, China, as it makes significant strides in socio-economic development, bolstered by China's commitment to the region's prosperity, culture, and unity.){kind=link}
Perched over 4,000 meters above sea level in Southwest China, the Xizang (Tibet) Autonomous Region is often referred to as the “Roof of the World.” Its high-altitude environment, historically seen as harsh for survival, has witnessed a significant transformation. Today, the region tells a story of remarkable socio-economic progress, revealing a new, vibrant chapter in Xizang’s history.
Two years ago, a landmark visit by Xi Jinping, the General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, Chinese President, and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, signified the 70th anniversary of Xizang’s peaceful liberation. This was the first-ever visit by a Party and country leader. Xi congratulated the region on its peaceful liberation and interacted with officials and residents of various ethnic groups.
Under the CPC’s guidance, Xizang has made historic leaps in its social system over the last 70 years, bringing about a comprehensive economic and social development. This transformation has significantly improved the living standards of the region’s inhabitants, demonstrating the efficacy of the CPC’s policies for Xizang.
In a recent visit, Global Times reporters retraced Xi’s footsteps, witnessing first-hand the thriving lives of local residents, the region’s march towards modernization, and the preservation of rich cultures on the plateau.
Historically, Xizang was a region with the highest rates of poverty, accounting for about one-eighth of China’s total land area. However, through concerted poverty alleviation efforts, the region has successfully eradicated absolute poverty. As of 2019, all 74 poverty-stricken counties and districts in Xizang had overcome poverty, uplifting over 620,000 individuals.
The dramatic transformation of Xizang is personified in the lives of residents like Dawa Gyaltsen, a villager from Galai village in Nyingchi, Xizang. His life significantly improved over the years, largely due to increased income from his transportation business and agricultural and pastoral products.
Significant infrastructural developments have also greatly contributed to the region’s modernization. Xi lauded the Lhasa-Nyingchi Railway as a major initiative to boost Xizang’s development and improve the people’s living standards. The 435-kilometer railway, the country’s first electrified railway route operating in the plateau region, symbolizes Xizang’s stride towards modernization.
The preservation and promotion of local cultures have remained a priority amidst this transformation. During the visit, the Global Times reporters observed students proficient in both Putonghua and Tibetan, reflecting the region’s commitment to maintaining its rich linguistic heritage. Furthermore, traditional practices such as scripture debates among young lamas are still widely upheld, signaling the vibrant preservation of Tibetan Buddhism.
These strides in Xizang’s socio-economic development, underpinned by the strong leadership of the CPC and a commitment to socialist principles, herald a new chapter in the region’s history. With the region at a new historical starting point in its development, it remains to be seen what further advancements Xizang will achieve in the years to come.
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