Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Lhasa, the capital of Tibet Autonomous Region, on August 20, 2025, to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Tibet’s establishment as an autonomous region under Chinese governance. This is only his second official visit to Tibet since becoming China’s president, underscoring the strategic and political significance China attaches to the region.

Xi was greeted by around 20,000 people from various ethnic backgrounds, including local officials and residents, who welcomed him with traditional dances, music, and flower bouquets. The visit coincided with a grand celebration featuring a large parade, cultural performances, and patriotic displays in the heart of Lhasa, highlighting Beijing’s narrative of unity, stability, and progress over six decades of rule.

In his address, President Xi emphasized the importance of political stability, ethnic unity, social harmony, and religious concord in Tibet. He called for the continued development of a “modern socialist” Tibet that is “unified, prosperous, civilized, harmonious, and beautiful.” At the same time, he stressed the need to guide Tibetan Buddhism to align with socialist values as part of Beijing’s broader policy to integrate religious practices within its governance framework.

The Tibet Autonomous Region was formally established in 1965 following China’s annexation of the region in 1950 and the exile of Tibetan spiritual leader the 14th Dalai Lama in 1959 after a failed uprising. The autonomous designation was meant to provide ethnic minorities like the Tibetans greater representation in local governance and the freedom to practice their religion. However, critics, including human rights groups and exiled Tibetans, accuse Chinese authorities of repression and systematic efforts to erode Tibetan culture and religious identity—a charge Beijing categorically denies.

Xi’s visit comes amid growing international scrutiny of Chinese policies in Tibet and escalating tensions over the Dalai Lama’s succession. The spiritual leader recently declared that his successor would be chosen by his own office, rejecting Beijing’s claim to control the reincarnation process. President Xi’s remarks notably avoided any direct mention of the Dalai Lama, signaling Beijing’s firm stance on maintaining authority over Tibetan affairs without foreign interference.

The trip, conducted under tight security and restrictions on local Tibetans, reflects China’s intent to reinforce its sovereignty and governance of Tibet, ahead of sensitive political developments surrounding the region’s future. For President Xi, visiting Tibet—a high-altitude, historically restive region—is also a demonstration of his leadership strength and commitment to the Communist Party’s vision of unity and development for all China’s ethnic groups. This milestone visit and anniversary celebration encapsulate the complex realities of Tibet’s past and present—an emblem of China’s territorial claims and modernization efforts, as well as the ongoing struggle of the Tibetan people for identity and autonomy.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.