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Read in Chinese
Speakers:
Mr. Wang Gang, deputy director of the Publicity Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC)
Mr. Yan Jinhai, deputy secretary of the CPC Xizang Autonomous Regional Committee and chairman of the People's Government of the Xizang Autonomous Region
Mr. Wang Haizhou, a member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Xizang Autonomous Regional Committee and director general of the Publicity Department of the CPC Xizang Autonomous Regional Committee
Mr. Xu Zhitao, vice chairman of the People's Government of the Xizang Autonomous Region
Chairperson:
Ms. Shou Xiaoli, deputy director general of the Press Bureau of the State Council Information Office (SCIO) and spokesperson of the SCIO
Date:
Nov. 10, 2023
Shou Xiaoli:
Ladies and gentlemen, good morning. Today, the State Council Information Office (SCIO) has organized this press conference to release a white paper titled "CPC Policies on the Governance of Xizang in the New Era: Approach and Achievements." We have invited Mr. Wang Gang, deputy director of the Publicity Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) to release and interpret the white paper. Also present today are Mr. Yan Jinhai, deputy secretary of the CPC Xizang Autonomous Regional Committee and chairman of the People's Government of the Xizang Autonomous Region; Mr. Wang Haizhou, a member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Xizang Autonomous Regional Committee and director general of the Publicity Department of the CPC Xizang Autonomous Regional Committee; and Mr. Xu Zhitao, vice chairman of the People's Government of the Xizang Autonomous Region. They will brief you on the white paper and take your questions.
First, I'll give the floor to Mr. Wang to release the white paper.
Wang Gang:
Ladies and gentlemen, friends from the media, good morning. Xizang is a border area mostly inhabited by ethnic minorities. The CPC Central Committee has attached great importance to the development of Xizang and focused its attention on the people in the region. Since the 18th CPC National Congress, the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core has placed significant emphasis on ensuring the long-term stability, prosperity, and development of Xizang. The CPC Central Committee held the sixth and seventh national meetings on Xizang in 2015 and 2020, respectively, offering comprehensive guidance for the work in Xizang in the new era. These meetings have outlined a clear direction for promoting enduring stability, fostering high-quality development, meeting the people's aspirations for a better life, and realizing socialist modernization in the region. Xizang has successfully addressed numerous long-standing challenges, and reached significant milestones that were previously unattainable. It has witnessed comprehensive progress and historic accomplishments across various sectors, and ensured and realized moderate prosperity together with the rest of the country, marking a new crucial phase in achieving long-term stability and driving high-quality development.
The seventh National Meeting on Xizang included a comprehensive review of the Party's successful experience in governing Xizang and ensuring its stability. It clearly outlined 10 guidelines on the governance of Xizang in the new era. Today, the State Council Information Office (SCIO) is releasing the white paper "CPC Policies on the Governance of Xizang in the New Era: Approach and Achievements."
Guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, the white paper fully implements the guiding principles of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speeches at the seventh National Meeting on Xizang and during his visit to Xizang. With a focus on the 10 guidelines for governing Xizang in the new era, the white paper extensively covers Xizang's advancements in various aspects, including politics, economy, culture, ethnicity, religion, society, and environment. Through concrete examples and detailed data, the white paper thoroughly illustrates Xizang's remarkable achievements in eradicating poverty, realizing moderate prosperity, enhancing social stability, fostering economic and cultural prosperity, improving the environment, and enhancing the quality of life for its people. The white paper also demonstrates the implementation of the Party's policies on religion, the ongoing fight against secessionism, the continued progress in guiding Tibetan Buddhism in adapting to socialist society, and the people's growing sense of national identity. It vividly portrays the remarkable journey of striving toward a united, prosperous, civilized, harmonious, beautiful, and modernized socialist Xizang. The progress made in Xizang serves as compelling evidence that the CPC policies on the governance of Xizang in the new era are absolutely correct.
The white paper is structured into three sections: the foreword, the main body, and the conclusion. The main body, the text encompasses six key aspects, namely full implementation of the new development philosophy, notable achievements in cultural and ethical development, solid progress in ethnic and religious undertakings, sustained and stable social development, stronger eco-environmental security barrier, and strengthening democracy and the rule of law.
First, full implementation of the new development philosophy. In practicing the CPC guidelines on the governance of Xizang in the new era, we adhere to a people-centered approach to development and fully and faithfully apply the new development philosophy on all fronts. We focus on improving people's lives and strengthening unity in promoting comprehensive and rapid economic and social progress. Consistent support has been extended to facilitate the development of Xizang. In 2022, Xizang's GDP reached 213.364 billion yuan, an increase by a factor of 2.28 compared with that in 2012 at constant prices. Xizang has witnessed significant enhancements in infrastructure construction, a historic eradication of absolute poverty, and notable advancements in common prosperity. These improvements have ensured that people of all ethnic groups in Xizang have greater senses of gain, fulfillment, and security. Nyima Tsering, a leading performer of Tibetan Opera, said, "In the old days, we performed Tibetan Opera to please the serf owners. Today, we do it to showcase the better life we are living now."
Second, notable achievements in cultural and ethical development. The CPC guidelines on the governance of Xizang in the new era advocate being guided by core socialist values, actively promoting China's fine traditional culture, fostering the growth and development of an advanced socialist culture, and continuously encouraging the preservation and innovative development of ethnic cultures. Xizang has effectively safeguarded its historical and cultural heritages, ensuring the protection and development of Tibetan medicine and the proper preservation of Tibetan classics. The study and use of the Tibetan language and script are guaranteed by law. In 2013, the country launched a priority cultural project – "Library of Chinese Classics: Tibetan Volume." According to the plan, the project would take 15 years to collect and publish important Tibetan classical works from the period between the Tubo Kingdom (618-842) and the peaceful liberation of Xizang in 1951. This is a landmark project in protecting and promoting traditional Tibetan culture. Furthermore, Xizang's public cultural endeavors are thriving, with a flourishing cultural industry and a vibrant and diverse spiritual and cultural life enjoyed by people of all ethnic groups.
