In a remarkable visit to Tibet, President Xi Jinping addressed around 20,000 attendees in Lhasa, celebrating the 60th anniversary of what China refers to as the establishment of the autonomous region. This trip, marking only his second presidential engagement in Tibet, saw Xi commend local authorities for their efforts against what he termed "separatism," a clear reference to the ongoing Tibetan pursuit for autonomy from Chinese governance.
The 72-year-old leader's decision to travel to the region, known for its high altitudes, underscores his intent to assert control over an area long embroiled in disputes over governance and autonomy. Notably absent from his address was any mention of the Dalai Lama, who has been in exile since fleeing Tibet in 1959. Xi's comments emphasized the essential elements of political stability, social cohesion, ethnic unity, and religious harmony for effective governance in Tibet.
This visit came swiftly after the Dalai Lama clarified his intentions concerning his succession, indicating that his office, rather than Beijing, would oversee the process. Historically, the spiritual leader has advocated for a resolution that grants Tibet genuine self-rule within China, a stance that the Chinese government categorizes as separatism. While Beijing maintains that religious practices are permitted, critics point to ongoing human rights violations that threaten Tibetan identity.
In state media, the visit was reported with zeal, showcasing scenes of Xi celebrating with local dancers and enthusiastic crowds. Local officials and CCP leaders participated in meetings where Xi highlighted plans for enhanced economic, cultural, and personnel exchanges, as well as the promotion of a common national language.
Xi also underscored the party's vision for Tibet, pointing to four core objectives: ensuring stability, encouraging development, environmental protection, and border security. These goals come alongside new regulations affecting the education of Tibetan children, requiring attendance at state-run schools that prioritize Mandarin instruction. Furthermore, Xi remarked on measures needed to align Tibetan Buddhism with the tenets of "socialist society."
Additionally, the CCP has embarked on constructing an immense dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo River, which, upon completion, is projected to be the world's largest, surpassing the Three Gorges Dam. This $167 billion undertaking aims to promote ecological preservation and regional prosperity, although experts have expressed concerns about its potential to alter the river's flow, impacting neighboring countries.
As the complexities surrounding Xi's visit unfold, questions remain about Tibet's future, including its autonomy and the continuing influence of the Dalai Lama's legacy.
The 72-year-old leader's decision to travel to the region, known for its high altitudes, underscores his intent to assert control over an area long embroiled in disputes over governance and autonomy. Notably absent from his address was any mention of the Dalai Lama, who has been in exile since fleeing Tibet in 1959. Xi's comments emphasized the essential elements of political stability, social cohesion, ethnic unity, and religious harmony for effective governance in Tibet.
This visit came swiftly after the Dalai Lama clarified his intentions concerning his succession, indicating that his office, rather than Beijing, would oversee the process. Historically, the spiritual leader has advocated for a resolution that grants Tibet genuine self-rule within China, a stance that the Chinese government categorizes as separatism. While Beijing maintains that religious practices are permitted, critics point to ongoing human rights violations that threaten Tibetan identity.
In state media, the visit was reported with zeal, showcasing scenes of Xi celebrating with local dancers and enthusiastic crowds. Local officials and CCP leaders participated in meetings where Xi highlighted plans for enhanced economic, cultural, and personnel exchanges, as well as the promotion of a common national language.
Xi also underscored the party's vision for Tibet, pointing to four core objectives: ensuring stability, encouraging development, environmental protection, and border security. These goals come alongside new regulations affecting the education of Tibetan children, requiring attendance at state-run schools that prioritize Mandarin instruction. Furthermore, Xi remarked on measures needed to align Tibetan Buddhism with the tenets of "socialist society."
Additionally, the CCP has embarked on constructing an immense dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo River, which, upon completion, is projected to be the world's largest, surpassing the Three Gorges Dam. This $167 billion undertaking aims to promote ecological preservation and regional prosperity, although experts have expressed concerns about its potential to alter the river's flow, impacting neighboring countries.
As the complexities surrounding Xi's visit unfold, questions remain about Tibet's future, including its autonomy and the continuing influence of the Dalai Lama's legacy.
