Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday attended a grand ceremony in Lhasa to mark the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Tibet Autonomous Region, during a rare visit to the sensitive region.

In his address, Xi called for “ethnic unity and religious harmony,” stressing Beijing’s commitment to maintaining stability and promoting development in Tibet.

Senior Chinese officials at the event praised what they described as significant progress and economic transformation in the region since it came under Beijing’s control.

However, rights groups continue to accuse China of suppressing Tibetan culture, curbing religious freedoms, and subjecting the region to extensive surveillance.

Beijing rejects these allegations, insisting its policies have brought peace, modernization, and improved living standards to one of China’s poorest areas.

Xi’s visit comes at a delicate time, with growing international attention on the question of succession to the 14th Dalai Lama, now 90 and living in exile in India.

Observers say the issue could heighten tensions between Beijing and Tibetan communities both at home and abroad.