Chinese Leader Embarks on Second Trip to Tibet
China's top leader recently made a journey to the capital city of Tibet, marking his second visit to the region as the nation's head. This visit coincides with the 60th-year celebration of Tibet's establishment as a self-governing region.
The Backstory of Tibet's Autonomy
Back in 1965, six years after the 14th Dalai Lama sought refuge in India due to a thwarted insurrection, the ruling party of China declared Tibet as an autonomous region. This move followed the establishment of four other autonomous regions in the country, namely Inner Mongolia, Xinjiang, Guangxi, and Ningxia.
The autonomy status was intended to provide ethnic minority groups, such as the Tibetans, more control over policy matters, including the freedom to practice their religion. However, there have been regular claims from international human rights organizations and exiles describing the Chinese governance in Tibet as "oppressive". This is an allegation that the Chinese government has consistently denied.
Leading Tibet Towards Stability
The top Chinese leader emphasized the importance of political stability, social peace, ethnic unity, and harmony amongst religions during his address to senior officials in Tibet. He stressed that these elements are crucial for the governance, stabilization, and development of the region.
His previous visit to Tibet occurred in 2021, during which he encouraged the citizens to "follow the party". This trip was perceived by external observers as a display of the ruling party's confidence in the stability they had finally achieved in a region known for its long history of protests against Chinese governance.
Tibet's Challenges and Changes
In the period after the 2008 Beijing Olympics, when China was becoming more open to the world, Tibet experienced a wave of protests led by monks and nuns, followed by a series of self-immolations. The leader has stated that Tibetan Buddhism must evolve to coexist with China's socialist system.
The last time a Chinese leader visited Tibet before 2021 was in 1990, when Jiang Zemin made the journey.
Tibet's Strategic Importance
Tibet holds significant strategic value for China due to its border with India. Over the years, there have been several confrontations between the troops of both countries along this border. Additionally, Tibet is rich in natural resources, including a vast potential for hydropower.
The recent visit of China's top leader to Tibet was concurrent with a rare visit by China's leading diplomat to India. Both nations have committed to mending ties that were strained by a fatal border dispute in 2020.
India has expressed concerns over China's latest mega hydropower project in Tibet. However, the Chinese leader insisted that the project is crucial for the country's carbon reduction objectives, while also preserving Asia's "water tower".
Accompanying the leader on this trip were the party's fourth and fifth-ranked leaders. Back in 2015, a now-retired official of equivalent rank had visited Tibet to mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Tibet Autonomous Region.