In March 2008, Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, witnessed a major outbreak of protests and riots initiated largely by Tibetan Buddhist monks. These protests were primarily aimed at the Chinese government's ongoing repression of Tibetan culture and religion, sparking demonstrations on the anniversary of the 1959 Tibetan uprising. The protests began peacefully but escalated as tensions rose, leading to clashes between protestors and Chinese security forces. The scope rapidly expanded beyond Lhasa, with protests reported in various regions of Tibet, challenging the Chinese government's control over the area.

The response from Chinese authorities was swift and forceful, involving significant military deployments to quell the unrest. The crackdown included mass arrests and intensified restrictions on movement and communication within Tibet. Monks were particularly prominent in leading the protests, reflecting a deep-rooted frustration with the religious policies enforced by Beijing, which many Tibetans saw as a direct threat to their identity. These events galvanized international attention, shining a light on Tibet's struggle for autonomy and human rights under Chinese rule.

The 2008 protests were not only a reaction to immediate issues of religious freedoms but also a manifestation of deeper societal grievances relating to economic marginalization and cultural assimilation policies. As the situation developed, international organizations and foreign governments expressed concern over the treatment of protestors and the human rights situation in Tibet, bringing Tibet's issues to the forefront of global dialogue and diplomacy.