Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Tibet on Wednesday, a region where Beijing has been accused of human rights abuses. Xi called for ethnic unity and religious harmony on his trip, in a visit with increased sensitivity as regards the succession of the 90-year-old Dalai Lama.

Following the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday, and in advance of the 60th anniversary of the Tibet Autonomous Region, Beijing puts on a show of force.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping has made a rare visit to Tibet to mark the 60th anniversary of the consolidation of Beijing’s long-contested rule over the Himalayan territory.