Tibetan independence Xinhai Revolution

in 1905, qing sent zhao erfeng tibet retaliate against rebellions. 1908, zhao appointed imperial resident in lhasa. zhao beheaded in december 1911 pro-republican forces. bulk of area historically known kham xikang administrative district, created republican revolutionaries. end of 1912, last manchu troops escorted out of tibet. thubten gyatso, 13th dalai lama, returned tibet in january 1913 sikkim, had been residing. when new roc government apologised actions of qing , offered restore dalai lama former position, replied not interested in chinese ranks, tibet had never been subordinated china, tibet independent country, , assuming spiritual , political leadership of tibet. because of this, many have read reply formal declaration of independence. chinese side ignored response, , tibet had thirty years free of interference china.