Amidst international scrutiny over human rights in Tibet and the ongoing cultural tensions, Xi's visit was framed by state media as a significant event, showcasing government achievements and ongoing infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing local prosperity.
In the wake of mounting regional aspirations, Xi Jinping’s remarks centered on stability, development, and the importance of the Communist Party's control over religious practices, while also previewing future large-scale projects like the Motuo Hydropower Station that promise enhanced energy outputs but raise geopolitical concerns.
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President Xi Jinping undertook a surprise visit to Tibet, addressing a gathering of around 20,000 people in Lhasa to commemorate the 60th anniversary of China's creation of the autonomous region. This rare visit marks only his second as president to this tightly monitored area, which has faced long-standing resistance from Tibetan groups against Chinese rule.
During his address, Xi highlighted the critical need for “political stability, social stability, ethnic unity, and religious harmony” as essential ingredients for governing Tibet. His references to combating separatism directly invoked the ongoing tensions surrounding Tibetan autonomy and the political status of the Dalai Lama, who has been living in India since 1959. Xi’s comments did not acknowledge the spiritual leader, who recently indicated that his office, and not the Chinese government, would determine his successor.
The Chinese government has long maintained that Tibetans enjoy religious freedom, but many human rights organizations assert that Beijing's practices are slowly eroding Tibetan culture and identity. During a recent BBC investigation, monks from a Tibetan monastery in Sichuan expressed their concern over oppression by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
Beijing argues that living conditions in Tibet have significantly improved under its rule, and it continues to refute claims of human rights violations. The establishment of the Tibet Autonomous Region, referred to by China as Xizang, occurred in 1965, following a failed uprising against Chinese governance.
Xi's surprise visit was prominently featured across state media, framed as a celebration of progress and development. Front-page displays of the Tibetan dancers and enthusiastic crowds marked the president's arrival. In meetings with local leaders—which included high-ranking CCP officials—Xi urged the need for expansion of economic, cultural, and personnel exchanges in and out of Tibet, underlining support for promoting Mandarin as a common language.
One major focus during the president's address was the CCP’s vision for Tibet, highlighting four essential priorities: stability, development, environmental protection, and border strengthening. Recent regulations now mandate that Tibetan children receive education in state-run Chinese schools while learning Mandarin, a policy that directly impacts their cultural identity.
Xi also emphasized the need for regulations on “religious affairs,” advocating for Tibetan Buddhism to adapt more closely to socialist principles. This visit coincided with ongoing construction plans for the Motuo Hydropower Station, aimed at becoming the world’s largest dam, which raises potential environmental and geopolitical implications, especially regarding water flow into neighboring regions like India and Bangladesh.
As tensions between local Tibetan aspirations and the Chinese government’s assertive stance continue to simmer, Xi's high-profile visit reiterates China's firm approach while highlighting the delicate balance the CCP seeks to maintain in the Tibetan region. With international eyes watching, the implications of his statements could reverberate beyond Tibet's borders.
In the wake of mounting regional aspirations, Xi Jinping’s remarks centered on stability, development, and the importance of the Communist Party's control over religious practices, while also previewing future large-scale projects like the Motuo Hydropower Station that promise enhanced energy outputs but raise geopolitical concerns.
Following is the article text.
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President Xi Jinping undertook a surprise visit to Tibet, addressing a gathering of around 20,000 people in Lhasa to commemorate the 60th anniversary of China's creation of the autonomous region. This rare visit marks only his second as president to this tightly monitored area, which has faced long-standing resistance from Tibetan groups against Chinese rule.
During his address, Xi highlighted the critical need for “political stability, social stability, ethnic unity, and religious harmony” as essential ingredients for governing Tibet. His references to combating separatism directly invoked the ongoing tensions surrounding Tibetan autonomy and the political status of the Dalai Lama, who has been living in India since 1959. Xi’s comments did not acknowledge the spiritual leader, who recently indicated that his office, and not the Chinese government, would determine his successor.
The Chinese government has long maintained that Tibetans enjoy religious freedom, but many human rights organizations assert that Beijing's practices are slowly eroding Tibetan culture and identity. During a recent BBC investigation, monks from a Tibetan monastery in Sichuan expressed their concern over oppression by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
Beijing argues that living conditions in Tibet have significantly improved under its rule, and it continues to refute claims of human rights violations. The establishment of the Tibet Autonomous Region, referred to by China as Xizang, occurred in 1965, following a failed uprising against Chinese governance.
Xi's surprise visit was prominently featured across state media, framed as a celebration of progress and development. Front-page displays of the Tibetan dancers and enthusiastic crowds marked the president's arrival. In meetings with local leaders—which included high-ranking CCP officials—Xi urged the need for expansion of economic, cultural, and personnel exchanges in and out of Tibet, underlining support for promoting Mandarin as a common language.
One major focus during the president's address was the CCP’s vision for Tibet, highlighting four essential priorities: stability, development, environmental protection, and border strengthening. Recent regulations now mandate that Tibetan children receive education in state-run Chinese schools while learning Mandarin, a policy that directly impacts their cultural identity.
Xi also emphasized the need for regulations on “religious affairs,” advocating for Tibetan Buddhism to adapt more closely to socialist principles. This visit coincided with ongoing construction plans for the Motuo Hydropower Station, aimed at becoming the world’s largest dam, which raises potential environmental and geopolitical implications, especially regarding water flow into neighboring regions like India and Bangladesh.
As tensions between local Tibetan aspirations and the Chinese government’s assertive stance continue to simmer, Xi's high-profile visit reiterates China's firm approach while highlighting the delicate balance the CCP seeks to maintain in the Tibetan region. With international eyes watching, the implications of his statements could reverberate beyond Tibet's borders.
