When Communist china invaded Tibet in 1950s they expected an easy battle.
But India was Leary of china being that close and sent support, as did many western countries. With this support and several lucky breaks including an avalance that slaughtered much of the Chinese forces Tibet was able to force a stalemate.
With China's decision to enter the Korean war, the American's decided to openly support Tibet, and between the conflicts in Tibet and Korea the Chinese army was ground down. In a treaty many Chinese consider to be a further humiliation they were forced to aknowlege Tibets independence.
The country has remained independent ever since.
But what if Tibet lost what would our world look like with out an independent Tibet?