People's Republic of China

The People's Republic of China was founded in 1949. In January 1950, the central government formally notified the local authorities of Tibet to "send delegates to Beijing to negotiate the peaceful liberation of Tibet".

The central government's adherence to the policy of peaceful negotiations greatly supported and inspired the patriotic forces in Tibet.

The 14th Dalai Lama (front) and the 10th Bainqen Erdeni cast their ballots for the drafting of the constitution during the first session of the first National People's Congress in 1954 in Beijing. (File Photo)

On May 23, 1951, the Agreement of the Central People's Government and the Local Government of Tibet on Measures for the Peaceful Liberation of Tibet (also known as the 17-Article Agreement) was signed after the delegates of the central people's government and the Tibetan local government agreed on a series of questions concerning Tibet's peaceful liberation.

On the celebration feast for signing the agreement of the peaceful liberation of Tibet, Chinese Presider Mao Zedong is talking with 10th Panchen Erdini and Ngapoi Ngawang Jigme friendly.

A conference of all ecclesiastic and secular officials and representatives of the three most prominent monasteries was called by the local Tibetan government between Sept 26 and 29, 1951, to discuss the agreement. A report to the Dalai Lama was approved at the end of the conference.

It stated: "The 17-Article Agreement that has been signed is of great and unrivaled benefit to the grand cause of the Dalai and to Buddhism, politics, economy and other aspects of life in Tibet.

"Naturally, it should be implemented."

Editor:Xiong Qu