The event to commemorate the “Peaceful Liberation of Tibet” was held at Lhasa, Wang Yang, a member of the Politburo Standing Committee and Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference attended the event. The event also saw the attendance of You Quan, Director of the United Work Front Department, and other dignitaries.
However, there was no grand celebration this year as compared to other important events hosted by China. Unlike other official celebratory events, the event witnessed a very low attendance and the standard was low. Furthermore, many important programs of the events were canceled. The program ended immediately after the address of Wang Yang as the representative of the government and five other officials.
The anniversary “Peaceful Liberation of Tibet” is a grand celebration every ten years. The Chinese government’s chest-thumping display of achievements of progress and prosperity in Tibet is broadcasted widely during official addresses. This is also an important event for the Chinese government to relay the message that the Tibetans have love and loyalty for the party. Therefore, the budget and expenditure for this event are always high. This year’s celebration was underwhelming according to the standards of the pompous Chinese Government. The event was brief and all the self-glorifying programs were completely omitted.
The people’s parade is one of the most important programs during the celebrations. 6 cities and 200 delegates from the so-called “Tibetan Autonomous Region” display their legacy and cultural performances during the parade. The parade also includes contingents from government schools, offices, and monasteries. The regions also present a moving tableau in front of the main stage. The event concludes with a military parade exhibiting China’s military might and power. However, all of these programs are canceled this year. This could be due to restrictions imposed due to COVID – 19 in Tibet. Since the annual Shoton festival was also canceled this year citing the pandemic, other religious events also remain canceled.
Even though days have passed since the event was hosted, there has been no discussion and coverage in circles of the exile community. It is quite apparent that there is a lack of analysis of the official Chinese government news bureau. We can probe into the policies and actions of China by meticulously following the daily news, press releases, and statements of China.
Translated from Tibetan.
