clashes |url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2008/mar/14/tibet.china3 |access-date=2022-10-06 |website=the Guardian |language=en}} The Guardian reported witness accounts of security vehicles being set on fire and Tibetan mob violence.

On 15 March, 4,000 Tibetans gathered near the Labrang Monastery and clashed with Chinese forces.{{Cite news |last=Yardley |first=Jim |date=2008-03-15 |title=Chinese Forces Say They've Secured Tibet's Capital |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/15/world/asia/15cnd-tibet.html |access-date=2022-10-06 |issn=0362-4331}}{{cite news

|first=Richard

|last=Spencer

|title=Tibet riots continue after day of violence

|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2008/03/15/wtibet615.xml

|work=The Daily Telegraph

|date=March 15, 2008

|access-date=March 15, 2008

|location=London

|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080319012953/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=%2Fnews%2F2008%2F03%2F15%2Fwtibet615.xml

|archive-date=March 19, 2008

|url-status=dead

}} The clashes centered around the Gelug school's Labrang monastery, one of the largest Buddhist monasteries in Tibet. Demonstrators marched through the streets of Xiahe.{{cite news |first=Richard |last=Spencer |title=Q&A: The showdown in Tibet. Why would Tibet boil over right now |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-tibet_q_and_amar15,0,1154784.story |work=Chicago Tribune |date=March 15, 2008 |access-date=March 16, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080318161620/http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-tibet_q_and_amar15%2C0%2C1154784.story |archive-date=March 18, 2008 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }} There were reports of government offices being damaged by the protesters, as well as reports of police using tear gas and shooting at protesters.

In Lanzhou on 16 March, 100 students participated in a sitting protest.{{Cite news |date=2008-03-19 |title=Key places and events in Tibet unrest |language=en-GB |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7305288.stm |access-date=2022-10-06}}

In Machu on 16 March, rioters set a government building on fire, while clashes continued on 18 March.

In Hezou on 19 March, footage emerged showing protestors tearing Chinese flags and raising Tibetan flags in their place.{{Cite news |date=2008-03-19 |title=Key places and events in Tibet unrest |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7305288.stm |url-status=live |access-date=2021-01-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201019114524/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7305288.stm |archive-date=October 19, 2020}}

China's Xinhua News Agency reported the cost of damage in Gansu at an estimated ¥230 million (US$32.7 million).{{cite web|url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-03/25/content_7857168.htm|title=Questions, answers about casualties, damages of recent riots|publisher=Xinhua News Agency|date=March 25, 2008|access-date=March 26, 2008| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080330233716/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-03/25/content_7857168.htm| archive-date= March 30, 2008 | url-status= dead}}

The Tibetan government-in-exile stated that 19 Tibetans were shot and killed on 18 March.{{cite news|date=March 19, 2008|title=Dalai Lama calls for calm in Tibet|publisher=Al Jazeera|url=http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/2AE64C35-7CD5-4734-938A-82AFF9903485.htm|url-status=live|access-date=March 19, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080319233435/http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/2AE64C35-7CD5-4734-938A-82AFF9903485.htm|archive-date=March 19, 2008}}

File:China-Qinghai.png

Chinese authorities arrested twelve Tibetan monks after an incident in the historic region of Rebkong, which is located in the Huangnan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Qinghai (known to Tibetans as Amdo). Chinese security forces surrounded the Ditsa monastery in Bayan County.{{Dubious|date=March 2008}} Qinghai province borders the Tibet Autonomous Region.

On 19 March, Chinese forces cordoned off the village of Taktser, where the 14th Dalai Lama was born.

In Tongren, demonstrations occurred at the Rongwo Monastery between 14 and 16 March.

In the capital city of Xining, a journalist with Neue Zürcher Zeitung reported that residents were receiving intimidating calls from the Public Security Bureau. A call received by a Tibetan professor was reported as having said "Take good care of yourself" in a threatening manner.

During special classes for students in the region, videos of Tibetan demonstrators demolishing stores and attacking police were shown. The sessions have been deemed propaganda by some. Tibetan students at the Medical University of Xining held demonstrations to express their solidarity with the protestors, as well as a vigil for killed protestors in Lhasa.{{cite news |date=March 28, 2008 |title="Take Care": Control like in Mao's Days in Tibetan Territory |language=de |work=Neue Zürcher Zeitung |url=http://www.nzz.ch/nachrichten/international/tibet_mao_1.696424.html |url-status=live |access-date=March 28, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080331230726/http://www.nzz.ch/nachrichten/international/tibet_mao_1.696424.html |archive-date=March 31, 2008}}

Passports belonging to Tibetans were confiscated to prevent returns to India and the delivery of reports on events to Tibetan exiles. Tourists and foreign residents were surveilled and informed about their possible expulsion in case they got involved in Tibetan protests.

{{Main|2008 Sichuan riots}}

File:China-Sichuan.pngOn 16 March, Tibetan monks and local residents clashed with police in Ngawa after monks held a protest at the traditional Tibetan grounds of Kham and Amdo. A witness told the BBC that approximately 17 Tibetans were killed, including a school girl. By 18 March, the town was "teeming with police and soldiers".

The India-based Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy reported that at least seven people were shot.{{cite news|title=Tibet protests spread to other provinces |url=https://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080316/aponreas/china_tibet |work=Yahoo! News |date=March 16, 2008 |access-date=March 19, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080318222009/http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080316/ap_on_re_as/china_tibet |archive-date=March 18, 2008 |url-status=live |df=mdy }} There are other reports that police shot between 13 and 30 protesters after a police station was set on fire, reports of at least one policeman being killed, and the burning three or four police vans. Reports on the exact number of deaths were difficult due to the expulsion of journalists.{{cite news | title = Tension rises as armed police mass in capital | url = https://www.theguardian.com/world/2008/mar/18/tibet.china | work=The Guardian | date = March 18, 2008 | access-date = March 19, 2008 | location=London | first1=Jonathan | last1=Watts | first2=Tania | last2=Branigan| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080318223000/http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/mar/18/tibet.china| archive-date= March 18, 2008 | url-status= live}} The Chinese government stated that it opened fire on protestors in self defense on 20 March, reporting that four were wounded.{{cite news|date=March 21, 2008|title=川阿壩警開槍自衛 四暴徒受傷 (Sichuan, Ngawa police fire in self defence; four rioters wounded)|publisher=Da Kung Pao|location=Hong Kong|url=http://www.takungpao.com/news/08/03/21/ZM-880897.htm|url-status=dead|access-date=March 30, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080328070029/http://www.takungpao.com/news/08/03/21/ZM-880897.htm|archive-date=March 28, 2008}}

In Ngawa Town, after days of protests by 3,000 monks and 300 nuns, 27 of the nuns at the Kirti monasteries and nunneries were arrested by Chinese police forces on 20 March. Photographs of killed protestors near Kirti were circulated.

Neue Zürcher Zeitung reported that phone calls into the region from Zurich were intercepted, and exiled Tibetans were harassed during the calls. The arrested nuns were not heard from afterwards. During a telephone call, a nun stated she and the other nuns had no regrets, and that "the road of liberty is long and arduous".

