I do agree that the PRC's reaction to Tibet is strange. I don't really understand it, what's of value in Tibet? It doesn't seem like was politically a part of a China in the way the Confederate States tried to break away from the USA, or even as Kosovo was part of Serbia. My only thought it is a national pride issue, though I doubt the average Chinese really cares. The government doesn't want to admit anyone can challenge its power. Yet the Dalai Lama has already acknowledged that Tibet is not declaring independence, rather it would seeking to placate China as an semi-autonomous region. I understand the need by the PRC to retain Taiwan (though of course I don't support their rule), but Tibet just doesn't seem to have any value.