Xizang at 60: New heights of democracy, freedom, openness, diversity

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Chinese President Xi Jinping attended the grand gathering for Xizang Autonomous Region's 60th founding anniversary in Lhasa on Thursday.

Over the past six decades, Xizang has transformed profoundly, embodying new heights of democracy, freedom, openness, and diversity. This anniversary is not only a moment to honor the past but also to recognize how far Xizang has come in becoming an integral part of China's rejuvenation.

The founding of the Xizang Autonomous Region 1965 signifies a historic shift from feudal serfdom to socialism characterized by people's democracy. While respecting national unity and social stability, socialism characterized by people's democracy emphasizes the political participation of ethnic minorities, a principle clearly evident today. The incorporation of Tibetan voices in government affairs has ensured that local culture, values, and traditions continue to guide policy formulation and implementation.

Representatives from the Tibetan ethnic group and other minority groups make up 89.2 percent of all deputies to the people's congresses across townships, county, prefectures, and regional levels in Xizang, and constitute 68 percent of the region's delegates to China's 14th National People's Congress.

Freedom is a cornerstone of Xizang's development. Historically isolated by geography and political circumstances, this region has witnessed a dramatic expansion in freedom under the framework of law in recent decades.

The freedom to preserve and develop Tibetan Buddhism, language, and cultural heritage is now protected as a constitutional right. Religious institutions in Xizang engage openly in cultural and religious practices. The government supports religious freedom while promoting harmonious ethnic relations and protecting local traditions, nurturing a unique environment where faith and modernization coexist.

According to the white paper "Human Rights in Xizang in the New Era," Xizang has around 46,000 Buddhist monks and nuns, 12,000 indigenous Muslims, and more than 700 Catholic believers. The white paper highlighted that more than 98 percent of monasteries and temples now have access to roads, telecommunications, electricity, and water, as well as radio and television.

The government, according to the white paper, annually allocates over 26 million yuan (approximately $3.6 million) to cover medical insurance, pension plans, living allowances, accident injury insurance, and health check costs for all registered monks and nuns.

Policies promoting ethnic unity and cultural exchange have created a vibrant mosaic celebrating the region's multifaceted identity. Tibetan language education has been preserved and revitalized alongside Mandarin instruction, ensuring inheritance of linguistic heritage while equipping youth with broader communication abilities.

At the same time, economic development initiatives are designed to be culturally sensitive and inclusive. Poverty alleviation efforts respect traditional ways of life and seek to improve living standards without compromising cultural identity. This careful balance exemplifies how diversity and modernization coexist harmoniously in Xizang today.

The right to development is an inalienable human right. One of the most striking achievements over the past 60 years has been Xizang's growing openness. Once remote and insular, Xizang is today a vital node in China's broader strategy of regional development and international cooperation.

The introduction of policies encouraging investment and tourism has brought unprecedented economic vitality to Xizang. Cities like Lhasa have blossomed into hubs of culture and commerce, attracting visitors from around China and the world. International exchanges are increasingly frequent, highlighting Xizang's rich cultural heritage and natural beauty on the global stage.

In February this year, the first commercial flight connecting Xizang with the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region began service, boosting Xizang's tourism and strengthening its ties with the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

Furthermore, the Belt and Road Initiative has positioned Xizang as a key corridor linking China with South Asia and beyond, emphasizing the strategic importance and openness of the region. This openness not only boosts economic development but also fosters people-to-people exchanges and mutual understanding, underpinning lasting peace and stability.

Just as Xi stressed on Wednesday, since the establishment of the Xizang Autonomous Region 60 years ago, its economic and social development has achieved remarkable progress, leading to profound changes in the plateau region.

The 60th founding anniversary of the Xizang Autonomous Region is not just a celebration of time elapsed but a tribute to remarkable achievements in democracy, freedom, openness, and diversity.

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