A wave of arrests occurred in Sertar on 21 March, where police shot and killed a protestor. Chinese army troops blocked roads in Sertar, and many Tibetans were arrested. The London-based Free Tibet Campaign reported that troops had been sent to the county after protesters used explosives to destroy a bridge near the village of Gudu.{{cite news|title=China blankets Tibetan areas with troops |url=https://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080320/ap_on_re_as/china_tibet_131 |publisher=Yahoo News |date=2008-03-20 |access-date=2008-03-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080324061623/http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080320/ap_on_re_as/china_tibet_131 |archive-date=24 March 2008 |url-status=live |df=dmy }}{{cite news|title=Beijing deploys army against nuns|url=http://www.nzz.ch/nachrichten/international/peking_setzt_armee_gegen_nonnen_ein_1.693952.html|work=Neue Zürcher Zeitung|date=2008-03-23|access-date=2008-03-23|archive-date=June 26, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080626102811/http://www.nzz.ch/nachrichten/international/peking_setzt_armee_gegen_nonnen_ein_1.693952.html|url-status=live}}

Radio Free Asia reported demonstrations in Kardze on 23 April, and on 11–12 May when 14 of the nuns demanding the release of two arrested in April were beaten and detained. The report states nuns were from nearby nunneries, and armed Chinese forces continued to patrol the area.{{Cite web |title=Tibetan Nuns Jailed, Detained |url=https://www.rfa.org/english/news/tibet/tibet_nuns-05122008160846.html |access-date=2022-10-06 |website=Radio Free Asia |language=en}} Other protests were held in Chori.

The BBC reported that around 16 March, 600 monks from Lhasa were flown to Chengdu by Chinese security forces.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao blamed the Dalai Lama's supporters for the recent violence in Tibet, and asserted that security forces exercised restraint in their response.{{cite news|date=March 19, 2008|title=Report: Over 100 surrender, admit involvement in Tibet clashes|publisher=CNN|url=http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/03/18/tibet.unrest/index.html|url-status=dead|access-date=March 19, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080318082411/http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/03/18/tibet.unrest/index.html|archive-date=March 18, 2008|df=mdy}}

The Dalai Lama called for both sides to avoid using violence and called on Chinese leaders to "address the long simmering resentment of the Tibetan people through dialogue with the Tibetan people." A spokesman for the 14th Dalai Lama said the Chinese government's accusations were "absolutely baseless". The Dalai Lama has also stated that Tibetans are treated by China as second-class citizens in their own land, which has caused simmering resentment, and has repeatedly denied any involvement in organizing or inciting the unrest,{{cite web|title = An Appeal to the Chinese People |url=https://www.dalailama.com/news.220.htm|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080401171102/http://www.dalailama.com/news.220.htm|archive-date=April 1, 2008|access-date=2008-03-29}} An Appeal to the Chinese People and proposed to resign as the political leader if the violence continued.

A reporter for The Economist, James Miles, when asked in an interview if the Dalai Lama was responsible for the riots, responded that he "didn't see any evidence of any organized activity", opining that "it's more likely that what we saw was inspired by a general desire of Tibetans both inside Tibet and among the Dalai Lama's followers, to take advantage of this Olympic year, but also inspired simply by all these festering grievances on the ground in Lhasa."{{cite news|date=March 20, 2008|title=Transcript: James Miles interview on Tibet|work=CNN|url=http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/03/20/tibet.miles.interview/|url-status=live|access-date=April 9, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080411130317/http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/03/20/tibet.miles.interview/|archive-date=April 11, 2008}} He noted in another report that the rioting "seemed to be primarily an eruption of ethnic hatred".

On 1 April, rhetoric increased when the Chinese Public Security Ministry alleged that Tibet's supporters were planning suicide attacks, stating that searches of monasteries had turned up 176 guns, 13,013 bullets, 19,000 sticks of dynamite, 7,725 pounds of unspecified explosives, two hand grenades, and 350 knives. Samdhong Rinpoche, prime minister of the Tibetan government-in-exile, denied these allegations, stating "Tibetan exiles are one-hundred-percent committed to nonviolence. There is no question of suicide attacks. But we fear that Chinese might masquerade as Tibetans and plan such attacks to give bad publicity to Tibetans".{{Cite web|last=Bodeen|first=Christopher|date=April 1, 2008|title=China Alleges Tibet 'Suicide Squads'|url=http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5h5Z6bJwtN_roGSIUQiQnfbf2NkhgD8VP4ITG0|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080412060301/http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5h5Z6bJwtN_roGSIUQiQnfbf2NkhgD8VP4ITG0|archive-date=April 12, 2008}}

On 14 April, Chinese forces claimed that they had found semi-automatic firearms hidden throughout a temple in Ngawa.{{cite news|date=April 14, 2008|title=China finds firearms in Tibetan temple|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|url=https://www.smh.com.au/world/china-finds-firearms-in-tibetan-temple-20080413-25wz.html|url-status=live|access-date=October 18, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019060956/http://www.smh.com.au/world/china-finds-firearms-in-tibetan-temple-20080413-25wz.html|archive-date=October 19, 2017}}{{cite news|date=April 14, 2008|title=China says firearms found in Tibetan temple|work=Reuters|publisher=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-tibet/china-says-firearms-found-in-tibetan-temple-idUSPEK20364920080414|url-status=live|access-date=October 18, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019111353/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-tibet/china-says-firearms-found-in-tibetan-temple-idUSPEK20364920080414|archive-date=October 19, 2017}} Chinese police officers told Chinese reporters, "they were modified semi-automatic weapons."

China responded by deploying the People's Armed Police. The BBC reported seeing over 400 troop carriers mobilizing into Tibet,{{cite news|date=March 20, 2008|title=China steps up Tibetan crackdown|work=BBC News|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7306096.stm|url-status=live|access-date=March 26, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080325042449/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7306096.stm|archive-date=March 25, 2008}} which would represent a deployment of up to 4,000 troops. The Chinese authorities ordered all Hong Kong and foreign journalists to leave Lhasa.{{cite news|date=March 19, 2008|title=Tibet media ban damages Beijing's cause|work=South China Morning Post|url=http://www.scmp.com/article/630480/tibet-media-ban-damages-beijings-cause|url-status=live|access-date=March 19, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181214202455/https://www.scmp.com/article/630480/tibet-media-ban-damages-beijings-cause|archive-date=December 14, 2018}} According to General Yang Deping, regular military troops from the People's Liberation Army were not deployed.{{cite news|last=Yardley|first=Jim|date=March 16, 2008|title=Tibetans Clash With Chinese Police in Second City|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/16/world/asia/16tibet.html|url-status=live|access-date=March 19, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090411111957/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/16/world/asia/16tibet.html|archive-date=April 11, 2009}}

Chinese authorities were also reportedly concerned that the Tibetan protests could "embolden activists in restive Xinjiang province" to organise street protests as well. The Chinese government's People's Daily reported a statement by Gyaincain Norbu, which condemned the unrest, stating

"the rioters' acts not only harmed the interests of the nation and the people, but also violated the aim of Buddhism [...] We strongly condemn the crime of a tiny number of people to hurt the lives and properties of the people."{{cite news|date=March 16, 2008|title=11th Panchen Lama condemns Lhasa riot|work=People's Daily|url=http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90776/90882/6374367.html|url-status=live|access-date=March 19, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080321185020/http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90776/90882/6374367.html|archive-date=March 21, 2008}}

