Democratic reforms ended feudal serfdom under the Tibet theocracy. But since fleeing to an overseas exile in 1959, the Dalai Lama clique has been unwavering in its intent to reinstate serfdom in Tibet and its privileged position within it. It has, with the support of western anti-Chinese forces, persistently conspired to incite incidents that hinder development and destroy ethnic unity, and separate Tibet from China. The conflict between reunification and separation, progress and regress has hence continued for the past 50 years.