The trip underscores Beijing’s focus on tightening party control over ethnic minorities, especially in the restive region.

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 called for his government to tighten its ethnic-assimilation campaign during a rare visit to Tibet, throwing a spotlight on a region that’s also been a source of tension with India even as the rivals improve ties.