Third, solid progress in ethnic and religious undertakings. The CPC policies on the governance of Xizang in the new era uphold the principle that religions in China must be Chinese in orientation. The guidelines actively provide guidance to religions so that they can adapt to the socialist society, and promote interactions, exchanges and integration among all ethnic groups. The guidelines require that the region's development serves to benefit ethnic unity and progress and to safeguard national unity and oppose separatism. Under the sound guidance of the CPC guidelines for governing Xizang in the new era, the region has fully guaranteed the freedom of religious beliefs, further enhanced the systems and mechanisms for law-based management of religious affairs, and deepened the "five identifications" (identifying with the great motherland, the Chinese nation, Chinese culture, the Communist Party of China, and socialism with Chinese characteristics). These guidelines have consistently fortified ethnic unity and progress, and strengthened the sense of Chinese identity. At the national level, 140 groups and 189 individuals in Xizang were honored by the State Council as models of ethnic solidarity and progress.
Fourth, sustained and stable social development. The CPC policies on the governance of Xizang in the new era have emphasized the importance of accurately understanding the present work in Xizang, coordinating development and security, strengthening social governance, and safeguarding national security, social stability, and the people's wellbeing. By following those policies, Xizang has embarked on a high-quality development path that aligns with its specific realities and circumstances. The social governance capacity and modernization level of Xizang have undergone significant improvements. Comprehensive systems, including a modern education system, a housing support system, a public health service system, and an inclusive social security system, have been effectively established throughout the region. Notable achievements have been made in building a safe Xizang. The public's satisfaction and support for the Party and the government continued to increase. Lhasa has made the list of the "Happiest Cities in China" seven times. The safety index of people of all ethnic groups in the region has stayed above 99% for years.
Fifth, stronger eco-environmental security barrier. The CPC policies on the governance of Xizang in the new era require the region to prioritize ecological conservation, and firm up the concept that lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets and so are ice and snow. The policies also stress the importance of following a holistic approach to coordinating conservation and development, resolutely pursuing green and sustainable development, and striving to build a beautiful Xizang where human beings and nature coexist in harmony. Through consistent efforts, the construction of Xizang's nature reserve system has entered a new stage. The number and the total area of nature reserves have significantly increased; biodiversity on the plateau has gradually improved; the eco-environmental governance system has continued to optimize; and people's living environment has kept getting better. Xizang's rich eco-environmental resources are becoming the "real estate for a happy life" that the local people can see and keep. The development of the green and low-carbon industry has opened up a beautiful path toward prosperity and happiness, which enhances not only the quality of life for the people but also the border security. From 2016 to 2022, 8.32 million mu (554,666 hectares) of forests were planted in Xizang, and 537,700 eco-environmental conservation jobs were created on average each year.
Sixth, strengthening democracy and the rule of law. The CPC policies on the governance of Xizang in the new era emphasize that, to ensure the work on Xizang is carried out well, the CPC leadership, socialism with Chinese characteristics, and the system of regional ethnic autonomy must be upheld to provide the fundamental guarantee for Xizang's long-term stability, prosperity, and development. In the new era, Xizang has made continuous progress in advancing socialist democracy and fully implementing the system of regional ethnic autonomy. Democracy has been translated into extensive, pragmatic, and vivid actions at the grassroots; marked progress has been made in the governance of Xizang according to law; and anti-corruption efforts have been intensified. The CPC's overall leadership over Xizang has continued to strengthen, and the right of all people of all ethnic groups to be masters of the region and the country has been effectively ensured.
That's all for my introduction. Thank you.
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Shou Xiaoli:
Thank you, Mr. Wang. Next, let's give the floor to Mr. Yan Jinhai for his introduction.
Yan Jinhai:
Ladies and gentlemen, friends from the media, good morning. I'm very glad to be here with you to jointly witness the release of the white paper titled "CPC Policies on the Governance of Xizang in the New Era: Approach and Achievements." On behalf of the Party committee and government of the Xizang Autonomous Region, as well as the over 3.6 million people of various ethnic groups in the region, I would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to friends from all walks of life who have shown longstanding care and support for Xizang's development.
Looking back, we have accomplished remarkable achievements. General Secretary Xi Jinping has shown the utmost support and placed high hopes on the Xizang Autonomous Region. He has made three inspection trips to Xizang and presided over two national meetings on Xizang. By doing so, he has steered the region in the right direction and outlined the CPC policies on the governance of Xizang in the new era. Since the 18th CPC National Congress, we have borne in mind General Secretary Xi Jinping's expectations, and shouldered the responsibilities for maintaining stability, facilitating development, protecting the eco-environment and safeguarding the borders. These four main tasks define the role of the autonomous region in big-picture terms, putting forward comprehensive requirements and providing whole-process guidelines for us to work hard with an enterprising spirit and achieve all-round progress and historic success in various undertakings. To be specific, we have made achievements in the following aspects:
First, since the new era, Xizang has adhered to the people-centered development philosophy, presenting a new outlook for living a peaceful, prosperous, and happy life. All 628,000 registered impoverished people have been lifted out of poverty, and all 74 impoverished counties have shaken off poverty. It can be said that we have secured a historic success in eradicating absolute poverty, which is remarkable considering the extremely challenging conditions of the snowy plateau. The per capita disposable income of all residents has ranked first nationwide for eight consecutive years. Xizang has been a pioneer in providing 15 years of free education, from kindergarten to high school, and ensuring that all schools have heating facilities. In terms of healthcare, we have achieved the goal of ensuring that minor ailments are treated at the county level, moderate ailments at the prefecture level, and major ailments at the autonomous region level. The average life expectancy has increased to 72.19 years, and everyone, whether in urban or rural areas, has access to medical insurance. The participation rate in basic pension insurance remains above 96%, significantly improving the living standards of people of all ethnic groups.
