Saralnama
Chinese President Xi Jinping made a rare visit to Tibet on August 20-21, 2025, marking the 60th anniversary of the Tibet Autonomous Region. He emphasized political stability, ethnic unity, and the Sinicization of Tibetan Buddhism, urging local authorities to promote Mandarin and integrate Tibet more closely with China. Xi attended a grand ceremony in Lhasa, featuring traditional Tibetan cultural displays and military parades. He also highlighted the importance of border security amid ongoing tensions with India, particularly concerning infrastructure projects like the Yarlung Tsangpo hydropower dam. The visit comes amid heightened repression in Tibet, including restrictions on religious freedom and cultural expression, and ahead of potential disputes over the succession of the Dalai Lama, who lives in exile in India. Chinese officials reiterated their stance against separatism and stressed the consolidation of Chinese control over Tibet. The visit was tightly controlled and heavily secured, reflecting Beijing's focus on maintaining authority in the region. (Updated 21 Aug 2025, 12:42 IST; source: link)