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A Development Milestone

2020-09-16

Beijing Review 2020年37期

Tibet Autonomous Region marked its 55th anniversary on September 1. Now, with the rest of the nation it has another milestone to reach by the end of the year: completing building a moderately prosperous society in all respects.

Since Tibet, due to its high altitude, has harsh living and production conditions, it is one of the key target areas for the government to improve the local economy. The goal is to ensure that Tibets economic and social development keeps pace with the rest of the countrys.

Since 1980, the Central Government has convened the Central Symposium on Tibet Work seven times to formulate policies for the development of the region in line with the prevailing conditions. Subsequently, Tibet has achieved remarkable progress in its economic development, reflected in its modern highways, railways and airports, numerous schools, hospitals and religious activity venues.

Tibet follows the principle of regional ethnic autonomy and has seen considerable achievements in human rights protection. For instance, life expectancy in Tibet increased from 35.5 years before 1959 to 70.6 years in 2019. The progress is the result of following the socialist system with Chinese characteristics, the system of regional ethnic autonomy, and the government giving top priority to border areas and stability in Tibet in the governance of the country.

The Seventh Central Symposium on Tibet Work held on August 28-29 set out the general plan for the governance of Tibet. Formulated by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, it focuses Tibet-related work on safeguarding national unity and strengthening ethnic solidarity.

Law-based governance will be followed, peoples wellbeing improved and the economy boosted with long-term assistance. The government will take heed of both the domestic and international situations.

Improving peoples wellbeing and strengthening solidarity among the different ethnic groups will be the starting point of the economic and social development work in Tibet.

Exchanges among ethnic groups will be enhanced. Religions will be adapted to Chinese conditions and religious affairs managed according to law. Ecological protection would also be given top priority.

At the symposium, President Xi Jinping called for efforts to build a new and modern socialist Tibet that is united, prosperous, culturally advanced, harmonious and beautiful. He said the work must focus on safeguarding national unity and strengthening ethnic solidarity, with more education and guidance provided to the public to mobilize their participation in combating separatist activities.