On March 19, Premier Wen Jiabao condemned the Dalai Lama's alleged role in the riot, but said the possibility for a dialogue remained open if he renounced Tibetan independence, and if he "recognizes Tibet and Taiwan as inalienable parts of the Chinese territory".{{cite news|date=March 18, 2008|title=Premier: ample facts prove Dalai's role in Lhasa riot, door of dialogue still open|publisher=Government of the People's Republic of China|url=http://english.gov.cn/2008-03/18/content_923278.htm|url-status=dead|access-date=March 20, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081201173553/http://english.gov.cn/2008-03/18/content_923278.htm|archive-date=December 1, 2008}}{{cite news|date=March 18, 2008|title=Premier: Door of dialogue still opens to Dalai|publisher=Government of the People's Republic of China|url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-03/18/content_7813194.htm|url-status=dead|access-date=March 24, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080322090219/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-03/18/content_7813194.htm|archive-date=March 22, 2008}} The Dalai Lama has repeatedly stated he seeks autonomy, not independence, citing the need for Tibet to develop as a modern nation.

On May 4, two representatives of the PRC government, Zhu Weiqun and Sitar met with two representatives of the Dalai Lama, Lodi Gyari and Kelsang Gyaltsen, in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen. The two sides exchanged views and agreed that a further round of talks should be held at an appropriate time.{{cite news|date=May 4, 2008|title=China's central gov't officials meet with Dalai Lama's private representatives|publisher=Xinhua News Agency|url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-05/04/content_8104983.htm|url-status=dead|access-date=May 6, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080508180107/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-05/04/content_8104983.htm|archive-date=May 8, 2008}}

Plans for the meeting had been announced by the Xinhua News Agency on April 25,{{cite news|date=April 26, 2008|title=China's decision to meet Dalai's representative receives positive responses|publisher=Xinhua News Agency|url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-04/25/content_8052398.htm|url-status=dead|access-date=April 26, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080501153437/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-04/25/content_8052398.htm|archive-date=May 1, 2008}} and was confirmed by the Dalai Lama's spokesman.{{cite news|date=April 26, 2008|title=China to meet Dalai Lama aides|newspaper=Sydney Morning Herald|url=https://www.smh.com.au/news/world/china-to-meet-dalai-lama-aides/2008/04/26/1208743292136.html|url-status=live|access-date=April 26, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080429203339/http://www.smh.com.au/news/world/china-to-meet-dalai-lama-aides/2008/04/26/1208743292136.html|archive-date=April 29, 2008}}

This was the first high-level dialogue between the Dalai Lama's representatives and the PRC government since the March unrest, and was the continuation of a series of talks between the Chinese government and the Dalai Lama's representatives, including his immediate family and close aides.{{cite news|date=July 26, 2007|title=China says door 'wide open' on Dalai Lama talks|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/07/29/1991005.htm|url-status=dead|access-date=May 11, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200926145906/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2007-07-29/china-says-door-wide-open-on-dalai-lama-talks/2516234|archive-date=September 26, 2020}}{{cite news|last=Zacharia|first=Janine|date=April 26, 2008|title=China's Tibet Talks May Skirt Autonomy Demands of Dalai Lama|publisher=Bloomberg L.P.|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=akPS6Pkzcy90|url-status=live|access-date=April 26, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200926145905/https://www.bloomberg.com/politics?pid=20601087&sid=akPS6Pkzcy90|archive-date=September 26, 2020}}

A second meeting was scheduled for June 11. However, due to the 2008 Sichuan earthquakes, the two sides agreed to postpone the meeting.{{cite news|date=June 6, 2008|title=Tibet, China talks postponed after quake – Dalai aide|work=Reuters|url=http://in.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idINIndia-33939420080606|url-status=dead|access-date=June 12, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080821162854/http://in.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idINIndia-33939420080606|archive-date=August 21, 2008}} The second meeting was held on July 1.

China's state media Xinhua News Agency reported on early Saturday, 15 March, that 10 people had been burned to death by Tibetans, including two hotel employees and two shop owners.{{cite news|title=Chinese security forces swarm Tibet |url=https://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080315/ap_on_re_as/china_tibet |work=Yahoo! News |date=March 15, 2008 |access-date=March 19, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080318181905/http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080315/ap_on_re_as/china_tibet |archive-date=March 18, 2008 |url-status=live |df=mdy }} It also reported that the victims were all innocent civilians{{cite news | title = The victims are all innocent civilians | url = http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?from=rss_World&set_id=1&click_id=3&art_id=iol1205574933123T130 | work = Independent Online | date = March 15, 2008 | access-date = March 19, 2008 }} and that most of them were business people.{{cite news | title = Ten people killed in Tibet riots | url = http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_asiapacific/view/335091/1/.html | publisher = Channel NewsAsia | date = March 15, 2008 | access-date = March 19, 2008 | language = | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080318215647/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_asiapacific/view/335091/1/.html | archive-date = March 18, 2008 | url-status = live }} The state-run People's Daily reported on 21 March that, according to the Tibet regional government, 18 civilians and 1 police officer had been confirmed dead in the unrest by the night of Friday, 14 March. It also reported the number of injured civilians rose to 382 from 325, 58 of whom were critically wounded. 241 police officers were injured, 23 of whom were critically wounded.{{cite news | title = 18 civilians, 1 police officer killed by Lhasa rioters | url = http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/90001/90776/6378824.html | newspaper = People's Daily | date = March 22, 2008 | access-date = March 22, 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080706222446/http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/90001/90776/6378824.html | archive-date = July 6, 2008 | url-status = live }}

On 17 March, Tibet Autonomous Region governor Champa Phuntsok announced that 16 had been confirmed dead over the weekend's violence and dozens injured.{{cite news

|title = Tibet governor promises leniency, says death toll is 16 as protests spread

|url = http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/capress/080317/world/china_tibet_10

|work = Yahoo! News

|date = March 17, 2008

|access-date = March 19, 2008

|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080320000839/http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/capress/080317/world/china_tibet_10

|archive-date = March 20, 2008

|url-status = dead

|df = mdy

}} Other sources published after the same press conference indicate that China put the death toll in Lhasa at 13.{{cite news

| title = China and Dalai Lama face off over Tibet unrest | url = https://www.reuters.com/article/sportsNews/idUSPEK26733920080318?virtualBrandChannel=10112 | work = Reuters | date = March 18, 2008 | access-date = March 21, 2008

| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080403082418/https://www.reuters.com/article/sportsNews/idUSPEK26733920080318?virtualBrandChannel=10112| archive-date= April 3, 2008 | url-status= live}}{{cite news | title = 13 civilians burned or stabbed to death in Lhasa riot | url = http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-03/17/content_7805191.htm | publisher = Xinhua | date = March 17, 2008 | access-date = March 26, 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160304064105/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-03/17/content_7805191.htm | archive-date = March 4, 2016 | url-status = dead }} The Associated Press later reported that the Chinese government's official death toll from the previous week's rioting in Lhasa had risen to 22. Accordingly, the death toll reported by Xinhua had risen to 19.{{cite news | title = Arrest warrants issued for 29 suspects in Lhasa riots | url = http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-03/25/content_7857294.htm | publisher = Xinhua

| date = March 25, 2008 | access-date = March 26, 2008 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080422211317/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-03/25/content_7857294.htm| archive-date= April 22, 2008 | url-status= dead}}

