Xi Jinping visits Lhasa under tight security, ICT raises alarm

Chinese leader Xi Jinping arrived in Lhasa on August 20 to mark the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the so-called Tibet Autonomous Region. According to the International Campaign for Tibet (ICT), the visit coincided with heightened repression, including house arrests of former political prisoners and closure of key pilgrimage sites. Official media reported that Tibetans “warmly welcomed” Xi, but authorities only announced the event hours before, reflecting security concerns. ICT President Tencho Gyatso said the secrecy and controls show Beijing’s insecurity and efforts to project authority in Tibet.