Tibetan Independence refers to the movement advocating for the autonomy or independence of Tibet from China. This movement has historical roots, as Tibet was an independent region before the Chinese government asserted control in the 1950s. Many Tibetans seek to preserve their unique culture, language, and religious practices, which they feel are threatened under Chinese rule. The movement is often associated with the Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, who fled to India in 1959 after a failed uprising against Chinese authority. Supporters of Tibetan Independence argue for greater political rights and cultural preservation, while the Chinese government maintains that Tibet is an integral part of its territory.