China pushes Xizang terminology in English state media to assert control over Tibet
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Chinese state media outlets like Xinhua and People's Daily have shifted from using "Tibet" to using "Xizang" in English articles since China released a white paper on "Xizang" governance in November.
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The change reflects Beijing's emphasis on asserting sovereignty over Tibet and exercising "discourse power."
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Some Chinese scholars had previously called for using "Xizang" in English to help "reconstruct" Tibet's image.
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China seeks to promote use of "standard Chinese" (Mandarin) in ethnic minority regions to strengthen national identity.
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Experts say the terminology change is unlikely to affect how the international community refers to the region.