The 14th Dalai Lama said China was causing a cultural genocide in Tibet, and the Central Tibetan Administration reported by 16 March to have confirmed at least 80 deaths of Tibetans,{{cite news |title=Dalai Lama: China causing 'cultural genocide' |url=http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/03/16/tibet.unrest/index.html |publisher=CNN |date=March 17, 2008 |access-date=March 19, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080316125250/http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/03/16/tibet.unrest/index.html |archive-date=March 16, 2008 |url-status=dead |df=mdy }} then increased the death count by Chinese forces to more than 140 people, as reported on 5 April.{{Cite news |date=2008-04-05 |title=Burning debate over relay boycott |language=en-GB |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/7330295.stm |access-date=2022-10-06}} The Central Tibetan Administration's number of Tibetans killed since increased to 220, including subsequent deaths through to January 2009.

A month after the unrest began on 10 March, the Dalai Lama stated that since the beginning of the demonstrations in Tibet at least 400 people had been killed, and thousands of others arrested.[http://www.radio-canada.ca/nouvelles/National/2008/04/18/004-Dalai-lama-canadiens.shtml Le dalaï-lama, la Chine et Hitler] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080422000047/http://www.radio-canada.ca/nouvelles/National/2008/04/18/004-Dalai-lama-canadiens.shtml |date=April 22, 2008 }}, Radio-Canada.ca, Citation: Selon lui, depuis le début des manifestations au Tibet, il y a un mois, au moins 400 people ont été tuées et des milliers d'autres arrêtées. Il déplore que les armes l'emportent maintenant sur la raison.

Foreign tourists and Chinese eyewitnesses in Lhasa said "they saw and heard repeated gunfire there on Friday", 14 March. Although Phuntsok claimed that Chinese police did not fire their guns or use anti-personnel weapons against the Tibetan protesters, additional reports from BBC, Central Tibetan Administration, Tibetan Review, Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International contradict Puncog's claim and state "indiscriminate shootings" by Chinese forces occurred, and that leaked evidence of machine gun use has been documented.{{Cite web |author=Staff Reporter |date=2014-08-22 |title=Leaked documents: Chinese security forces used machine guns to kill Tibetans in 2008 protest |url=https://tibet.net/leaked-documents-chinese-security-forces-used-machine-guns-to-kill-tibetans-in-2008-protest/ |access-date=2022-10-06 |website=Central Tibetan Administration |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=tibetanreview |date=2014-08-24 |title=Internal report shows China used lethal force during '08 Lhasa repression |url=https://www.tibetanreview.net/internal-report-shows-china-used-lethal-force-during-08-lhasa-repression/ |access-date=2022-10-06 |website=Tibetan Review |language=en-US}} Puncog also states Tibetans wounded 61 police officers, including six seriously,{{cite news | title = China's premier blames Dalai Lama 'clique' for violence in Tibet

| url = http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/03/17/tibet.unrest/index.html | publisher = CNN | date = March 18, 2008 | access-date = March 19, 2008 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080319013851/http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/03/17/tibet.unrest/index.html| archive-date= March 19, 2008 | url-status= live}} and reported that 13 civilians had been killed.{{cite news | title = UN calls for restraint in Tibet | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/7301912.stm | work = BBC News | date = March 17, 2008 | access-date = March 19, 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080321103740/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/7301912.stm | archive-date = March 21, 2008 | url-status = live }} According to reporter James Miles, the police fatalities included both Tibetans and Han officers.

A blockade by China of monasteries was reported by an Indian newspaper and Phayul, a news source affiliated with Central Tibetan Administration. The police had blocked off water, electricity, food and health facilities in Sera Monastery, Drepung monastery, Ganden monastery and at other monasteries active in the demonstrations. As a consequence, monks were suffering starvation, and on 25 March, one monk died from starvation at Ramoche Temple.{{cite news|title=Ramoche monk dies from starvation as tight restrictions continue in Monasteries |url=http://www.phayul.com/news/article.aspx?id=20055&article=Ramoche+monk+dies+from+starvation+as+tight+restrictions+continue+in+Monasteries&t=1&c=1 |publisher=Tibet.net |date=March 25, 2008 |access-date=March 25, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080403051831/http://www.phayul.com/news/article.aspx?id=20055&article=Ramoche%2Bmonk%2Bdies%2Bfrom%2Bstarvation%2Bas%2Btight%2Brestrictions%2Bcontinue%2Bin%2BMonasteries&t=1&c=1 |archive-date=April 3, 2008 |url-status=dead }}{{cite news | title = China tightens monastery blockade, monk dies of starvation (1st Lead) | url = http://news.monstersandcritics.com/asiapacific/news/article_1396916.php/China_tightens_monastery_blockade_monk_dies_of_starvation__1st_Lead_ | publisher = Monsters and Critics | date = March 26, 2008 | access-date = March 26, 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080403070244/http://news.monstersandcritics.com/asiapacific/news/article_1396916.php/China_tightens_monastery_blockade_monk_dies_of_starvation__1st_Lead_ | archive-date = April 3, 2008 | url-status = dead | df = mdy-all }}{{cite news | title = Monk in Lhasa monastery died of starvation | url = http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/uncategorized/monk-in-lhasa-monastery-died-of-starvation_10031160.html | publisher = Thaindian News | date = March 26, 2008 | access-date = March 26, 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080401101713/http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/uncategorized/monk-in-lhasa-monastery-died-of-starvation_10031160.html | archive-date = April 1, 2008 | url-status = dead | df = mdy-all }}

On 28 March, the International Herald Tribune reported 5 female retail workers had been burned alive when Tibetan rioters set fire to the Yishion clothing store where they worked. The article noted one of them was Tibetan.{{cite web |url=http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/03/28/asia/tibet.php |title=For victims of Tibet riots, a complex fate – International Herald Tribune |publisher=Iht.com |access-date=September 1, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080529014940/http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/03/28/asia/tibet.php |archive-date=May 29, 2008 |url-status=live }}

On April 30, state press acknowledged that a pro-independence gunman and a police officer were killed in a gun battle.{{cite web |title=China kills Tibetan insurgent |url=https://www.france24.com/en/20080430-china-admits-killing-tibetan-insurgent-tibet-china |website=France 24|date=30 April 2008 }}

In October 2009, four Tibetans were executed in connection with their involvement with the unrest.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/24/world/asia/24china.html/|title=Group Says China Has Executed 4 for Roles in Tibet Riots|last=Jacobs|first=Andrew|date=October 23, 2009|newspaper=The New York Times|access-date=November 11, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927003843/http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/24/world/asia/24china.html|archive-date=September 27, 2011|url-status=live}}

File:Arrested Monks and lay Tibetans in 2008 遭逮捕藏族僧侶與平民.jpg

The BBC, sourcing information from a Human Rights Watch report, reported that "witnesses recounted that monks who initially tried to go through the police lines were thrown to the ground, kicked, and taken away." The arrest of 15 monks from Sera Monastery was confirmed by state-run China Tibet News, which added 13 of the monks were prosecuted. The Human Rights Watch report stated that "up to 60 monks were arrested" on 10 March in Lhasa.