Second, since the new era, Xizang has followed the comprehensive national security concept, presenting a new outlook of unity, harmony, stability, and peace. We have continued to strengthen the sense of community for the Chinese nation, formulating and implementing regulations and plans to build model areas for ethnic unity and progress. We have achieved ethnic unity and progress at all levels, from regions, cities, and counties to townships, villages, and even households and individuals. We have made consistent efforts to adapt Tibetan Buddhism to China's realities, and conduct education on "national identity, civic responsibility, and rule of law awareness." For the first time in the 1,000-year history of Tibetan Buddhism, all our ordained monks and nuns have access to medical insurance, pension insurance, social assistance, accident insurance, and health check-ups. For the first time they have been entitled to old-age pensions. We have continued to accelerate the construction of a law-based Xizang and a peaceful Xizang. For many years, there have been no major politically motivated, collective, or violent terrorist incidents. The sense of security and satisfaction among people of all ethnic groups has consistently ranked among the highest in the country. To be frank, if you have the opportunity to visit Lhasa, Xizang, and take a stroll along the bustling Barkhor Street, you will hardly see any thieves.
Third, since the new era, Xizang has implemented the new development philosophy in full, to the letter and in all fields, presenting a new outlook of prosperity and progress. Xizang's GDP has been growing at an average annual growth rate of 8.6%, ranking among the top in the country. From January to September this year, its GDP growth rate reached 9.8%, ranking first nationwide. All rural residents have access to safe drinking water. However, Xizang has a high altitude and a cold climate. Although we basically solved the issue of safe drinking water during the poverty alleviation period, there were some seasonal water shortages in areas above 4,500 meters, especially for farmers and herders. The Party committee and government of the autonomous region gave high priority to this issue. Last year, we launched a major project to improve people's livelihood and effectively solved this problem. The four "power corridors" of Qinghai-Xizang, Sichuan-Xizang, central Xizang, and Ngari electric transmission lines have connected all 74 counties in the region. The mileage in highways open to traffic has exceeded 120,000 kilometers. By the end of this year, there will be seven airports in operation, with 154 civil aviation routes linking 70 cities. The passenger throughput has exceeded 6 million. The Fuxing bullet train has reached the plateau. All the 5,400 administrative villages across the region have fiber-optic broadband and 4G signals. The average living space in rural and pastoral areas has reached over 40 square meters per person. The people of all ethnic groups have experienced tremendous historical changes in their lives, moving from water buckets to tap water, from oil lamps to electric lights, from dirt roads to paved roads, and from traditional tents to modern buildings.
Fourth, since the new era, Xizang has given high priority to ecological protection and green development, creating a beautiful landscape of blue skies, green land, and clear waters. Ecological protection has been constantly strengthened. We have vigorously implemented the Law of the People's Republic of China on Ecological Conservation on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and Regulations on Developing National Eco-Civilization Model in the Xizang Autonomous Region. Xizang is the first region in China to have local regulations on ecological protection. The forest coverage rate in the entire region has increased to 12.31%. Xizang has the highest volume of standing timber in the world and the tallest tree in Asia, which is 102 meters high and located in Nyingchi. Nyingchi also has a giant cypress tree that is 3,200 years old, and walnut trees that are over a thousand years old can be found in many of its counties of Nyingchi. The coverage of grassland vegetation has reached 47.14%. The ecological environment has been constantly improved. Nature reserves cover 36% of the total area of the region, and the ecological "red lines" account for over 50% of the total area. The air quality is excellent for over 99% of the days. Especially in Lhasa, the air quality is among the best in China. In Lhasa, you can wear a white shirt for a week without washing it, and your leather shoes will stay shiny for a week without polishing them. The Second Comprehensive Scientific Expedition to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau has made remarkable discoveries, and the plateau has now achieved overall carbon neutrality. The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is leading the way in China's environmental protection. Our ecological protection efforts continue to pay off. The installed capacity of clean energy, both completed and under construction, has reached 24 million kilowatts. Xizang is endowed with abundant clean energy resources, including hydropower, solar, wind, and geothermal energy. Overall, Xizang ranks first in the country in terms of clean energy resources. Xizang produces more than 9.8 billion kilowatts of solar energy, making it an important source for China's clean energy in the future. The added value of the digital economy has exceeded 20 billion yuan, and people of all ethnic groups have become the guardians of a good ecological environment and beneficiaries of the idea that "Lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets." As Mr. Wang just mentioned, there are over 500,000 jobs every year for managing and protecting the environment, and the average annual benefit per person is 3,500 yuan.
Fifth, since the new era, we have adhered to the strategy that stability in Xizang is paramount in the governance of the border areas and the country as a whole, strengthening border defense and maintaining border security. We have made coordinated plans to build public service facilities such as schools, hospitals, and cultural and sports facilities in border areas. In 21 border counties, the economy and residents' income both maintained rapid growth, and standardized water supply plants and domestic garbage landfills are being built. A total of 624 villages realized moderate prosperity. All border counties have been connected to tarred roads; all border towns, townships, and villages can be reached by road; main power networks have covered all border towns and townships; and all villages have gained broadband access and 4G coverage. Different ethnic groups have thrived in high-altitude border areas like galsang flowers.
