Lhasa, Tibet – Tibet celebrated the 60th anniversary of becoming an autonomous region of China with vibrant festivities in its capital Lhasa, attended by President Xi Jinping and a senior delegation from Beijing. Thousands gathered at Potala Palace Square, the historic landmark once used as the Dalai Lama’s winter residence, waving red flags and holding placards expressing gratitude to the Communist Party of China for decades of development and stability.

The anniversary parade featured cultural performances, music, and dance, underscoring Tibet’s integration into the national framework and its achievements in modernisation. Placards carried clear messages of unity, calling on Tibetans to “focus on stability, development, environmental protection, and strong border defence,” and to “fully implement Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era.”

Established in 1965, the Tibet Autonomous Region has undergone a profound transformation. In recent decades, China has prioritised infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic opportunities in the region. Between 2012 and 2024, Tibet’s road network nearly doubled to 120,000 kilometres, ensuring connectivity across all towns and villages. Official figures also show Tibet’s economy grew to 277 billion yuan (around $39 billion) in 2024, an increase of more than 150 times compared to 1965.

President Xi’s presence in Lhasa highlighted Beijing’s commitment to national unity and the prosperity of all ethnic groups. Under his leadership, Tibet has seen new momentum in poverty reduction, ecological protection, and sustainable development. Investments in renewable energy, cultural preservation, and border security have further reinforced the region’s role in China’s long-term strategy for stability and growth.

At the celebration, banners of gratitude read: “Grateful to General Secretary Xi, grateful to the Party Central Committee, and thankful to the people of the whole country.” The event served both as a commemoration of Tibet’s integration into modern China and a declaration of its bright future within the nation’s collective progress.