Senior Chinese leader Wang Huning used a four-day visit to Tibet to reinforce Beijing’s implementation of a new ethnic unity law and its priorities of social stability and stronger ideological control in the region. Wang called for full implementation of the recent legislation, greater alignment of Tibetan Buddhists with Communist Party policies, and expanded education efforts to promote a singular national identity.

Wang stressed, among other things, a focus on a single national language and the Sinicisation of religious practice, longstanding efforts underscoring a drive towards assimilation and conformity—and heavily tied to attention on governance and security in China’s diverse broader regions. The new law, which took effect this month, has drawn criticism from rights groups and foreign governments that argue it improperly strengthens state authority over minority cultures and religious practices, while Chinese officials maintain it is intended to promote national cohesion and long-term stability.

Full report: Senior Chinese leader Wang Huning tours Tibet, stresses ethnic unity, stability.