Sixth, since the new era, we have adhered to and enhanced the overall leadership of the Party, pooling strength and fostering an atmosphere of integrity. There are 446,100 Party members and more than 23,000 primary-level Party organizations in Xizang. We have overwhelmingly won the anti-corruption battle and continued to reinforce the results so that the foundations of the Party's governance in Xizang are cemented. We have always upheld the system of socialism with Chinese characteristics and the system of regional ethnic autonomy, and have been committed to the Party's leadership, the people's position as masters of the country, and the rule of law of the governance of Xizang. Tibetan and other ethnic minorities account for 89.2% of the deputies to people's congresses at different levels in Xizang and 85.7% of members of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) at different levels in Xizang. The majority ethnic group makes up 87% of the population in Xizang. These high proportions demonstrate that the exercise of rights conferred to all ethnic groups in Xizang is fully guaranteed.
Xizang has experienced huge changes, standing out as a vivid example of the monumental achievements and historical transformations achieved by the Party and the country in the new era. General Secretary Xi Jinping's important instructions regarding Xizang-related work and the Party's policies on the governance of Xizang in the new era offer the foundation, guidance, and strength for Xizang's development in the new era. Going forward, we will continue to center around the Party's policies on the governance of Xizang in the new era, keeping the big picture in mind and coordinating efforts. We will focus on maintaining stability, facilitating development, protecting the eco-environment, and safeguarding the borders. We will strive to establish model communities of ethnic unity and progress, build pilot areas for high-quality economic development in the plateau, develop a national eco-civilization model, and build a demonstration region for safeguarding, developing, and bringing prosperity to border areas. Through these efforts, we will write a new chapter in realizing modernization in Xizang through the Chinese path.
China has a saying that seeing is believing. Not long ago, we convened the third China Xizang Trans-Himalaya Forum for International Cooperation, with more than 130 political dignitaries and journalists from nearly 40 countries in attendance. The attendees found the Xizang trip a memorable one, noting that people's satisfaction testifies to good governance and efforts in promoting prosperity in the region. Many foreign statesmen, diplomats, and journalists visited villagers in Nyingchi, where houses are equipped with modern comforts and people live in happiness. They found what they saw is hugely different from what they had been told and is not like what they had heard. So they urged people not to be beguiled by false information, and instead go visit and experience Xizang in person. "Distance cannot separate true friends who remain close even when thousands of miles apart." You are welcome to visit Xizang to experience the natural scenery and ethnic culture and feel the social solidarity and the spirit of striving to break new ground, and then help present to the world a new socialist Xizang in all dimensions, objectively and truthfully.
This is my briefing. Thank you all!
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Shou Xiaoli:
Thank you, Mr. Yan. Next is the Q&A session. Please state the news outlet you represent before raising questions. The floor is now open for questions.
Economic Daily:
As of the end of 2019, 74 counties and districts and 628,000 people documented as impoverished in Xizang were lifted out of poverty, according to reports. How has Xizang consolidated and furthered the results of poverty alleviation efforts while promoting rural revitalization in the more than three years thereafter? Thank you.
Yan Jinhai:
Mr. Xu will answer this question.
Xu Zhitao:
Thank you for the question. We all know that Xizang used to be the only provincial-level contiguous poor area. However, through strenuous efforts, Xizang has realized moderate prosperity together with other regions of the country. Like Mr. Yan just mentioned, it is really difficult to eradicate absolute poverty in a place like Xizang, where you have to endure many hardships. After shaking off poverty, Xizang turned its focus to facilitating all villagers, promoting rural revitalization by boosting its industries, human resources, culture, eco-environment, and organizing ability in order to drive development. In recent years, we have been practical and made efforts in the following aspects:
First, we have improved mechanisms and stabilized policies. We reshuffled rural revitalization agencies at three levels, i.e. the autonomous region, city (prefecture), and county (district). We also formed a working mechanism in which the leading group for rural work takes the helm, offices of rural work at different levels coordinate efforts, work is divided between different task forces, and different sectors and departments fulfill their own functions. We made sure that even though poverty had been eliminated, all of the related responsibilities, policies, support, and oversight remained in place. We also issued more than 30 succeeding policies concerning industrial development, employment, and people's basic living needs to ensure access to compulsory education, basic medical services, and safe housing.
Second, we have adopted a bottom-line mindset to cement previous successes. We have improved the dynamic monitoring and assistance mechanism to prevent people from slipping back into poverty. We have ensured that all dropouts from compulsory education from families who had shaken off poverty have returned to school. For subsistence allowance recipients and low-income populations in urban and rural areas, the proportion of their self-paid expenses covered by medical assistance reached 95% and 90%, respectively. In farming and pastoral areas within the autonomous region, we conducted housing examinations for 481,000 households to identify safety hazards and continued to enhance dynamic monitoring of drinking water safety.
Third, we have advanced development and increased residents' incomes. The autonomous region integrated and coordinated the use of government funds of 15.3 billion yuan and 14.8 billion yuan for rural development in 2021 and 2022, respectively, ensuring financial support for rural revitalization. We have strengthened the follow-up asset management of poverty alleviation projects and upgraded those projects. The per capita net income of people lifted out of poverty was 13,800 yuan in 2022, and its average annual growth rate was higher than that of the per capita disposable income of residents in the region's farming and pastoral areas.
Fourth, we have boosted rural revitalization in a fast yet steady manner. Since 2021, we have built 300 beautiful and livable villages and certified 505 demonstration ones. We launched a program to cultivate new customs and habits among farmers and herders, promoted the application of the scoring system in rural governance, and conducted various activities to form village rules, promote fine culture, and beautify villages.
We also implemented an outreach work system for rural revitalization among provincial-level officials. I'm now responsible for relevant work regarding a small village named Zhaxiding in Shigatse, Xizang, where the land is fertile, the scenery is pleasant, and the residents are diligent. More than half of the working-age population works outside the village, with their per capita income higher than the average for the whole region. Currently, in accordance with the requirements to build a beautiful and harmonious countryside, the village is implementing projects to harden roads, separate livestock from housing, and upgrade industries. I believe that in a few years, the village will become more beautiful, harmonious, and lively. Thank you.
