Two Days Back to Beijing: Xi Jinping's Visit to Tibet Raises Questions

Dark clouds hang over Tiananmen Square in Beijing. (Lintao Zhang/Getty Images)

[People News] On August 21, Xi Jinping, the leader of the Communist Party of China, wrapped up a brief two-day visit to Tibet and returned to Beijing, which has once again sparked curiosity: Was Xi's trip to Tibet merely to make an appearance at a conference where his speech was unnecessary? Or was it an attempt by the Communist Party to quell external 'rumours' about his health and loss of power? Notably, Xi's visit to Tibet in 2021 lasted three days.

According to reports from the Communist Party, Xi's schedule was tightly packed during his two-day trip. He arrived at noon on the 20th, first listening to work reports from the Tibet Autonomous Region Party Committee and government in the afternoon, then meeting with representatives from various sectors in Tibet, and in the evening, he attended a cultural performance. On the morning of the 21st, he attended a conference and flew back to Beijing in the afternoon. Given the high altitude in Tibet, could Xi, who is in poor health, really endure it?

In two previous articles, the author highlighted eight peculiarities that emerged from Xi's brief visit to Tibet. Additionally, there is another oddity concealed in the reports from state media.

After listening to the work reports from senior officials in Tibet's Party and government on the afternoon of the 20th, Xi delivered a lengthy speech filled with empty rhetoric and clichés, yet he did not offer a single word of affirmation regarding their work. In contrast, during Xi's 2021 visit to Tibet, when he still held the 'supreme' status, state media reported that Xi 'affirmed the achievements made in various work in Tibet and hoped that the Autonomous Region Party Committee and government would unite and lead the vast number of cadres and the masses to work together and forge ahead...,' which reflects the posture of someone in a higher position.

On the afternoon of the 20th, during a meeting with representatives from various ethnic groups and sectors in Tibet, state media reported that Xi Jinping (Xi Jinxing) "extended sincere greetings and heartfelt wishes on behalf of the Party Central Committee to the sons and daughters of all ethnic groups in Tibet," followed by a simple listing of the attendees, which included the stationed troops in Tibet.

The report indicated that Xi warmly met with leaders and officials above the rank of colonel from the troops stationed in Lhasa, as well as some exemplary grassroots personnel and civilian staff, conveying sincere greetings from the Party Central Committee and the Central Military Commission to all officers and soldiers of the stationed troops in Tibet, and took a group photo with them. As the Chairman of the Military Commission, does Xi have no other responsibilities beyond these meetings and expressions of comfort?

A comparison with the report from July 2021, when Xi met with the stationed troops in Tibet, highlights some differences. At that time, the report stated that Xi "extended sincere greetings to all officers and soldiers of the stationed troops in Tibet and fully acknowledged the outstanding contributions made by them. He emphasised the need to implement the Party's strong military thought in the new era, adhere to the military strategic guidelines of the new era, vigorously promote the 'Old Tibet Spirit,' and comprehensively strengthen training and preparation for war, actively contributing to the long-term stability and prosperous development of Tibet."

In contrast, this year's report on Xi's meeting with the stationed troops in Tibet did not include any words of affirmation or further directives.

As the leader of the Communist Party, he is unable to affirm the work of senior party and government officials; as the Chairman of the Military Commission, he cannot acknowledge the contributions of the stationed troops in Tibet or provide guidance. Is this due to the fact that a stand-in went to Tibet, or are the rumours of Xi losing power more than just speculation?

Additionally, footage from the Central Chinese Television (CCTV) reveals that during a photo opportunity with Tibetan military officials, the commander of the Tibet Military District, Wang Kai, was notably absent. To Xi Jinping's left was Zhang Shengmin, a member of the Central Military Commission and secretary of the Military Commission's Discipline Inspection Commission, while to his right sat Yuan Honggang, the political commissar of the Tibet Military District. Analysts speculate that Wang Kai may have faced an incident or chose to be absent due to his loyalty to Zhang Youxia, following Zhang's orders. It is worth noting that it is unusual for Zhang Youxia not to accompany Xi on this visit to Tibet.

Following the closed-door meeting in Beidaihe, a mix of true and false rumours has surfaced overseas, including claims that Xi is merely a figurehead and that his health has once again declined. In an attempt to counter these rumours, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has sought to showcase Xi's visit to Tibet as a means of reassurance, but this has instead highlighted further inconsistencies. The CCP's efforts to conceal the truth are evident, yet one must remember that paper cannot contain fire.

(First published by People News) △