Topographical map of Tibet (1950)

This topographical map of Tibet was created by the Chunghwa publishing company for use in Chinese schools in 1950.

The map, with an apparent educational purpose, shows the region's terrain, as well as the main cities, transport networks and borders that existed before the Japanese invasion. Its design allowed it to be hung in classrooms for study purposes.

The reality is that the map was published under the Chinese Communist Party's rule in 1950 to justify the invasion of Tibet by the People's Liberation Army, the party's armed wing. By using this map in classrooms, the Communist Party sought to gain internal support to legitimise its territorial claim.

Sources

• Topographic Wall Map of Tibet