Chinese President Xi Jinping made a rare visit to Tibet on Thursday to attend celebrations marking the 60th anniversary of the region’s designation as an autonomous region. The festivities, held in the capital Lhasa at the vast square in front of the Potala Palace, featured music, dance, and a parade.
Xi’s presence highlighted the political significance of the occasion. He was accompanied by a large delegation from Beijing, including senior Communist Party and government leaders. Thousands of participants waved red flags and held placards pledging loyalty to the Communist Party and its policies for Tibet.
The messages on display emphasised four priorities – ensuring stability, driving development, protecting the environment, and strengthening border defence.
The Tibet Autonomous Region was formally established in September 1965, six years after the 14th Dalai Lama fled to India following a failed uprising. Since then, Beijing has regarded Tibet as an integral part of its territory, while exiled Tibetans continue to call for greater autonomy.
Tibet’s economy has expanded sharply under Beijing’s rule. The region’s GDP reached 276.5 billion yuan ($39 billion) in 2024, 155 times larger than in 1965. Its road network has also nearly doubled over the past decade, now covering 120,000 kilometres and connecting every town and village.