The right to self-determination is a fundamental principle of international law, enshrined in key legal
instruments such as the United Nations Charter [Art 1(2)]and the International Covenant on Civil and
Political Rights [Art 1(1)]. This principle is particularly contentious in the context of Tibet, where
decades of Chinese sovereignty have been met with ongoing demands for autonomy and independence
by the Tibetan people. This research paper critically examines the legal arguments supporting Tibet’s
right to self-determination, drawing on international legal precedents and treaties. It also explores the
challenges posed by China’s sovereignty claims, which are grounded in historical, political, and
territorial arguments. The paper will seek to analyze how international law balances the right to selfdetermination with the principle of territorial integrity, and whether Tibet’s case could be considered a
legitimate exercise of self-determination under current international norms. By exploring these
dimensions, this paper aims to contribute to the broader discourse on self-determination and minority
rights in a globalized world, offering insights into one of the most complex and enduring geopolitical
disputes of our time.