Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Tibet (Xizang) on Wednesday to attend landmark events marking the 60th anniversary of the region’s establishment as an autonomous area, becoming the first Chinese president to participate in these once-a-decade celebrations.
Xi reached Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, around noon on Wednesday, accompanied by a high-level delegation including Wang Huning, China’s top political adviser; Cai Qi, the president’s chief of staff; Li Ganjie, head of the United Front Work Department; Vice-Premier He Lifeng; and Public Security Minister Wang Xiaohong, according to state broadcaster CCTV.
On Wednesday afternoon, Xi met with regional officials, public security personnel, and religious leaders, including the Panchen Lama, the second-highest figure in Tibetan Buddhism. CCTV reported that Xi called for building a “modern socialist new Tibet that is united, prosperous, civilized, harmonious and beautiful.”
After hearing reports from the Communist Party of China (CPC) regional committee and the local government, Xi emphasized the importance of promoting high-quality development while focusing on stability, ecological protection, border security, and overall economic and social progress.
“Since the establishment of the Tibet autonomous region 60 years ago, the region has witnessed remarkable development and profound changes,” Xi said. He stressed that ensuring stability, fostering ethnic unity, and encouraging harmony among religions are key to advancing the well-being of the region and building a stronger community for the Chinese nation.
Xi also highlighted the need to strengthen economic, cultural, and personnel exchanges between Tibet and other regions of China, guiding Tibetan Buddhism to adapt to socialist society. He encouraged the development of plateau industries suited to local conditions, particularly agriculture, animal husbandry, and clean energy.
Major infrastructure projects, including the hydropower project on the lower Yarlung Zangbo River and the Sichuan-Tibet Railway, should advance in a “vigorous, orderly and effective” manner, Xi said. He further urged coordinated efforts to cut carbon emissions, reduce pollution, and expand green development to protect “the roof of the world” and “the water tower of Asia.”
Xi underlined the importance of CPC leadership over all work in Tibet. Senior officials Wang Huning and Cai Qi were among those attending the meetings.