The first non-monastic Tibetans were reportedly arrested in Barkhor Square on 11 March.

In Aba Town, Free Tibet reported on 21 March that dozens of nuns from Mani Nunnery were arrested, while many more Tibetans in the area were reported as missing.

Another report on the Kardze area from Radio Free Asia in May 2008 states at least 200 people were detained after 24 March, while 7 nuns were sentenced to prison and 107 nuns were detained. The Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy reported that three nuns from Dragkar Nunnery detained in Kardze were tortured, reportedly leading to the death and disappearance of one of the nuns.

During a Chinese state sponsored tour for journalists on 7 April, two monks at Labrang Monastery that spoke out to reporters have since disappeared.

Amnesty International reported in June 2008 that over 1,000 Tibetan protesters detained by Chinese authorities were "unaccounted for",CNN, [http://articles.cnn.com/2008-06-19/world/oly.tibet.torch_1_vehicles-and-shops-lhasa-olympic-torch?_s=PM:WORLD Tibet protesters missing, Amnesty says] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120126160335/http://articles.cnn.com/2008-06-19/world/oly.tibet.torch_1_vehicles-and-shops-lhasa-olympic-torch?_s=PM%3AWORLD |date=January 26, 2012 }}, June 19, 2008 while more than 1,000 monks, nuns, students and citizens had disappeared by 2008.{{Cite web |last=AsiaNews.it |title=More than a thousand monks and many civilians have disappeared since the March crackdown |url=https://www.asianews.it/index.php?l=en&art=13322&geo=6&size=A |access-date=2022-10-06 |website=www.asianews.it |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Tibetan nun disappeared since 2008 died of torture |url=https://tchrd.org/tibetan-nun-disappeared-since-2008-died-of-torture-in-chinese-police-custody/ |access-date=2022-10-06 |language=en-US}} Another report from Amnesty International stated 5,600 Tibetans were arrested through to January 2009.

By 5 April, the Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy reported that the Chinese authorities had arrested over 2,300 Tibetans from various parts of Tibet,[http://tchrd.org/press/2008/pr20080405b.html China arrests over 2300 Tibetans in Tibet] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080408085612/http://www.tchrd.org/press/2008/pr20080405b.html |date=April 8, 2008 }} and claimed that "Tibetans are sometimes secretly killed in detention".{{Cite news |last=Jacobs |first=Andrew |date=2009-10-24 |title=Group Says China Has Executed 4 for Roles in Tibet Riots |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/24/world/asia/24china.html |access-date=2022-10-06 |issn=0362-4331}}

The TCHRD also reported that a 38-year-old Tibetan woman, who was involved in protests on 16 and 17 March in Ngaba County, died after reportedly being tortured in a Chinese prison. Following her release, the government hospital allegedly refused to admit her.{{cite web|url=http://tchrd.org/press/2008/pr20080505.html |title=A Tibetan woman succumbs to torture|publisher=Tibetan Center for Human Rights and Democracy|access-date=2008-05-05 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080513030024/http://www.tchrd.org/press/2008/pr20080505.html |archive-date=May 13, 2008 }}

According to a 10 October 2009 report by the U.S. Congressional-Executive Commission on China, at least 670 Tibetans had been imprisoned in 2009 for activities that included peaceful protest or leaking information to the outside world.[http://www.cecc.gov/pages/annualRpt/annualRpt09/CECCannRpt2009.pdf Congressional Executive Commission On China, Annual Report 2009 (October 10, 2009)] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091103235417/http://www.cecc.gov/pages/annualRpt/annualRpt09/CECCannRpt2009.pdf |date=November 3, 2009 }}

On 7 November, the state-run Lhasa Evening News reported a retired doctor was sentenced in Lhasa to 15 years imprisonment on espionage charges for passing information to the Central Tibetan Administration. The sentencing corresponds to the PRC's concealment of hospital records, as Human Rights Watch reported.

File:2008 Olympic Torch Relay in SF - Embarcadero 03.JPG

During the protests and demonstrations, Chinese authorities prohibited foreign and Hong Kong media from entering Tibet and expelled those already there.{{Cite web|url=http://www.dw.com/en/china-expels-last-foreign-journalists-from-tibet/a-3205178|title=China Expels Last Foreign Journalists From Tibet {{!}} Germany{{!}} News and in-depth reporting from Berlin and beyond {{!}} DW {{!}} 20.03.2008|last=(www.dw.com)|first=Deutsche Welle|website=DW.COM|language=en|access-date=2018-03-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180326203358/http://www.dw.com/en/china-expels-last-foreign-journalists-from-tibet/a-3205178|archive-date=March 26, 2018|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=30&art_id=63248&sid=18107553&con_type=1|title=HK journalists thrown out of Tibet|date=March 18, 2008|work=The Standard|access-date=March 19, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080408113253/http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=30&art_id=63248&sid=18107553&con_type=1|archive-date=April 8, 2008|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}} Two German reporters, Georg Blume of Die Zeit and Kristin Kupfer of Profil, left Tibet on March 18 due to pressure from the authorities, and James Miles, a correspondent from The Economist, said that China "insisted however that when my permit did expire on the 19th that I had to leave. I asked for an extension and they said decisively no."{{Cite web |title=Transcript: James Miles interview on Tibet - CNN.com |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/03/20/tibet.miles.interview/ |access-date=2022-10-06 |website=CNN}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.hrw.org/reports/2008/china0708/5.htm#_ftnref116|title=China's Forbidden Zones: Shutting the Media Out of Tibet and Other "Sensitive" Stories: V. The Closure of Tibet|website=www.hrw.org|access-date=2018-03-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190730050340/https://www.hrw.org/reports/2008/china0708/5.htm#_ftnref116|archive-date=July 30, 2019|url-status=live}} Domestic Chinese media initially downplayed the riots, but this changed relatively quickly as they began to focus on the violence against Han citizens.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/30/world/asia/30iht-china.4.11537294.html|title=Nationalism at core of China's angry reaction to Tibetan protests|last=Yardley|first=Jim|date=2008-03-30|work=The New York Times|access-date=2018-03-26|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180326202649/https://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/30/world/asia/30iht-china.4.11537294.html|archive-date=March 26, 2018|url-status=live}} There was speculation that the violence would affect attendance at the 2008 Olympic Games,{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-olympics-tourism/china-says-storm-of-bad-publicity-may-hurt-olympic-turnout-idUSPEK16226220080528|title=China says storm of bad publicity may hurt Olympic turnout|work=U.S.|access-date=2018-03-26|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181013093422/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-olympics-tourism/china-says-storm-of-bad-publicity-may-hurt-olympic-turnout-idUSPEK16226220080528|archive-date=October 13, 2018|url-status=live}} particularly amid pressure for leaders to boycott the games,{{Cite news|url=https://www.economist.com/node/10924179|title=A sporting chance|newspaper=The Economist|date=March 27, 2008|language=en|access-date=2018-03-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180326202621/https://www.economist.com/node/10924179|archive-date=March 26, 2018|url-status=live}} but the calls for boycott went largely unheeded.{{Cite magazine|url=https://content.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1823561,00.html|title=Why Nobody's Boycotting Beijing|last=Walt|first=Vivienne|date=2008-07-16|magazine=Time|access-date=2018-03-26|language=en-US|issn=0040-781X|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180313050105/http://content.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1823561,00.html|archive-date=March 13, 2018|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUST30989220080806|title=World leaders to attend Olympics opening in Beijing|last1=Cutler|first1=David|date=August 6, 2008|work=Factbox|access-date=July 31, 2010|agency=Reuters|last2=Murdoch|first2=Gillian|archive-date=September 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200926145903/https://www.reuters.com/article/idUST30989220080806|url-status=live}}

