Transforming Tibet: China releases white paper on 60 years of Tibet democratic reform

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02:41

As Tibet commemorates 60 years of democratic reform, China releases a white paper on the initiative's achievements. CGTN's Zheng Yibing has the details.

Tremendous changes have swept across Tibet since first undergoing democratic reform back in 1959.

Facts and figures now show how Tibet moved from a dark time of feudal serfdom, to a day when the productive forces were greatly emancipated, and locals became the masters of their own lives.

NORBU DONDRUP, EXECUTIVE VICE CHAIRMAN TIBETAN AUTONOMOUS REGIONAL PEOPLE'S GOVERNMENT "The white paper reflects the historical progress in six decades of political and economic development, social development, conservation of ecological civilization, freedom of religious beliefs, and equality and unity among Tibetan people."

According to the white paper, since 1959, the local GDP in Tibet Autonomous Region has grown from 174 million, to 148 BILLION yuan; a 191-fold increase.

The poverty rate has fallen to under six percent. And the life expectancy of Tibet's people has increased from about 36 to over 68. Officials say this is a reflection of human rights progress.

NORBU DONDRUP, EXECUTIVE VICE CHAIRMAN TIBETAN AUTONOMOUS REGIONAL PEOPLE'S GOVERNMENT "Human rights are essentially the rights for survival and development. Tibet has achieved history-making strides compared with the old days."

According to the white paper, instead of feudal aristocracy 60 years ago, over 92 percent of local people's congresses are comprised of Tibetan and other nationalities from all walks of life.

Such reverses are in every aspect of local people's lives, like education, health care, transportation and social insurance. But as for traditions, more efforts lie ahead in protecting and persevering them.

NORBU DONDRUP, EXECUTIVE VICE CHAIRMAN TIBETAN AUTONOMOUS REGIONAL PEOPLE'S GOVERNMENT "Our law guarantees the religious freedom for everyone. And there is no limit on that. Besides, our country continuously renovates the venues for religious activities and provides water, electricity and builds roads for them. This was so hard to believe in the past."

The officials also stressed that all of these achievements are the results of a unified China, and various aid from across the country from governments or from companies.

ZHENG YIBING BEIJING "For the foreseeable future, officials say continued efforts will be made, and local people in Tibet can expect even more advances in their living conditions. Zheng Yibing, CGTN, Beijing."