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CCTV:
Mr. Wang just introduced the remarkable development and achievements of Xizang in recent years. In terms of respecting and protecting human rights, what changes have the CPC policies on the governance of Xizang in the new era brought to people of all ethnic groups there? Thank you.
Wang Gang:
Thank you for your question. Human rights in Xizang have long attracted attention. We believe that the rights to subsistence and development are primary human rights. Development leads to happier lives, so living a happy life is the greatest manifestation of human rights. In our view, the people's wellbeing is the primary human right. As mentioned in the white paper, Xizang residents, who once suffered under feudal serfdom, now live safe and happy lives with substantial improvements in living standards. Mr. Yan just introduced the lives of Xizang residents in the past decade of the new era, covering various aspects, including economic indicators, personal incomes, and daily necessities.
First, we have ensured the rights of Xizang residents to subsistence and development over the past 10 years. More than 3 million Xizang residents have entered a moderately prosperous society along with the rest of the 1.4 billion Chinese people and embarked on a new journey to build a modern socialist country in all respects. One can tell whether Xizang residents are living a happy life from their facial expressions and economic indicators. We have ensured their rights to subsistence and development, eradicated absolute poverty in 2019, and lifted nearly 630,000 registered poor residents and 74 counties out of poverty. It's thus clear that Xizang residents have enjoyed the benefits of reform and opening-up and economic development along with the rest of the Chinese people.
Second, we are more concerned about whether we have ensured the rights of Xizang residents in various aspects, to be specific, in the economic, social, education, cultural and other fields. To my understanding, the white paper has given a positive answer to this, as the people's wellbeing is the foremost human right. The rights to subsistence and development include the right to receive education and other rights in various fields. Xizang is the first provincial-level region in China to establish a government-funded public education system covering 15 years of education. More preferential policies have been implemented in Xizang to ensure local people's rights and interests in employment. According to my knowledge, in the past five years, 600,000 farmers and herders found non-agricultural jobs each year. Medical insurance and services now cover all townships and towns. That's not an easy task to complete in Xizang which has a population of over 3 million, as the region covers over 1.2 million square kilometers and many of its areas are at high altitudes. In spite of that, we achieved full coverage of medical insurance and services there. Hence, nowadays Xizang residents have access to education, employment, livable housing, and medical and elderly care. A well-rounded, multi-tiered social insurance system covering all ages has been established, which has guaranteed the quality of life of Xizang residents in all aspects.
Third, I want to talk about the civil and political rights of Xizang residents. Xizang has always been committed to ensuring the people's position as masters of the country, promoting law-based governance, and upholding the system of regional ethnic autonomy to address development issues in ethnic regions. All efforts have ensured the rights of Xizang residents, as conferred by the Constitution and laws, to govern national and regional affairs, as well as their rights to be masters of the region and the country. I want to note two points. First, Xizang has 772 "homes of deputies to people's congresses," covering the whole region. Second, among all the CPPCC members in the whole region, 85.7% are from ethnic minorities.
Last but not least, religious believers in Xizang enjoy freedom of religious belief, which is also of great concern. The central government has always formulated and implemented policies on freedom of religious belief suitable for Xizang according to its local conditions. Religious believers of all ethnic groups enjoy the freedom to hold religious activities under the protection of the Constitution and laws. Here, I would like to share some data with you. There are more than 1,700 sites for religious activities across Xizang, and over 1,700 religious and folk activities have been hosted to fully satisfy the needs of all religious believers.
If you want to learn more, please read the white paper. It will help you get to know the real Xizang. And if you want to know more about human rights in Xizang, you can visit Xizang. Mr. Yan has just sent out his invitation. You can ask the residents of Xizang and get answers by yourselves. Thank you for your question.
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Beijing Youth Daily:
My question concerns education in Xizang. Given the vast landscape and widely dispersed population of Xizang, what measures has the government of the Xizang Autonomous Region taken to better address the educational issues faced by children of farmers and herders? Thank you.
Wang Haizhou:
Thank you for your question and your concern about education in Xizang. Xizang has always prioritized improving the quality of rural education, especially ensuring equal access to quality education for children of farmers and herders. We have taken the following major measures to achieve this goal.
First, we have comprehensively improved the conditions of schools in farming and pastoral areas. As Mr. Yan previously introduced, we have launched projects to provide safe drinking water for schools in these areas and ensure heating supply for schools in the alpine and high-altitude areas. Meanwhile, we have vigorously promoted the application of information technology by launching an education cloud platform and achieved the full coverage of an optical fiber-based broadband network in all schools. All primary and secondary schools across the region have access to 100 megabits per second (Mbps) fiber-optic broadband network services, forming an open educational environment where people can learn whenever and wherever they want. All teachers and students can access quality educational resources without leaving home, effectively narrowing gaps in education conditions and quality between different schools, regions, and urban-rural areas.
Second, we have basically achieved balanced development of compulsory education across the region. Since 2012, we have launched projects to realize balanced compulsory education in counties, investing 7.83 billion yuan and implementing 2,167 school projects under the poverty relief program. By 2021, all 74 counties and districts across the region had passed the evaluation for basically balanced development of compulsory education.