Tania Branigan of The Guardian reported the Chinese government blocked foreign broadcasters and websites, and denied journalists access to protest areas. Websites such as YouTube, The Guardian website, portions of the Yahoo! portal, and sections of The Times website had been restricted.{{cite news | first = Jonathan | last = Richards | title = China blocks YouTube, Yahoo! over Tibet | url = http://technology.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/tech_and_web/article3568040.ece | work = The Times | location = London | date = March 17, 2008 | access-date = March 19, 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080509201205/http://technology.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/tech_and_web/article3568040.ece | archive-date = May 9, 2008 | url-status = dead }}

The Chinese media accused Western media of reporting with inaccuracy and little independent cross-checking. The Chinese state-run newspaper China Daily accused Western media of deliberately misrepresenting the situation. Among these accusations involved CNN's use of a cropped picture that shows only a military truck but not rioters who were attacking it. John Vause, who reported this story, responded to the criticism saying, "technically it was impossible to include the crashed car on the left".{{cite news|url=http://www.ibnlive.com/news/china-bars-foreign-journalists-tourists-from-tibet/61684-2.html|title=China bars foreign journalists, tourists from Tibet|publisher=IBN|date=March 21, 2008|access-date=March 24, 2008| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080325223328/http://www.ibnlive.com/news/china-bars-foreign-journalists-tourists-from-tibet/61684-2.html| archive-date= March 25, 2008 | url-status= live}} The CNN image was later replaced with one that was cropped differently. On 24 March, the German TV news channel RTL Television disclosed that a photograph depicting rioters had been erroneously captioned. Separately, another German station, n-tv, admitted that it had mistakenly aired footage from Nepal during a story on Chinese riots.{{cite web|url=http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/194241,german-tv-channel-admits-film-error-in-tibet-coverage.html|title=Earth Times: show/194241,german-tv-channel-admits-film-error-in-tibet-coverage.html|website=www.earthtimes.org|access-date=March 26, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120829120406/http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/194241,german-tv-channel-admits-film-error-in-tibet-coverage.html|archive-date=August 29, 2012|url-status=live}} The Agence France-Presse reported that Chinese students abroad had set up the website Anti-CNN to collect evidence of "one-sided and untrue" foreign reporting. Media accused of falsified reporting include CNN, Fox News, The Times, Sky News, Der Spiegel, and the BBC. Der Spiegel has rejected the accusations in an article.http://www.spiegel.de/netzwelt/web/0,1518,542545,00.html {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080323142552/http://www.spiegel.de/netzwelt/web/0,1518,542545,00.html |date=March 23, 2008 }} Spiegel Online: Schlachtfeld der tausend Wahrheiten (in German)The caption under the Spiegel Online picture in question reads "Chinesisches Sicherheitspersonal im Steinhagel. Das Militär reagiert mit Härte". anti-cnn.com translates only the second sentence, to "army responded with cruel act". {{sic}} In fact, "Härte" has been routinely used in German media and by German police to describe robust measures in the past: [https://www.welt.de/berlin/article845031/Das_Konzept_der_Polizei_Toleranz_und_Haerte.html] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080408133420/http://www.welt.de/berlin/article845031/Das_Konzept_der_Polizei_Toleranz_und_Haerte.html|date=April 8, 2008}}[http://www.stern.de/politik/deutschland/:Rostock-Krawallen-Es/590335.html] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080408050024/http://www.stern.de/politik/deutschland/:Rostock-Krawallen-Es/590335.html|date=April 8, 2008}}[http://www.tagesspiegel.de/berlin/;art270,2068337] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080408024934/http://www.tagesspiegel.de/berlin/;art270,2068337|date=April 8, 2008}}. According to The New York Times, CNN apologized on May 18 over some comments made on April 9.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/16/world/asia/16briefs-CNNAPOLOGIZE_BRF.html|title=China: CNN Apologizes Over Tibet Comments|first=David|last=Barboza|newspaper=The New York Times|date=May 16, 2008|access-date=February 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160723120844/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/16/world/asia/16briefs-CNNAPOLOGIZE_BRF.html|archive-date=July 23, 2016|url-status=live}}

Chinese TV channels aired footage of anti-Chinese riots in Lhasa and the aftermath which was broadcast for several hours.{{cite news | first =Tania | last =Branigan | title = State TV switches to non-stop footage of Chinese under attack | url = https://www.theguardian.com/world/2008/mar/18/tibet.china1 | work=The Guardian | location =London | date = March 18, 2008 | access-date = March 19, 2008 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080320022537/http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/mar/18/tibet.china1| archive-date= March 20, 2008 | url-status= live}} China's Communist Party newspaper, the People's Daily, called on the government to "resolutely crush the 'Tibet independence' forces' conspiracy and sabotaging activities".{{cite news|url=http://freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1989890/posts|title=China official paper: crush protesters|date=March 22, 2008|work=Free Republic|access-date=October 17, 2017|publisher=Associated Press|archive-date=September 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200926145903/http://freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1989890/posts|url-status=live}}{{cite news |title=Crush "Tibet independence" forces' conspiracy, People's Daily urges |url=http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/90001/90776/6378810.html |publisher=People's Daily Online |date=March 22, 2008 |access-date=April 2, 2008| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080326165503/http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/90001/90776/6378810.html| archive-date= March 26, 2008 | url-status= live}} The People's Daily also accused the Dalai Lama and the Central Tibetan Administration of orchestrating the protests in its commentary. Yahoo! China published "most wanted" posters across its homepage to assist Chinese police in apprehending protestors; 24 Tibetans are believed to have been arrested as a result.{{cite news | title = Yahoo and MSN helping to root out Tibetan rioters | url = http://observers.france24.com/en/content/20080321-yahoo-msn-used-root-out-tibetan-rioters-china | work=France24 | date = March 21, 2008 | access-date = March 22, 2008 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080324000739/http://observers.france24.com/en/content/20080321-yahoo-msn-used-root-out-tibetan-rioters-china| archive-date= March 24, 2008 | url-status= live}}

On 17 March, the Toronto Star reported the accounts of various Canadian witnesses who were caught up in the violence.Bill Schiller, [https://www.thestar.com/News/World/article/346763 "Canadians caught in Tibet's violence"], Toronto Star, March 17, 2008. Accessed 2009-07-17. [https://web.archive.org/web/20080621113054/http://www.thestar.com/News/World/article/346763 Archived] 2009-07-23. One Canadian witnessed an attack by a mob on a motorcyclist, others recounted how the violence of the riots forced them to escape with help from taxi drivers and guides, and another described how they intervened to save a Han Chinese man from a mob.

