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Xi Jinping Attends Tibet’s 60th Anniversary in Lhasa, Presses Religious Control and Mega Projects

The rare trip signaled Beijing’s resolve before a contentious Dalai Lama succession.

Overview

  • Xi became the first Chinese president to attend the decennial anniversary in Lhasa, joining a state-organized event that drew about 20,000 people at Potala Palace Square.
  • State media said Xi urged officials to maintain political stability, ethnic unity and religious harmony, and to guide Tibetan Buddhism to adapt to socialist society.
  • The celebrations featured a tightly choreographed parade with dance troupes, floats and security formations, projecting Party authority over the region.
  • Xi directed Tibet to advance the Yarlung Tsangpo hydropower project and the Sichuan–Tibet railway, highlighting strategic infrastructure priorities.
  • The visit coincided with high-level China–India outreach and renewed scrutiny from rights groups that accuse Beijing of repression and tight restrictions in Tibet.