LHASA, China (AP) — A brisk wind ruffles yellow prayer flags as dozens of Tibetans circle a shrine in a time-honored Buddhist ritual. Across the street, a red banner spells out a new belief system of China’s ruling Communist Party. The party appears to be finding success in separating Tibetans from their traditional Buddhist culture and the influence of the Dalai Lama. The government recently invited foreign media on a rare and strictly controlled tour of the region highlighting what officials describe as its social stability and economic development under Communist rule. Tibet rights groups report detentions, economic marginalization, a suffocating security presence and heavy pressure to assimilate.
China offers glimpse of Tibetan life without the Dalai Lama
