Two more have self - identified in the past week in protest against Chinese rule . Almost 100 people have set themselves alight in China since 2009 , rights activists say . It says Tibet has been a part of China since the 13th century , when the Mongol empire , which conquered China and formed the Yuan dynasty , also conquered Tibet . China says its rule has brought economic stability to the Tibetan people . Others warn China 's tightening control on the Tibetan people is creating more resentment .
Two more have self - identified in the past week in protest against Chinese rule . Almost 100 people have set themselves alight in China since 2009 , rights activists say . China says its rule has brought economic stability to the Tibetan people . Others warn China 's tightening control on the Tibetan people is creating more resentment .