China’s Xi Jinping Aims to Reshape Tibetan Society

The recent visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to Tibet highlights Beijing’s intention to alter the region’s religious, cultural, and political landscape. Xi’s agenda includes assimilating Tibetan Buddhism into the socialist framework. His government emphasizes the need for Tibetan Buddhism to conform to communist principles. The initiative intends to establish Mandarin as the dominant language in education and administration. Simultaneously, the government is focused on separating religion from politics, with Beijing retaining the power to decide the Dalai Lama’s reincarnation. Despite China’s claim that these steps are for development and unity, they have attracted international criticism, with human rights groups accusing China of cultural repression.