The Demolition of Astok Monastery: A Stark Reminder of China’s Erasure of Tibetan Identity

The recent report of demolition of the 135-year-old Astok Monastery in Tibet has sent shockwaves through the global community, highlighting China’s relentless pursuit of economic development at the expense of cultural heritage. As per report, this cherished emblem of Tibetan culture and spirituality was destroyed to make way for the Yangqu hydropower project, sparking widespread concern about the erasure of Tibetan identity.

According to a report by Radio Free Asia, satellite imagery reveals the destruction of the Atsok Monastery. Comparing two satellite images, one from Google Maxar (January 24, 2015) and another from Planet Labs (July 21, 2024), shows the monastery’s demolition. Local authorities began relocating the monastery in April, as it is expected to be submerged underwater upon completion of the world’s tallest 3D-printed hydropower dam, according to sources from the region cited in a previous Radio Free Asia report.

Astok Monastery was more than just a place of worship; it represented the long-standing spiritual traditions of the area and served as a stronghold of Tibetan Buddhism. Its destruction is a stark reminder of China’s disdain for the cultural significance of these historic sites, which are essential to the Tibetan identity.

Many believe, monastery’s demolition is part of a larger pattern of laws aimed at restricting Tibetan identity, often justified under the guise of modernization and progress. China’s prioritization of infrastructure development over cultural preservation has raised concerns about the increasing disregard for the rights and customs of its minority groups, particularly the Tibetans.

The loss of Astok Monastery is a significant blow to Tibetan cultural heritage, and its destruction under the rising waters of the Yangqu hydroelectric facility serves as a stark reminder of China’s unrelenting pursuit of economic and infrastructure development, often at the expense of minority rights and cultural narratives.

As the world watches, China’s actions demonstrate a clear disregard for the cultural significance of these historic sites, fueling fears about the erasure of Tibetan identity. The demolition of Astok Monastery is a stark reminder of the need for international attention and action to protect Tibetan cultural heritage and preserve the rights of minority groups in China.