Chinese President Xi Jinping will join a major commemorative event in Lhasa on Thursday to mark the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the Xizang Autonomous Region, state media announced. The gathering underscores Beijing's emphasis on regional development and national unity.
Xi, who also serves as General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, will participate in the ceremony scheduled for 10 a.m. local time. The event will be broadcast live nationwide through China Media Group platforms.
The anniversary highlights Xizang's economic and social transformation since its autonomous regional status was formalized in 1965. Recent government reports indicate the region's GDP grew by 9.5% annually over the past decade, with infrastructure investments increasing connectivity to other parts of the Chinese mainland.
Analysts suggest the celebration serves multiple purposes: showcasing development achievements in ethnic minority regions, reinforcing stability priorities along China's western frontiers, and signaling continued policy support for rural revitalization programs. The event occurs amid growing international interest in Asian infrastructure projects and sustainable development models.
For global observers and investors, Xizang's anniversary offers insights into China's strategies for balancing economic growth with cultural preservation in sensitive border regions. Tourism statistics reveal a 22% year-on-year increase in visitors to the region during 2023, reflecting both improved accessibility and growing international fascination with Himalayan cultures.
