What Changes is China’s Xi Jinping Seeking in Tibet?

Chinese President Xi Jinping recently visited Tibet, during which he reiterated Beijing’s commitment to reshaping Tibetan Buddhism to align with socialist ideology and the nation’s broader framework. These alterations extend beyond religious practices, encompassing language, culture, and administrative structures. At a ceremony in Lhasa, Xi emphasized the necessity for Tibetan Buddhism to integrate within socialist society, effectively meaning the religion’s form would be molded according to the Chinese Communist Party’s principles. This move follows China’s long-standing policy of Sinicizing religions.