From major tier one cities to China's most distant lands, they all come to the Two Sessions each year to have their voices heard. CGTN's Sean Callebs spent much of the day with the delegation from Xizang – an area eager for growth, but also working hard to preserve its rich local culture. It is also a region coming to grips with a devastating magnitude 6.8 earthquake that hit earlier this year.
The future has reached the "Roof of the World." It is coming in the form of new roads, new housing and schools. It is coming from economic development fueled by a vastly improved power system. In Beijing, Two Sessions leaders are making it clear, the commitment to the region is strong.
GAMA ZEDENG, Chairman, The Government of Xizang Autonomous Region "The regional GDP has grown from 327 million yuan in 1965, when the autonomous region was established, to 276.494 billion yuan in 2024 – an increase of 152.7 times."
La Qiong grew up where the air is thin, but the dedication to preserving the rich diverse environment is iron-clad. For those who have never visited the region – La Qiong says new roads, bringing more citizens and tourists are not coming at the expense of the delicate ecological balance.
LA QIONG, NPC Deputy, Professor of Eco-environment School of Xizang University "The government's management has been excellent, with protective measures in place. And more tourists now have a strong awareness of environmental protection – they rarely litter, pick wild plants, or disturb animals."
Some in the delegation come in the distinct local outfit – known as a "chuba." Lhasa's historic city – traditional attire – and above all, the region's natural beauty drew a staggering 55 million visitors last year. Cultural tourism is the economic linchpin. This year the autonomous region is celebrating its 60th anniversary. But as the year's tick by – its relationship with the past is not swept away.
BAIMA CUO NPC, Deputy "At this year's Xizang New Year Gala, many young people, especially those born in the 1980s and 1990s, performed traditional songs."
SEAN CALLEBS, The Great Hall of the People, Beijing "The Great Hall of the People, where delegates meet, is a long way from the High Plateau. But when the region needed help the most, after a devastating earthquake that claimed scores of lives help was there. Not only from Beijing, but throughout China."
GAMA ZEDENG, Chairman, The Government of Xizang Autonomous Region "Ten minutes after the earthquake, aircraft took off together. Thirty minutes after the quake, rescue operations began in the central area. This was unimaginable and difficult to achieve in the past."
LA QIONG, NPC Deputy, Professor of Eco-environment School of Xizang University "Regarding this earthquake in Xizang, support has come from all across China, including civil organizations, enterprises, the government, and the military in an all-around effort. Personally, I find this very moving – the response has been highly efficient."
The delegation says the region is poised for "strong and powerful growth." Strong and powerful could also define the people here, and the support they receive from throughout the country. Sean Callebs, CGTN, Beijing.