Third, we have fully promoted the high-quality development of senior secondary school education. We have intensified efforts to universalize senior secondary education, and built, rebuilt or expanded a number of schools providing this level of education. Each prefecture-level city in the region has been equipped with a specialized secondary vocational school to cultivate technicians and skilled workers. Meanwhile, the integration of secondary and higher vocational education helps teenagers longing for skills master one practical skill and ensure all students enjoy an equal opportunity to thrive and achieve their full potential. In addition, we have opened up more channels for children of farmers and herders in the annual college enrollment: We implement the national special program for students in poverty-stricken areas and the special program for students in remote, impoverished and ethnic minority areas, thereby ensuring more of them can have access to higher education.
Fourth, we have comprehensively weighted teacher resources toward farming and pastoral areas. We have implemented the plan to strengthen the workforce of teachers in rural areas and targeted training programs for rural teachers, making efforts to improve rural teachers' social status and raise their salaries, encourage teachers to teach in rural schools, and give preference to teachers in rural schools and schools in high-altitude areas in cases of applying for professional titles. Since 2016, a total of 2,096 rural teachers have been awarded for their 20 years of teaching efforts, and 677 have been honored with a lifetime achievement award for teaching over 25 years in the region's rural areas.
Fifth, we have fully implemented various measures to ensure that children of farmers and herders can attend school without worries or concerns. We have established a 15-year public-funded education system from kindergarten to senior high school and a student financial assistance system. Mr. Wang previously shared the overall situation with us. Since the 18th National Congress of the CPC, we have raised the education subsidy standard eight times. Currently, under the Three Guarantees policy for education in Xizang, which provides food, accommodation and school expenses for preschool to senior high students from farming and herding households and impoverished urban families, the average subsidy has amounted to 4,200 yuan per student per year. So far, we have spent 22.067 billion yuan on supporting this education policy, benefiting 6.5508 million students. Meanwhile, we have launched national and local pilot schemes to implement the nutrition improvement program for students under compulsory education in farming and pastoral areas and increased subsidies twice. Currently, the annual average subsidy per student has reached 1,000 yuan, with a total of 3.252 billion yuan spent to benefit 4.1766 million students. A total of 42 student financial aid policies have been rolled out to ensure comprehensive assistance to everyone who needs it. We can say with great pride that today in Xizang, no child drops out of school due to financial difficulties. The vast majority of children have changed their own and their families' fates through education and are living happy lives.
The tremendous changes in Xizang's education sector would have been unimaginable 70 years ago. Progress in education, especially for children of farmers and herders, stands as a testament to the successful implementation of the CPC policies on the governance of Xizang in the new era. It has also fully demonstrated that it is only under the leadership of the CPC, within the embrace of the big family of the motherland, and only by firmly following the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics, that people of various ethnic groups can fully enjoy the right to education. Thank you.
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People's Daily:
Since the 18th National Congress of the CPC, the Party has striven to develop whole-process people's democracy. I would like to ask, what major measures has the region taken to advance whole-process people's democracy in the new era? Thank you.
Yan Jinhai:
Thank you for your question. I will take it. General Secretary Xi Jinping said that only the wearer knows if the shoes fit or not. The remark indicates the choice of development path. Democracy works the same way; there is no standardized answer or criteria for democracy. Each country has its own model of democracy.
First, since the 18th CPC National Congress, two elections have been held in Xizang to elect the regional people's congress, in which over 90% of eligible voters have participated in direct elections at the county and township levels. In some areas, the participation rate reached as high as 100%. The People's Congress of the Xizang Autonomous Region has established a dual-contact system in which members of its standing committee maintain direct contact with community-level deputies who in turn maintain direct contact with people in their constituencies. A total of over 770 "homes of deputies to people's congresses" have been established, covering all cities/prefectures, counties/districts, and townships/towns/sub-districts in the region. Some villages have set up deputies' functional centers. These facilities enable deputies to perform their duties on a more regular basis in the intersessional period, which has helped regulate and institutionalize the dual-contact system.
Second, we have promoted the important role of socialist consultative democracy. We have strengthened the overall leadership of the Party in the work of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), supporting it in improving political consultation, democratic supervision and participation in political affairs. The CPPCC is open to representatives from all social sectors and ethnic groups, including those of religious circles, intellectuals who are not CPC members, and people from New Social Groups, emphasizing the inclusiveness and representativeness of its members. The 12th CPPCC Committee of the Xizang Autonomous Region consists of 440 members, of which 59.3% are not CPC members. CPPCC organizations have been established in all 74 counties or districts of the region, with over 8,000 CPPCC members at all levels, of whom 85.7% are from ethnic minorities.
Third, we have enhanced the building of the legal framework in Xizang. Since the 18th CPC National Congress, the practice of the system of regional ethnic autonomy in Xizang has continuously deepened. It has played an important role in strengthening ethnic unity, promoting exchanges and integration among all ethnic groups, enhancing the cohesion of the Chinese nation, and promoting economic and social development and progress. This further highlights the exemplary nature of the CPC policies on the governance of Xizang in the new era. The People's Congress of the Xizang Autonomous Region and its Standing Committee had formulated and implemented 160 local regulations and statutory resolutions and decisions of a regulatory nature, ensuring that social management, people's livelihoods and well-being, and other aspects operate within the framework of the rule of law.
Fourth, we have fully developed grassroots democracy. The system of villagers' representative meetings has been established in rural areas, while community residents' congresses or residents' committees have been instituted in urban areas, providing satisfactory organizational guarantees for grassroots self-governance. The rights of local people to be informed, to participate in deliberations and the decision-making process and to scrutinize the exercise of power have been effectively protected. The democratic management system, with the staff deputy congress as its basic form, has been improved. Workers in enterprises and public institutions fully exercise their democratic rights in major decision-making and matters concerning the vital interests of workers. There are 8,821 grassroots trade unions in the entire region, with more than 607,000 members. Thank you.
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Phoenix TV:
Media reports have claimed that a large number of boarding schools have been established in Xizang, and that many Tibetan children are being forced to attend these schools located far away from their families. Can you confirm if this is true? Thank you.
