China Intensifies Repression in Tibet Under New Senior Official

Lhasa – 25.06.2026: Since the appointment of a new senior official in Tibet, Tibetans have reported increased repression by Chinese authorities. This includes the destruction of religious symbols, the removal of prayer flags in publicly accessible areas, as well as the replacement of Tibetan officials with Chinese functionaries. These developments resemble elements of a new “cultural revolution” and indicate a systematic tightening of control.

Reports from the Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD) document that China is reinforcing its political and ideological control over the region through a series of legal reforms, administrative orders, surveillance measures, and political campaigns. The goal is to shape Tibetan identity in a way that promotes loyalty to the Communist Party of China (CPC) and restricts cultural and religious particularities.

Particularly concerning is the case of the Tibetan religious leader Tulku Hungkar Dorje, who was arrested during a joint operation by Chinese and Vietnamese authorities in Vietnam and subsequently extrajudicially killed. This incident has caused great distress within the Tibetan community and internationally and highlights the transnational dimension of the repression.

Since early 2026, the Chinese government has deployed over 22,000 officials to Tibetan villages to intensify political education, promote Party organizations at the local level, and ensure so-called social stability. Critics such as the International Campaign for Tibet see this as a means of political indoctrination and increased surveillance of the population.

The “Law for the Promotion of Ethnic Unity and Progress,” adopted on March 12, 2026, and effective from July 1, 2026, raises concerns about forced assimilation of Tibetans. This law enshrines the subordination of Tibetan identity under a “Chinese nation” defined by the CPC and weakens regional autonomy rights.

The international community, including the United Nations, has repeatedly criticized the human rights situation in Tibet. Volker Turk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, urged Chinese authorities not to use restrictive legal provisions to suppress the peaceful exercise of fundamental rights and to end the arbitrary detention of individuals.

Despite this criticism, the Chinese government remains committed to its policy of increased control and assimilation in Tibet. The Tibetan population continues to face significant challenges in preserving their cultural and religious traditions.

The situation in Tibet remains tense. Observers expect that international cooperation to safeguard human rights and support Tibetan culture and religion will be maintained.