FACTBOX: Why is remote Tibet of strategic significance?

(Reuters) - Tibet's unique history and strategic significance, sharing borders with India, Nepal, Bhutan and Myanmar, make security and stability higher priorities in the remote Himalayan region than in other parts of China, analysts say.

Here are some key reasons the region known as 'Xizang' -- 'western storehouse' or 'western treasure-house" -- in Mandarin is of special significance.

GEOPOLITICAL:

-- Tibet marks China's western edge and is a vital link between China, south and central Asia.

-- Like restive Xinjiang to its north, it was part of ancient trade routes. From the 7th to 20th centuries it was fought over by invading Mongol, Chinese, Nepalese and British forces.

-- In 1962, China fought an unresolved border war with India from the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR). Years of talks to resolve ownership of an icy Austria-sized area, called Arunachal Pradesh by India, and as part of Tibet by China, have made little progress.

INTERNAL STABILITY:

-- Developing infrastructure in Tibet and nearby provinces with large Tibetan communities is a major part of China's Western Development Campaign.

-- Launched in 1999 to reduce the wealth gap between China's impoverished western hinterlands and rich eastern seaboard, the central government has invested billions in Tibet.  Continued...