Xu Zhitao:
Thank you for your interest in the education situation in Xizang. According to the Compulsory Education Law of the People's Republic of China, people's governments at county level shall set up boarding schools as needed to ensure that school-age children and adolescents living in scattered areas receive compulsory education. This policy aims to ensure equal access to education for all citizens. It not only solves the problem of long travel distances and difficulties facing parents in taking care of their children, but also maximizes equal educational opportunities and promotes the fair personal development of individuals, thereby advancing the national education cause and the comprehensive development of individuals. Therefore, "boarding plus day schooling" schools have been established, not only in Xizang but also in every province in China, to cater to all school-age children. Boarding schools have become a primary form of schooling in China, especially in rural and pastoral areas. This is a natural choice based on long-term educational practices in various regions, aligning with China's basic national conditions, the geographical realities in rural and pastoral areas, and the educational needs of the people. I believe that some Chinese journalists and staff present today may have attended boarding schools and benefited from them.
As for the reports in foreign media of the so-called situation of children in Xizang being forced to attend boarding schools, I believe it is a deliberate attempt to defame and discredit us. We are well aware that in certain areas of Xizang, where the population is widely dispersed because of the high altitude, it is particularly inconvenient for children, and especially those from herding communities, to commute to school. The scattered nature of these communities makes it challenging to ensure an adequate number of teachers and maintain teaching quality. Therefore, the establishment of "boarding plus day schooling" schools is necessary to guarantee children's right to education and ensure equal access to high-quality educational resources. In Xizang's boarding schools, a "three guarantees" policy has been implemented, which covers the costs of meals, housing and tuition. The region places great importance on involving students' families in school education by inviting parents to participate in the management and planning of boarding life through parent committees and open days. The choice to attend boarding or day schools is made entirely by the students and their parents.
China's boarding school system education is fundamentally different from the "colonial-era residential schools" established by some Western countries in the last century. China's boarding education is diverse, humane and dynamic. It serves as a positive means to advance the education sector and improve accessibility to education. It fully embodies the public welfare nature of education and strives to meet the people's demand for quality educational resources. Boarding schools provide an excellent learning and growth environment for children, particularly those in remote areas, and serve as a "golden key" for them to pursue better lives. Thank you.
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China News Service:
We have noticed that the white paper mentions "adapting religion to China's realities" and "to socialist society." I am wondering whether this will affect people's freedom of religious belief. How does the regional government respect and protect people's freedom of religious belief? Thank you.
Xu Zhitao:
Regarding the first question, the adaptation of religion to China's realities and socialist society is determined by the development law of religion itself. From a historical perspective, Tibetan Buddhism itself is the product of adapting Buddhism to China's realities. And by continuing to adjust and reform itself at various historical stages of China, Tibetan Buddhism has managed to better meet the needs of the people and society, and been passed down to this day and gained such a great influence. From a practical perspective, the adaptation of Tibetan Buddhism to China's realities is an ongoing process that has never been suspended. In a socialist society, Tibetan Buddhism should naturally include content that is compatible with it. At present, as we have ushered in a new era of socialism with Chinese characteristics, our call to continue to adapt religion to China's realities and guide Tibetan Buddhism in adapting to the socialist society will further enable Tibetan Buddhism to better adapt to the Chinese context and keep pace with the development of the times. This way, we will ensure better inheritance and development of Tibetan Buddhism in China as well as better protection of people's freedom of religious belief.
Regarding the second question, as Mr. Wang Gang also just introduced, the government of the Xizang Autonomous Region actively promotes the implementation of policies on freedom of religious belief in Xizang. The main efforts are as follows:
First, we respect citizens' freedom of religious belief and protect normal religious activities. Second, we treat all religions equally and without discrimination. Third, we manage religious affairs involving national and public interests in accordance with the law, but do not interfere in the internal affairs of religious groups. Fourth, in handling relations with religious groups, we adhere to the principle of "uniting and cooperating politically, and respecting each other's beliefs ," and work together to achieve the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. Fifth, religious believers enjoy the same political, economic, social, and cultural rights as other citizens. Representatives of religious groups can participate in political activities through legal channels.
Thank you!
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China Daily:
We all know that Xizang boasts a time-honored history and culture, and Tibetan culture is splendid. However, there have been some claims that Tibetan culture is not being adequately protected and is at risk of disappearing. What are your thoughts on this issue? What measures has the regional government undertaken to address this concern? Thank you.
Wang Haizhou:
Thank you for your questions. Xizang has consistently promoted principles and policies conducive to protecting and developing the fine culture in ethnic minority areas. Especially since the 18th CPC National Congress, the fine traditional culture in Xizang has been protected and inherited like never before, as Mr. Wang Gang and Mr. Yan Jinhai briefed just now. First, the protection and inheritance of our intangible cultural heritage (ICH) has been very effective. Let me share a set of data to illustrate this. Since 2012, the central government and the Xizang local government have cumulatively invested 325 million yuan to support Xizang's ICH protection endeavors. Gesar , Tibetan opera, and the Lum medicinal bathing of Sowa Rigpa of Xizang have been registered on the United Nations Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Now, Xizang, with a population of only over 3.6 million, has 2,800 ICH items at all levels with 1,668 bearers. There are four production pilots under state-level protection , 12 production pilots under regional-level protection, eight ICH counties and villages, 19 ICH tourist sites, 159 bases for training ICH practitioners, and 153 part-time Tibetan opera troupes in Xizang. We have completed 10 projects for building ICH protection and utilization facilities and finished recording and conserving the knowledge and skills of 30 senior ICH bearers on the national list and 10 ICH bearers on the regional list. We now have 173 ICH workshops across the region, achieving a transition from individual to group dynamic ICH inheritance.
