The Dalai Lama received the US Congressional Gold Medal. As Tibetans celebrated the award, China marshalled troops in a show of force

China was awarded the 2008 Summer Olympics

Religious repression across Tibet intensified and China launched a brutal patriotic re-education campaign.

Six year old Gedhun Choekyi Nyima was recognised as the reincarnation of the 10th Panchen Lama. He was kidnapped by Chinese authorities becoming the world’s youngest political prisoner. He remains missing today.

The Dalai Lama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

Widespread protests broke out in Lhasa with tens of thousands of Tibetans taking to the streets. Chinese used brutal force to quell the protests, expelling all foreigners and declaring martial law.

A well-planned protest erupted in Lhasa. Chinese police opened fire on protesters, including foreigners, and Dutch national Christa Meindersma who was shot in the shoulder. PHOTO - Tibet Watch

Nine monks from Drepung Monastery staged a protest in the centre of Lhasa Barkhor

Protests took place in Lhasa; Tibetan sources say up to 30 Tibetans were killed.

In response to China’s rejection of the Dalai Lama’s ‘Peace Plan’, large protests broke out in Lhasa.