A Surprise Visit to Lhasa
Chinese President Xi Jinping made a rare and unannounced visit to Tibet's capital, Lhasa, on August 20, marking only his second trip to the region as president. This visit coincided with the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the Tibet Autonomous Region under Chinese control, a milestone that underscores Beijing's long-contested rule over the Himalayan territory. Xi's presence in Lhasa, a city at high altitude that could pose health challenges for the 72-year-old leader, signals a strong intent to reinforce China's authority in the region.
During his two-day stay, Xi attended a grand ceremony where he addressed a crowd of approximately 20,000 people. State media reported a vibrant display of music, dance, and 'joyful rhythms,' portraying an image of harmony and celebration. The visit, covered extensively by official channels, emphasized themes of development and stability, aligning with Beijing's broader narrative for Tibet.
Focus on Unity and Stability
Xi's public statements during the visit centered on the importance of unity and control in Tibet. 'To govern, stabilize and develop Tibet, the first thing is to maintain political stability, social stability, ethnic unity and religious harmony,' Xi stated, as reported by state media. These remarks reflect China's ongoing efforts to integrate Tibet more closely into the national framework, often through policies aimed at cultural assimilation and political control.
The Chinese leader also praised local authorities for their efforts in combating separatism, a reference to decades of Tibetan resistance against Beijing's rule. While Xi did not mention the Dalai Lama, the exiled spiritual leader who fled to India in 1959, his comments on religious harmony suggest a continued push to align Tibetan Buddhism with socialist principles. Additionally, Xi urged officials to promote the use of standard Chinese language among Tibetans, further emphasizing national identity over regional distinctions.
This rhetoric aligns with broader policies in Tibet, where China has been accused of human rights abuses and efforts to erase Tibetan cultural identity. Critics argue that such visits and statements are part of a strategy to legitimize control over the region while downplaying international concerns about these issues.
Strategic Implications of the Visit
The timing and location of Xi's visit carry significant strategic weight. Lhasa, as the political and cultural heart of Tibet, serves as a symbolic backdrop for asserting dominance in a region that remains a point of contention both domestically and internationally. The choice to mark the 60th anniversary with a personal appearance suggests a deliberate effort to project strength and continuity in China's governance of Tibet.
Moreover, the visit occurs amid ongoing tensions along China's borders, particularly with India, near which parts of Tibet are situated. While Xi did not directly address border issues during his public remarks in Lhasa, his presence in the region could be interpreted as a message of resolve regarding territorial integrity. The emphasis on stability and development also ties into China's broader goals of economic integration and infrastructure projects in Tibet, such as the Sichuan-Tibet Railway, which drastically reduces travel time between Chengdu and Lhasa.