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China’s Xi Visits Tibet, Emphasizes National Unity and Economic Development

Xi Jinping waves at a crowd during a rally in Tibetan capital Lhasa
Xi Jinping waves at a crowd during a rally in the Tibetan capital, Lhasa.



"Xi Jinping makes a surprise Tibet visit, urging unity, development, and stability as China pushes economic, cultural, and religious policies in the region."


Tibet, China — Chinese President Xi Jinping made a surprise visit to Tibet, addressing 20,000 people to mark 60 years since China established the Tibet Autonomous Region. The trip, Xi’s second presidential visit to the region, highlighted his focus on stability, unity, and development in the high-altitude region.

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Xi Highlights Political and Social Stability

In his speech in Lhasa, Xi praised local authorities for “engaging in a thorough struggle against separatism,” referencing decades-long Tibetan resistance to Beijing’s rule. He emphasized that governing Tibet requires maintaining political stability, social stability, ethnic unity, and religious harmony, according to Chinese state media.

The visit comes just two months after the Dalai Lama announced that his office, not Beijing, would select his successor—a move that China disputes, asserting the government controls the decision.

Economic and Cultural Priorities

Xi encouraged economic, cultural, and personnel exchanges between Tibet and other regions of China. He also called for promoting a national common language, reflecting the CCP’s policy to integrate Tibet more closely with China.

The president highlighted four priorities for Tibet:

  1. Ensuring stability

  2. Driving economic development

  3. Protecting the environment

  4. Strengthening border security

State media coverage portrayed the visit as a celebration, featuring images of Tibetan dancers and cheering crowds greeting Xi in Lhasa.

Religious and Educational Policies

Xi also reinforced CCP oversight over religious affairs, urging Tibetan Buddhism to adapt to socialist society. New regulations require Tibetan children to attend state-run schools and learn Mandarin, part of a broader campaign to align education with national standards.

Infrastructure and Environmental Focus

The visit follows the CCP’s start of construction on the Motuo Hydropower Station, projected to become the world’s largest dam. Located on the Yarlung Tsangpo River, the $167 billion project aims to boost local prosperity and prioritize ecological protection.

Experts warn that the dam could increase China’s control over the transboundary river, affecting downstream countries including India and Bangladesh.

Xi Jinping's arrival was met by cheering crowds of Tibetan people.
Xi Jinping's arrival was met by cheering crowds of Tibetan people.

Tibet’s Contested Identity

While Beijing emphasizes improvements in the standard of living for Tibetans, human rights groups report ongoing restrictions on freedom of expression and religious practice. A BBC visit to a Tibetan monastery in June found claims of persistent oppression and persecution by the CCP.

The region, established as Xizang in 1965 after a failed uprising against Chinese rule, remains a politically sensitive area where Beijing asserts authority while managing a delicate balance of cultural and ethnic identity.

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