President Xi Jinping made an unprecedented visit to Tibet this week in commemoration of its 60th year under Chinese control, underlining their ongoing efforts to establish control and promote development as part of their national strategy.
Beijing has marked President Xi’s trip, which included stops in Lhasa – the capital of Tibet – as an anniversary of what they call its liberation by China since Tibet joined their territory in 1951. China has consistently painted this period of six decades of incorporation as one of prosperity and progress for Tibetans, investing heavily in infrastructure, economic development and education projects throughout this area.
Xi attended ceremonies commemorating Tibet’s anniversary and delivered a speech where he applauded its development under Chinese rule, noting significant advances in transportation, healthcare and education as well as increased economic stability. His comments aimed at emphasizing China’s accomplishments while characterizing any opposition against central governance as misplaced or detrimental to Tibet’s future development.
“Tibet has made tremendous progress over the last six decades. Life in Tibet has improved markedly for its inhabitants and we must build an even brighter future for it and all Chinese citizens,” stated President Xi, his words being echoed by local officials who have long applauded Beijing’s policies that aim to boost its economy and reduce poverty in Tibet.
However, President Xi’s visit serves as a stark reminder of ongoing tensions over Tibet’s status within China. Many Tibetans and human rights organizations have criticised Chinese rule as suppressing Tibetan culture, religion and autonomy; furthermore the Dalai Lama has been living in exile since escaping China following a failed uprising against Chinese rule in 1959; since then the Chinese government has maintained strict control on religious practices including veneration of him which they view as challenging their authority.
Since Tibet became part of China in 1951, its domestic and foreign policies have long been fraught with tensions over how Beijing should deal with it. Beijing often responded to international criticism over China’s actions there with strong statements, insisting that Tibet is part of China and Tibetans are better off under Chinese governance. Furthermore, Beijing often highlighted how economic growth, infrastructure projects, and improved quality of life were all indicators of their rule’s success in Tibet.
Tibet has experienced economic expansion over recent decades, thanks to large-scale infrastructure projects that include highways, railways and airports that have greatly enhanced connectivity between regions within China. Tourism has become an important industry as visitors flock to iconic landmarks such as Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple for visitors from all over China and overseas – yet critics contend that many aspects of development in Tibet benefit Chinese settlers rather than native Tibetan populations.
China has increasingly expressed concerns over what it perceives to be separatist movements in Tibet and has taken measures to curtail them. Security remains tight throughout Tibet with large numbers of police and military personnel stationed there – reports by human rights organizations have detailed frequent crackdowns on protests, restrictions to freedoms of expression and assembly and crackdowns against protestors.
China’s visit is also being seen in terms of its larger geopolitical ambitions, including asserting greater control over its periphery and realizing the “Chinese Dream” vision of national rejuvenation. Tibet plays an essential role in these objectives given its close proximity with several countries such as India, Nepal and Bhutan with whom China has border disputes as well as its abundant natural resources such as water and minerals that hold significant appeal for Chinese leadership.
As President Xi continues his visit, his words and actions in Tibet may influence its future narrative. While Chinese authorities celebrate 25 years of rule over Tibet, many Tibetans remain staunch supporters of greater autonomy for Tibetans as well as preserving cultural and religious identities. Beijing’s portrayal of Tibetan development versus reality remains highly contentious and will no doubt continue to play an outsized role in discussions regarding human rights and self-determination around the globe.