It should be noted that, despite being very young, the current Dali Lama actually was attempting to open up Tibet and establish relationships with foreign powers. He was well aware that Tibet could not remain isolated and free.
The rest of the world chose to stay on the sidelines.
China grabs Tibet; India grabs Sikkim. This is very much a case of big fish eating little fish. This is one of those things that makes me wonder about India - along with the invasion of Goa, among other things.
bttt