Young Tibetans learning Xi Jinping Thought for government jobs

Young Tibetans looking at Xi Jinping's book in a Lhasa bookshop.

Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese characteristics for a New Era has been heavily promoted by the CCP in recent years.

Young Tibetans aiming to get a government job, which are some of the most sought after jobs in the country, have to join the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and study the political thought of President Xi Jinping.

Many Tibetans are doing this to get stable and well-paid jobs.

 “There aren’t other jobs,” reported Lobsang Gelek, a reporter at RFA who acquired the information. “Book stores in Lhasa, the capital of Tibet are now filled with Xi Jinping’s books on China’s governance.”

Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese characteristics for a New Era has been heavily promoted by the CCP in recent years.

 In 2018, the preamble to the constitution of the People's Republic of China was updated to include a reference to the Xi Jinping Thought, which consists of 14 areas that the CCP must prioritise. 

These include national security and ensuring that the CCP oversees all forms of work in the People's Republic of China.

This latest development follows the presentation by Chinese President Xi Jinping of the policy direction for Tibet at a high level meeting in Beijing from 29 to 30 August.

During the presentation, Xi called for strengthened leadership teams at all levels of the CCP in Tibet to improve Beijing’s control.

Xi said there needed to be mass education to promote socialism with Chinese characteristics, which should include changes to school textbooks. Xi also expressed that Buddhism should be adapted to the Chinese socialist system so patriotism is prioritised over religion.