In a rare and significant visit to Tibet, President Xi Jinping addressed a crowd of 20,000 in Lhasa, marking the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the Tibet Autonomous Region. This second presidential visit signifies an effort to reinforce the Chinese government's position in a region historically marked by resistance against Beijing's authority. Xi praised the local administration for its efforts against separatism, signaling a connection to the ongoing tensions surrounding Tibetan identity and autonomy.
Xi, now 72, delivered his remarks focused on the necessity of political and social stability, alongside ethnic unity and religious harmony. Notably, the Dalai Lama, the revered Tibetan spiritual leader currently in exile, was not mentioned during the address, highlighting the sensitivities surrounding Tibetan leadership and autonomy. Earlier in the year, the Dalai Lama declared that his office would be responsible for selecting his successor—a move contested by Chinese authorities who claim exclusive rights to oversee such matters.
Although the Chinese government asserts that the standard of living in Tibet has improved under its rule, concerns regarding human rights abuses have been raised consistently. Critics, including reports from Tibetan monks in Sichuan province, highlight ongoing oppression and persecution under the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The complexity of Tibetan identity, intertwined with religious beliefs, faces challenges from increasingly controlling policies.
Xi's visit coincides with recent CCP initiatives, including the construction of the world's largest dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo river in Tibet, a project designed to bolster local development while raising international concerns about resource control. Xi articulated the CCP's commitments to environmental protection and the need for regulating religious affairs, aiming to align Tibetan Buddhism with socialist principles.
The state media portrayed Xi's visit as a festive event, showcasing traditional Tibetan performances and community enthusiasm. Emphasizing cultural and economic exchanges, Xi's remarks predict a strategy that blends national integration with the distinctive needs and aspirations of the Tibetan people, all while reinforcing China's comprehensive control over the region’s future.