After expelling foreign journalists, the Chinese government selected a group of foreign journalists which were given restricted access to the region.[https://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20080326/wl_afp/chinaunresttibetrights_080326103537 Foreign press taken to Tibet, China says 660 surrendered], AFP, March 26, 2007[http://www.dw-world.de/dw/function/0,,12215_cid_3217478,00.html?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf China escorts foreign press to Tibet] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080408153302/http://www.dw-world.de/dw/function/0%2C%2C12215_cid_3217478%2C00.html?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf |date=April 8, 2008 }}, Deutsche Welle, March 26, 2007 The Agence France-Presse and Deutsche Welle reported on the decision by the Chinese government, which allowed a small group of reporters to tour Tibet. The journalists allowed to tour Tibet included those from The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Financial Times, Kyodo News Agency, the Korean Broadcasting System, Al-Jazeera, and the Associated Press.{{cite news

|first=Charles

|last=Hutlzer

|title=Foreign journalists allowed in Tibet

|url=https://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080326/ap_on_re_as/china_tibet

|work=Yahoo! News

|date=March 26, 2008

|access-date=March 26, 2008

|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080328014334/http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080326/ap_on_re_as/china_tibet

|archive-date=March 28, 2008

|url-status=live

|df=mdy

}} The journalists were kept under close control while in Lhasa. Chinese authorities said the limited number of journalists permitted to attend and the restrictions on their movements were based on logistical considerations.{{cite news | title = Mönche stören Journalistenbesuch in Lhasa | url = http://www.nzz.ch/nachrichten/international/moenche_protest_lhasa_auslaendische_journalisten_1.695804.html | work = Neue Zürcher Zeitung | date = March 27, 2008 | access-date = March 27, 2008 | language = de | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080408113550/http://www.nzz.ch/nachrichten/international/moenche_protest_lhasa_auslaendische_journalisten_1.695804.html | archive-date = April 8, 2008 | url-status = live }}

On 27 March, the media tour through Lhasa was disrupted by a group of detained monks from Jokhang Monastery.{{cite news| title =Tibet Monks Disrupt Tour by Journalists| url =http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5h5Z6bJwtN_roGSIUQiQnfbf2NkhgD8VLLA600| agency =Associated Press| date =March 27, 2008| access-date =March 27, 2008| url-status =dead| archive-url =https://archive.today/20120701151646/http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5h5Z6bJwtN_roGSIUQiQnfbf2NkhgD8VLLA600| archive-date =July 1, 2012| df =mdy-all}} Reports from Taiwanese journalists also invited on the tour stated that the Jokhang monks told them that they had been locked down in the temple even though they had not participated in the riots, and implored the journalists to report the information. Padma Choling, the vice-chairman of the Tibetan Autonomous Region, stated that they were locked down pending police interviews in relation to the riots, and that they were released once interviewed. He also promised that the monks involved in the protest would be "dealt with" according to law.{{cite news| first = Jikuan| last = Huang| title = 拉薩大昭寺僧侶要求向世人傳達真象 (Lhasa Jokhang monks request truth be told to the world)| url = http://www.cna.com.tw/menu/NewsDetail.aspx?strCatL=CN&strSearchDate=&strNewsID=200803270284&strType=PM| work = Central News Agency| location = Taipei| date = March 27, 2008| access-date = March 29, 2008| language = zh| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080410195221/http://www.cna.com.tw/menu/NewsDetail.aspx?strCatL=CN&strSearchDate=&strNewsID=200803270284&strType=PM| archive-date = April 10, 2008| url-status = dead| df = mdy-all}}{{cite news

|first=Ningkang

|last=Wu

|title=大昭寺抗議事件 新華社和親中媒體口徑一致 (Jokhang protest incident: Xinhua and pro-China media say the same thing)

|url=http://www.rti.org.tw/News/NewsContentHome.aspx?NewsID=104202&t=1

|work=Central News Agency

|location=Taipei

|date=March 27, 2008

|access-date=March 29, 2008

|language=zh

|url-status=dead

|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720200351/http://www.rti.org.tw/News/NewsContentHome.aspx?NewsID=104202&t=1

|archive-date=July 20, 2011

}} The Tibetan activist group International Campaign for Tibet stated on 28 March that it feared for the welfare and whereabouts of the monks which spoke out during the media tour, specifically those monks from Sera Monastery, Drepung Monastery, Ganden Monastery and Ramoche Temple.{{cite news|title=Activists fear for Tibetan monks who protested at media tour |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/03/27/tibet.china.ap/index.html |publisher=CNN |date=March 27, 2008 |access-date=March 28, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080329130146/http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/03/27/tibet.china.ap/index.html |archive-date=March 29, 2008 |url-status=dead |df=mdy }} The group did not explain why it identified four monasteries when the protest involved only monks from Jokhang. Choling later told reporters the monks would not be punished.{{cite news

|title = Police shut Muslim quarter in Lhasa

|url = http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/03/28/tibet.china.ap/index.html

|publisher = CNN

|date = March 28, 2008

|access-date = March 28, 2008

|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080402230647/http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/03/28/tibet.china.ap/index.html

|archive-date = April 2, 2008

|url-status = dead

|df = mdy

}} Detained monks at Labrang Monastery also reportedly spoke to the journalists on tour, and likewise implored them to report their detainment.

{{Main|International reactions to 2008 Tibetan unrest}}

File:FreeTibetprotestSanFrancisco2008.jpg, California, on March 17, 2008|241x241px]]According to Wen Jiabao, the Premier of the People's Republic of China, attacks on between ten and twenty Chinese embassies and consulates occurred around the same time as attacks on non-Tibetan interests in the Tibet Autonomous Region and several other ethnic Tibetan areas.{{cite news|date=March 31, 2008|title=温总促达赖停止西藏暴力 (Premier: ample facts prove Dalai's role in Lhasa riot, door of dialogue still open)|language=zh|publisher=Wen Wei Po|location=Hong Kong|url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-03/18/content_7813012.htm|url-status=dead|access-date=March 31, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080914125527/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-03/18/content_7813012.htm|archive-date=September 14, 2008}}

According to an article by Doug Saunders published in The Globe and Mail, the protests were loosely coordinated by a group of full-time organizers hired by two umbrella groups that were loyal to the Tibetan government in exile. Documents were sent to more than 150 Tibet support groups around the world giving them detailed notes on how to behave when organizing similar disruptions as the Olympic flame made its six-month trip around the world. This included advice on maintaining non-violence and following the Dalai Lama's opposition to Tibetan national independence. Protesters were to advocate a more autonomous Tibet within China. However, many of the protestors did not follow this advice.{{cite news|date=March 29, 2008|title=How three Canadians upstaged Beijing|newspaper=The Globe and Mail|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080328.wtibetcampaign0328/BNStory/International/|url-status=live|access-date=April 3, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080401231314/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080328.wtibetcampaign0328/BNStory/International/|archive-date=April 1, 2008}} Doug Saunders further stated that the torch-relay protests had no relationship with the unrest in Tibet.{{cite news|date=April 19, 2008|title=Beijing has become the guardian of the Chinese brand|newspaper=The Globe and Mail|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080419.wreckoning0419/BNStory/International/?query=|access-date=April 20, 2008}}

