Chinese leadership worries concerning separatism are well-founded. With China moving closer than ever to democracy, these concerns are significant. The regions that make up much of China do not seek widespread political independence, as their freedom will come with time. An enormous and progressively growing country China is built up of many smaller entities. Many of these states were at one time under their own rule and willing to fight to regain their freedom. China has moved forward as a wealthy country and world power, putting many of her problems in the past. As China grows ever stronger and more stable, the idea that any of her provinces may regain independence is becoming less and less likely; however, if China's central government weakens as it transforms into a democratic country, this may provide the opportunity needed for these provinces to test independence.
             Tibetan Buddhists feel they have much in common with India, and their spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama. In the early 7th century, Tibet was an independent country. As the Tibetan empire fell into decline the Mongolians defeated it. After the fall of the Mongolians, China regained not only her independence but Tibet as well. Tibet had been under Chinese control for quite some time before trying to regain their independence. When Tibet actually sought to regain their independence, the Chinese government claimed it was too late. After Tibetan revolution, in which the People's Liberation Army prevailed, Tibet remained, and still does, under Chinese control. In 1995, Beijing officials decided not to accept the Tibetan Buddhists' selection for a new Panchen Lama, the second most important spiritual leader in Tibet. Beijing instead installed its own leader. As can be imagined this action produced much anger amongst Tibetan people toward Chinese government. Denying Tibet a new spiritual leader that would most likely raise the idea of Tibetan independence was the right step ...