China to "test" Tibetan monks for "patriotism"

[Thanas]

Guardian

China to test Tibetan monks and nuns for patriotism

China’s top official in Tibet vowed on Wednesday to evaluate Buddhist monks and nuns for their “patriotism” and install national flags in monasteries to strengthen ideological control in the region.

The ruling Communist party will deepen “assessment activities” to ensure “model harmonious monasteries” as well as “patriotic, law-abiding monks and nuns”, the region’s party chief Chen Quanguo wrote in the People’s Daily newspaper.

It was not clear on what grounds the assessments would be made. China often uses terms such as “patriotic” and “harmonious” to mean allegiance to political authorities.

The drive would be aimed at making monks and nuns “feel the warmth and care of the Party and government”, Chen added.

Many Tibetans accuse the government of religious repression and eroding their culture, claims denied by Beijing, which says it has brought development to the region.

Large anti-government protests at several monasteries in 2008 led authorities in Tibetan regions to step-up a “patriotic education” campaign aimed at monks and nuns.

Tensions between Tibetans and the Chinese government continue to run high, with more than 130 members of the minority setting themselves on fire in protest since 2009.

All monasteries must be equipped with “national flags, telephone connections, newspapers and reading rooms”, Chen wrote, adding that roads to tie such facilities more closely to other parts of Tibet would also be built.

I got nothing.

[Balrog]

Clearly this is the only way to ensure Tibet doesn't devolve back to being an oppressive theocracy where the population is held in serfdom by their cruel religious overlords.

Come friends, shall we read a passage from our little red books now?

[FaxModem1]

Clearly this is showing the true strength of communism, that it can benefit these savage monks and bring them into the glorious path of China.

[Channel72]

feel the warmth and care of the Party and government

Mmmm.... communism.

We mock, but this sort of "patriotic assessment" isn't that far off from shit they do on a state-level in certain areas of the US.

[Ralin]

Good to see that the government is actively working to improve conditions in the western provinces.