File:"OLYMPICS IN CHINA TORTURE IN TIBET" sign detail, Olympics torch protest (2417352003) (cropped).jpgThere were rumors that some athletes were considering boycotting the 2008 Summer Olympics over the unrest. The vice-president of the International Olympic Committee discouraged this,{{cite news|date=March 17, 2008|title=Olympic official: athletes mulling Beijing boycott|newspaper=The Straits Times|url=http://www.straitstimes.com/Latest+News/Sports/STIStory_217583.html|url-status=dead|access-date=August 6, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080319014048/http://www.straitstimes.com/Latest%2BNews/Sports/STIStory_217583.html|archive-date=March 19, 2008}} as well as the European Union and the Olympic Committees of Europe and Australia, who condemned politicizing sport.{{cite news|date=March 18, 2008|title=China vows to protect its territory, blames Dalai Lama for attacks on embassies|work=Yahoo! News|url=http://malaysia.news.yahoo.com/ap/20080318/tap-as-gen-china-tibet-9th-ld-writethru-bb10fb8.html|access-date=March 19, 2008}}{{dead link|date=April 2019|bot=InternetArchiveBot|fix-attempted=yes}} The 14th Dalai Lama also reiterated that he was against any boycott.{{cite news|date=March 18, 2008|title=Dalai Lama against Olympic boycott|work=ABC News|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2008-03-18/dalai-lama-against-olympic-boycott/1076948|url-status=live|access-date=October 18, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180906121518/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2008-03-18/dalai-lama-against-olympic-boycott/1076948|archive-date=September 6, 2018}}

The attendance of government leaders at the 2008 Summer Olympics opening ceremony was watched by the media, because some groups called for a boycott of the ceremony on both human rights and Tibetan violence grounds. Nonetheless, by the end of July 2008, the leaders of more than 80 countries had decided to attend the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics, more than in any of the preceding Olympics. All but one leader of the countries that did not attend the opening ceremonies emphasized that it was not to boycott the Olympics;{{Cite web|title=Olympic Torch Draws Buenos Aires Protests for Boycott. |date=April 11, 2008|website = Bloomberg News|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601080&sid=akrvDCOedD6U|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200926145917/https://www.bloomberg.com/politics?pid=20601080&sid=akrvDCOedD6U|archive-date=September 26, 2020|access-date=March 4, 2017}}{{cite news|date=April 2, 2008|title=Brazilian president will not attend Olympic ceremony: official|publisher=turkishpress|url=http://www.turkishpress.com/news.asp?id=223719|url-status=live|access-date=April 2, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080405121613/http://www.turkishpress.com/news.asp?id=223719|archive-date=April 5, 2008}}{{cite news|date=April 8, 2008|title=Harper says Olympics boycott would be ineffective: report|publisher=CTV.ca|url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/harper-says-olympics-boycott-would-be-ineffective-1.287936|url-status=live|access-date=April 8, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080410101114/http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20080408/torch_relay_080408/20080408?hub=TopStories|archive-date=April 10, 2008}}{{cite web|date=April 11, 2008|title=Greens call for Olympic boycott|url=http://home.nzcity.co.nz/news/article.aspx?id=83916|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716122528/http://home.nzcity.co.nz/news/article.aspx?id=83916|archive-date=July 16, 2011|access-date=April 12, 2008|publisher=NZCity News}} one German chancellor said that there was "no link to Tibet".{{cite news|last=Lungescu|first=Oana|date=March 28, 2008|title=Call for Olympic boycott rejected|work=BBC News|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7319147.stm|url-status=live|access-date=March 29, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080329131446/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7319147.stm|archive-date=March 29, 2008}} Prime Minister of Poland Donald Tusk was the one European head of government to boycott the opening ceremonies because of the violence in Tibet.{{cite news|date=March 27, 2008|title=Polish government to boycott opening of Olympics|work=Warsaw Business Journal|location=Warsaw|url=http://www.wbj.pl/?command=article&id=40560|url-status=live|access-date=March 27, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080405014900/http://www.wbj.pl/?command=article&id=40560|archive-date=April 5, 2008}}

On 20 March, the U.S. Department of State issued a warning to U.S. citizens attending the Beijing Olympics, stating that "Americans' conversations and telephones could be monitored and their rooms could be searched without their knowledge or consent".{{cite news|last=Berkes|first=Howard|date=March 23, 2008|title=Tibet Activists Plan Olympic-Relay Protests|publisher=NPR|url=https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=88883486&ft=1&f=1001|url-status=live|access-date=March 26, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080408164923/http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=88883486&ft=1&f=1001|archive-date=April 8, 2008}}ABC News: Headed for Olympics? Beware of Big Brother: https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/story?id=4492008&page=1 {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190225223813/https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/story?id=4492008&page=1|date=February 25, 2019}}

According to the People's Daily, normalcy returned on 24 March to some affected areas in Sichuan Province, as schools, shops and restaurants reopened to the public.{{Cite web |title=Schools in SW China ethnic Tibetan area resume classes after riots - People's Daily Online |url=http://en.people.cn/90001/90776/90785/6379886.html |access-date=2022-10-06 |website=en.people.cn |archive-date=October 6, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181006223050/http://en.people.cn/90001/90776/90785/6379886.html |url-status=dead }}

The Open Constitution Initiative (OCI), operated by several Weiquan lawyers and intellectuals, issued a paper in May 2009 challenging the official narrative and suggesting that the protests were a response to economic inequities, Han Chinese migration, and religious sentiments. The OCI recommended that Chinese authorities better respect and protect the rights and interests of the Tibetan people, including religious freedom.Congressional Executive Commission. [http://www.cecc.gov/pages/annualRpt/annualRpt09/CECCannRpt2009.pdf 2009 Annual Report] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091103235417/http://www.cecc.gov/pages/annualRpt/annualRpt09/CECCannRpt2009.pdf |date=November 3, 2009 }}. Oct 10, 2009.

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{{Reflist}}

• Muni, S.D. [http://se1.isn.ch/serviceengine/FileContent?serviceID=PublishingHouse&fileid=DAE4EA66-BF22-3E76-F62D-C0A10F7F0BA9&lng=en The Third Tibetan Uprising: India's Response] in ISAS Background Briefs, Issue: 61, Mar 24, 2008. Singapore: Institute of South Asian Studies (ISAS).
• Zellen, Barry. [http://se1.isn.ch/serviceengine/FileContent?serviceID=PublishingHouse&fileid=DF653256-9FAD-F88A-E379-D1959C229808&lng=en Tibetans Rise Up, as Hope Overtakes Fear on China’s Western Front] in Strategic Insights, Volume VII, Issue April 2, 2008. Monterey: Center for Contemporary Conflict (CCC).
• Hillman, Ben. [http://japanfocus.org/-Ben-Hillman/2773 Rethinking China's Tibet Policy] in The Asia-Pacific Journal: Japan Focus, August 2008.

{{Commons category|2008 Tibetan unrest}}

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