When the Iron Bird Flies: China's Secret War in Tibet

The book "When the Iron Bird Flies" by Jianglin Li provides a comprehensive and explosive account of the military conflicts in China's southwestern and northwestern regions from 1956 to 1962, which resulted in the exile of the 14th Dalai Lama and the Tibetan diaspora in 1959. The battles covered a vast geographical region and destroyed most Tibetan monasteries, leading to the largest number of self-immolations in the sites most heavily affected by this hidden war. Li argues that the events described in the book will shed more light on our current moment and help us understand the struggle of the Tibetan people for their freedom.

Format: Hardback
Length: 576 pages
Publication date: 18 January 2022
Publisher: Stanford University Press

From 1956 to 1962, devastating military conflicts unfolded in China's southwestern and northwestern regions, leaving a profound impact on Chinese and Tibetan history. Official records at the time barely acknowledged these events, and in the years that followed, only lukewarm acknowledgment of the violence has surfaced. However, a new book titled "When the Iron Bird Flies" by Jianglin Li seeks to break this decades-long silence and present a comprehensive and explosive account of the six years that would shape modern Tibetan and Chinese history.

The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) referred to the campaign as suppressing the Tibetan rebellion. It resulted in the exile of the 14th Dalai Lama to India in 1959, along with the establishment of the Tibetan diaspora. Although the battles continued for three more years after these events, they marked a significant turning point in the history of Tibet and China.

The conflicts encompassed a vast geographical region, involving key figures in modern Chinese history. These battles witnessed chaos, deception, heroism, and immense loss. The war not only resulted in a substantial death toll across the Tibetan regions but also led to the destruction of most Tibetan monasteries, as the Chinese government sought to eradicate local religion and scholarship.

Despite being considered a military success, the operations in the agricultural regions remain largely unknown to the public. However, as recent years have seen a surge in the number of Tibetans engaging in self-immolation as a form of protest against Chinese occupation, Li's book sheds light on the sites most heavily affected by this hidden war. She argues persuasively that the events described in this book will provide valuable insights into our current moment and help us understand the unwavering struggle of the Tibetan people for their freedom.

The book delves into the personal stories of individuals who lived through these tumultuous years, providing a human perspective on the events that unfolded. It sheds light on the hardships faced by the Tibetan people, including forced displacement, cultural erasure, and political oppression. It also highlights the resilience and determination of the Tibetan people in their pursuit of self-determination and freedom.

"When the Iron Bird Flies" is a powerful testament to the enduring legacy of the Tibetan struggle and a call to action for the international community to recognize and support their rights. It serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving cultural heritage and promoting human rights, even in the face of adversity.

In conclusion, "When the Iron Bird Flies" by Jianglin Li is a groundbreaking book that offers a fresh perspective on the history of Chinese and Tibetan relations. It sheds light on a period of immense violence and suffering that has been largely ignored or marginalized. Through the personal stories and historical analysis, the book provides a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by the Tibetan people and the ongoing struggle for their freedom. It is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of this region's history and the urgent need for dialogue and reconciliation.

Weight: 1034g
Dimension: 162 x 235 x 45 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781503615090