China celebrates 60 years of rule in Tibet amid ongoing repression
- China held a large celebration to commemorate 60 years of Communist Party rule in Tibet, including a parade and speeches.
- Xi Jinping emphasized political stability, ethnic unity, and the suppression of separatism during the festivities.
- Critics have pointed out the disparity between the celebration of progress and the ongoing repression faced by the Tibetan people.
In August 2025, China commemorated the 60th anniversary of its Communist Party rule in Tibet with a significant ceremony and parade in front of the iconic Potala Palace in Lhasa. The event, presided over by Chinese leader Xi Jinping, involved speeches from high-ranking officials who highlighted the economic development in Tibet while promoting the notion of national unity against separatist sentiments. Thousands participated in the celebration, waving flags and performing traditional dances, yet the underlying message emphasized the government's opposition to any form of dissent or calls for independence. The Chinese Communist Party took control of Tibet in 1951, following a civil war that led to the establishment of the People's Republic of China. The formation of the Tibet Autonomous Region in 1965 was regarded as a strategy by the Beijing government to integrate Tibet into its administrative framework. High-ranking Communist Party officials, including senior leader Wang Huning, reinforced the idea that Tibet’s progress over the past six decades was directly tied to the Party's leadership, disregarding the ongoing issues of repression faced by the local population. Critics of China's governance in Tibet highlighted the harsh realities of life under Chinese rule, contrasting the official narratives of development and stability. The Tibetan region is often described as a police state, heavily surveilled and lacking in fundamental freedoms, challenging the claims of prosperity that are often publicized by the government. Observers noted a sense of tension underlying the celebrations, insinuating that the need for such a grand display was indicative of the fragile state of control that the Chinese Communist Party maintains over the region. Furthermore, Xi Jinping's visit to Tibet was notable as it was only his second since assuming leadership, signaling the importance the Chinese government places on reinforcing its grip over the region amidst reported unrest. Tibetan affairs are unapologetically considered internal matters by Beijing, and the government's refusal to engage with the Dalai Lama, a figure considered a separatist threat, speaks to its strategy of quelling any challenges to its authority while projecting an image of unity and development to the outside world.