Tsering Passang

The recent earthquake that struck Tibet on 7th January 2025 has left a trail of devastation, grief, and unanswered questions. The tremor, which measured 7.1 on the Richter scale, impacted several remote regions in southern Tibet, leading to substantial loss of lives, widespread destruction of homes, and significant damage to cultural landmarks, including historic Buddhist monasteries.

Early reports indicate that at least 126 people have been confirmed dead, with hundreds injured. Yet, despite the enormity of the disaster, the world has only a partial view of the aftermath, constrained by the strict controls imposed by the Chinese authorities.

The Local Response: A Testament to Tibetan Resilience

In the immediate aftermath of the earthquake, local Tibetans exhibited remarkable solidarity and resilience. Grassroots efforts emerged across the plateau, with Tibetan communities pooling resources to provide emergency aid. Supplies, including food, blankets, and medical essentials, were mobilised swiftly, and funds were raised within Tibet and parts of China whilst those in diaspora engaged in Buddhist prayers in mass gatherings. Images and videos shared on social media showed villagers forming human chains to clear debris and transport injured survivors to makeshift shelters. This rapid, community-driven response highlighted the deep-rooted Tibetan values of compassion and mutual aid.

The Role of Chinese Authorities: Delayed Assistance and Heavy Restrictions

While local efforts were commendable, the arrival of Chinese authorities brought a stark shift in the narrative. Rescue teams and military personnel eventually reached the affected areas, providing professional assistance, including searches and recovery operations. However, their delayed arrival in critical hours of rescue operations raised questions about the prioritisation of remote regions inhabited predominantly by Tibetans.

Once on site, the Chinese authorities imposed stringent controls. Social media posts by local Tibetans documenting the scale of the damage and their rescue efforts were quickly censored. Social media posts by those who spoke earlier stated that they would “stop talking” about the Tibet Earthquake to avoid repercussions from the authorities. Whilst this natural calamity was not a political one, China’s colonisation of Tibet means Tibetans are even banned from speaking on neutral subjects and their coming together to help each other publicly. Such measures, ostensibly aimed at preventing misinformation, have instead fuelled suspicions of an intent to suppress the reality of the disaster and its impact on Tibetan communities.

The World’s Blind Spot: A Lack of Independent Media Access

The Chinese government’s longstanding policy of barring independent media from Tibet has ensured that the world remains in the dark about the true extent of the disaster. International coverage of the earthquake has relied almost entirely on state-sanctioned narratives, leaving little room for scrutiny or alternative perspectives. Without independent verification, casualty figures, damage assessments, and the effectiveness of relief efforts are difficult to trust. This lack of transparency not only undermines global confidence in China’s handling of the disaster but also denies Tibetans the opportunity to share their stories with the world. Let’s not forget how China under Xi Jinping controlled vital sources of information on the origin of COVID-19. According to the latest estimates from the World Health Organisation (WHO), the full death toll associated with the COVID-19 pandemic was approximately 14.9 million between 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2021. Had there been transparency right from the start, many more lives could have been saved.

The Erasure of Tibetan Identity: A Broader Context

The earthquake has also reignited concerns about China’s systematic efforts to erase Tibet’s cultural and historical identity. In their official statements on the recent earthquake, the Chinese government’s push to rename Tibet as “Xizang” in international discourse is part of a broader strategy to assert control over the narrative surrounding the region. By framing Tibet as an inseparable part of China, Beijing seeks to marginalise Tibetan voices and their unique heritage. This tragedy has underscored the urgent need to preserve Tibet’s cultural identity, particularly as many Buddhist monasteries – symbols of Tibetan spirituality and resilience – have been severely damaged.

China’s mining operations in Tibet, including the resource-rich Dingri region, further illustrate the broader context of exploitation and environmental degradation. Tibet’s vast mineral wealth, including gold, copper, and rare earth elements, has been extracted to fuel the Chinese economy. Large-scale projects, such as the construction of roads, railways – including the proposed controversial tunnel under Mount Everest – and extensive damming of rivers, have dramatically altered Tibet’s fragile ecosystem. While these initiatives bolster China’s economic and strategic interests, they come at the expense of the Tibetan environment and the well-being of local communities.

Tibet’s current plight is rooted in the history of its invasion by the People’s Republic of China. Soon after the PRC’s establishment on 1st October 1949, Mao Zedong ordered the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) to invade Tibet from the eastern frontiers. Over a million Tibetans have since died as a direct result of China’s illegal occupation. Despite promises of autonomy under the Chinese Constitution, Tibetans’ fundamental rights to cultural preservation, religious freedom, and self-determination remain systematically denied.

A Call for Action: Transparency and Long-Term Support

As the world watches, it is imperative for the Chinese authorities to prioritise the well-being of the affected Tibetan communities. This includes ensuring that aid reaches those in need, providing resources for rebuilding homes and cultural landmarks, and allowing greater transparency in reporting on the disaster. The international community, too, has a role to play. Governments and humanitarian organisations must press for independent access to Tibet, offer financial and technical assistance for reconstruction efforts, and advocate for the preservation of Tibetan cultural heritage.

The 2025 Tibet earthquake is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by this remote and politically sensitive region. It is also a test of global solidarity and the commitment to ensuring that the voices of those most affected are heard. Only through transparency, compassion, and sustained support can we honour the resilience of the Tibetan people and help them rebuild their lives and heritage.

*Tsering Passang, founder and chair of the Global Alliance for Tibet & Persecuted Minorities, is based in London (UK). Visit Tsering’s blog: www.Tsamtruk.com

*Opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect The Asia Live’s Editorial Policy.