The Tibet Autonomous Region Data Management Bureau was officially launched in Lhasa, Tibet’s capital, on Feb. 6. The launch was in accordance with Chinese Communist Party General Secretary Xi Jinping’s directives on cyber power, strengthening digital infrastructure and governance, according to state media.

The primary objectives of the Autonomous Region Data Management Bureau include:

1. Implementing General Secretary Xi Jinping’s directives on cyber power and advancing the construction of digital China and digital government.
2. Promoting the implementation of the national big data strategy.
3. Reforming Tibet’s data management system to accelerate the region’s digital development.
4. Facilitating the development of Tibet’s digital economy.

The bureau will focus on several key areas:

1. Implementing district party committee and government requirements on data management.
2. Rationalizing the data development management system and operating mechanisms.
3. Establishing and improving basic data systems and standards.
4. Deepening the application of digital intelligence integration.
5. Promoting digital economy, green computing power and other relevant sectors.

The bureau is expected to play a crucial role in coordinating and organizing the implementation of data management policies. It will prioritize top-level design collaboration, strategy implementation collaboration and policy effect collaboration to ensure effective cooperation and mutual support in policy formulation and implementation processes.

The Tibet Autonomous Region recently held a thematic education summary meeting in Lhasa to discuss the study and implementation of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. Regional officials, including Wang Junzheng and Lian Yimin, attended the meeting, according to state media.

The meeting underscored the importance of comprehensively studying and implementing General Secretary Xi Jinping’s directives in “thematic education.”

Wang Junzheng highlighted the significant progress made in thematic education under the leadership of the Party Central Committee. He further outlined key areas for future development, emphasizing the need to strengthen political construction, discipline, organizational building, work style and system construction.

Lian Yimin stressed the significance of promoting Xi Jinping Thought throughout the party, encouraging continuous learning among party members and cadres, and prioritizing high-quality development in the region.

The meeting, conducted via video conference, connected members of the 12th Circuit Steering Group for Central Thematic Education, provincial leaders and relevant officials from various district government units.

Wang Junzheng, secretary of the Party Committee of the Autonomous Region and first secretary of the Party Committee of the Tibet Military Region, visited troops stationed in Tibet and armed police officers and soldiers on Feb. 6, just ahead of the Tibetan New Year celebrations.

During his visit, Wang Junzheng underscored to the troops the importance of embracing Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and implementing Xi Jinping Thought on Strengthening the Army. He instructed troops and armed police personnel to diligently adhere to military strategic guidelines for the new era. Emphasizing their role in consolidating the international border of Tibet, Wang Junzheng called upon the troops to steadfastly fulfill their mission.

In a recent gathering held in Ngari (Chinese: Ali), key officials including Deputy Secretary Wei Qiang and Deputy Commissioner Dechen Tsering convened for the Regional United Front Ministers’ Meeting. The meeting, which took place on Feb. 4, discussed and analyzed the outcomes of national and regional conferences, charting a course for the year ahead. With 2024 marking the 75th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China, the meeting underscored its significance as a pivotal year for achieving the objectives outlined in the “14th Five-Year Plan,” according to the Ngari Prefectural Committee United Front Work Department media release.

Building on strategic plans, attendees were told to strengthen their political stance and adhere to principles of the changing landscape of the United Front work. Emphasis was placed on adhering to principles, enhancing systems and mechanisms, and rigorously implementing action plans. Additionally, the meeting highlighted the importance of consolidating national unity, promoting economic development and advancing the Sinification of Tibetan Buddhism. The Regional United Front Ministers’ Meeting set a tone of proactive engagement and focused action.

Wang Huning, a CCP politburo standing committee member and chairman of China’s political advisory body, attended a meeting with leaders of various religious groups during the Spring Festival symposium to celebrate the New Year on Feb. 5.

He commended religious leaders’ work in 2023 and expressed expectations for continued collaboration in 2024.

He stressed the importance of studying and implementing General Secretary Xi Jinping’s directives on religious work. Key points included:

• Aligning religious activities with China’s modernization process.
• Fostering unity among religious figures and believers to contribute to “Chinese-style modernization.”
• Adhering to the “Sinicization” of China’s religions, integrating them with national identity and values.
• Promoting core socialist values within religious communities.
• Enhancing the identity and training of religious leaders and talent.

A meeting of the religious groups in Lhoka (Shanan) City on Feb. 2 called by the United Front Work Department focused on implementing General Secretary Xi Jinping’s directives on religious work and aligning with the party’s governing strategy for Tibet in the new era, according to state media.

Key discussions revolved around several themes:

• Embedding Xi Jinping’s religious work directives: Emphasis was placed on integrating his instructions into all aspects of religious practice, emphasizing socialist principles and upholding the party’s leadership.
• Promoting the Sinification of Buddhism: This involved discussions on fostering a Buddhist identity that aligns with Chinese national values and cultural context.
• Ensuring stability in the religious field: Vigilance against “separatist interference” was emphasized.
• Adherence to regulations: The symposium stressed the need to follow established laws and regulations governing religious activities.
• Supporting ethnic assimilation: Projects aiming at assimilation of different ethnic groups were encouraged.
• Addressing historical conflicts: The need to resolve past conflicts within the religious sphere peacefully and constructively was emphasized.
• Strengthening party leadership: Discussions centered on improving systems and cadre training to enhance the party’s guidance in religious affairs.

The United Front Work Department of the Municipal Party Committee conducted a collective talk for the newly appointed cadres of the temple management committees in Lhasa City on Feb. 2. According to state media, Karma Tseten, member of the Standing Committee of the Municipal Party Committee, minister of the United Front Work Department and deputy secretary of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference Party Group, emphasized in his speech political loyalty, responsibility in defending the “two establishments” and achieving the “two safeguards,” and embodying loyalty to the party through theoretical and policy study, promoting the Sinification of Tibetan Buddhism, proficiency in religious work policies and laws, strict adherence to discipline and strict implementation of the eight central regulations.