Chinese President Xi Jinping joined officials and residents in Lhasa on Thursday to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Xizang Autonomous Region's establishment. The grand gathering highlighted the region's socioeconomic progress and cultural preservation efforts under China's ethnic unity policies.
In his address, Xi emphasized Xizang's transformation from 'backward feudal serfdom to socialist modernization,' citing a 100-fold increase in regional GDP since 1965. Infrastructure developments including the Qinghai-Xizang Railway and regional airport expansions were showcased as symbols of connectivity.
Analysts note the event's timing coincides with increased investment in Xizang's clean energy sector, particularly hydropower and solar projects. Tourism data shows a 45% year-on-year increase in visitors to the region's UNESCO World Heritage sites during 2023.
The celebration featured traditional Uygur and Tibetan performances, underscoring Beijing's narrative of cultural diversity within national unity. International observers have noted Xizang's growing role in China's Belt and Road Initiative, particularly in cross-border trade routes.