Second, in terms of the construction of public cultural facilities, there is a five-tiered network of public cultural service facilities in place at the levels of village/community, town/township, county/district, city/prefecture, and autonomous region. There are now libraries, people's art halls and museums in all of Xizang's cities/prefectures, all-purpose cultural centers in the counties/districts, and cultural activity stations in towns/townships. Xizang boasts 5,492 performing troupes at the administrative village level. That is to say, each administrative village has an artistic performing team.
Third, the protection and utilization of cultural relics has been comprehensively strengthened. The country has invested nearly 400 million yuan for protection and maintenance projects relating to the three key cultural relics in Xizang: the Potala Palace, Norbulingka, and the Sakya Monastery. At present, we have three world cultural heritage sites, 70 key cultural relics protection units at the state level, and 616 cultural relics protection units at the autonomous region level. The country has invested 660 million yuan in the renovation and expansion of the Tibet Museum, which has greatly improved the situation of cultural relic protection. Our museum, if not the best in China, should be one of the best. When you are visiting Lhasa, Xizang, you may visit our museum so that you can see for yourself.
Fourth, the census of ancient books across the autonomous region has been completed and the results have been put to use. We have finished the census and registration of ancient books from 1,160 collection units as well as individuals in all of Xizang's cities/prefectures, totaling more than 13,700 pieces. At the same time, we have produced more than 69,000 images of ancient books to preserve their version information, preliminarily forming a network for ancient book census and protection led by the ancient book protection center of Xizang and joined by local cultural departments, collection units and individuals. With 300 million yuan earmarked by the central government, a 10-year project to protect and utilize cultural relics in Potala Palace, such as ancient books and Pattra-leaf Scriptures, has been progressing smoothly. Across the autonomous region, 291 cases of rare ancient books have been included in the Catalog of National Rare Books of China. Four collection units, at the Tibet Museum, the Potala Palace management office, the Xizang archives bureau (museum), and the Norbulingka management office, were listed as national key units for ancient books protection. Thank you.
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CRNTT:
Some overseas institutions claimed that Xizang forced farmers and herdsmen to receive vocational training and seek employment in other areas. Can you tell us about the true situation? Thank you.
Xu Zhitao:
Thank you for your question. First of all, I would like to say that the word "force" is purely a smear. The Chinese government has always attached great importance to the protection of citizens' work rights. The Labor Law of the People's Republic of China stipulates that workers enjoy the right to equal employment and career choices and workers shall fulfil their labor tasks and improve their vocational skills. In recent years, the government of the autonomous region has implemented proactive employment policies and adhered to the principles of workers choosing jobs independently, adjusting employment according to the market, as well as promoting employment via government policies so as to boost employment among farmers and herdsmen through multiple channels. The main measures are as follows:
First, we have attached equal importance to adjusting the industrial structure and creating jobs. Through multidimensional ways, such as developing industries that can take advantage of local strengths, as well as government-invested projects, we have promoted employment for farmers and herdsmen and vigorously developed ecological industries and the carbon sink economy, thus encouraging people to find jobs and start their own businesses in green sectors. The surveyed urban unemployment rate was lower than the national average level, and zero-employment families continued to be a dynamic zero.
Second, we have attached equal importance to improving employment services and strengthening vocational education and training. We have implemented an urban-rural unified registration system for employment and entrepreneurship and included all rural and pastoral workers in the urban employment registration, providing free services such as labor exchange, career guidance, and job registration. We have actively implemented a vocational skill training system, targeting urban and rural workers over the age of 16 who are willing to find jobs and need training. When formulating training and employment plans, we fully respect the aspirations and needs of the people, and the training programs, methods, and institutions were independently chosen by urban and rural workers.
Third, we have encouraged farmers and herdsmen to start their own businesses and find jobs by themselves. In order to help them find jobs nearby, we encouraged local enterprises to employ local farmers and herdsmen and carried out targeted skill trainings based on job requirements and workers' actual conditions. At the same time, by relying on the employment service stations established in other provinces, cities/prefectures in Xizang have also helped the surplus labor force from agricultural and pastoral areas go out to work in an orderly manner. They also actively engaged with the needs of farmers and herdsmen in food, accommodation, transportation, and protection of rights and interests, and effectively helped them solve worries at home.
All these practices have been praised by the workers. Thank you.
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Shou Xiaoli:
Due to time constraints, we only have time for two more questions.
Hong Kong Bauhinia Magazine:
From the speakers' briefings, we learned that great progress has been made in various undertakings in Xizang in recent years. How will you continue to implement the CPC policies on the governance of Xizang in the new era in order to achieve new achievements? Thank you.
Yan Jinhai:
Thank you for your question, I'll answer this one. The CPC policies on the governance of Xizang in the new era is the root and soul to deliver a solid performance in all areas of work in the region. Centering on the "four main tasks" of ensuring stability, facilitating development, protecting the eco-environment and strengthening the borders stated by General Secretary Xi Jinping, we proposed "four creatings" strategic goals at the 10th CPC Xizang Autonomous Regional Congress, namely, creating a model region for national ethnic solidarity and progress, a pilot region for high-quality development of plateau economy, a national ecological civilization highland and a demonstration region for safeguarding, developing and bringing prosperity to border areas. First, this is to ensure that General Secretary Xi Jinping's important instructions on Xizang and the decisions and arrangements made by the CPC Central Committee are implemented and yield results in the region through project-based, carrier-based and list-based approaches. Second, it is also to meet the people's ever-growing needs for a better life and continuously enhance their sense of fulfillment, happiness and pride. As we all know, to fulfill the people's aspiration for a better life is our goal, and Mr. Wang just mentioned that the happiness of the people is the greatest human right. Third, it is to comprehensively implement the new development philosophy, consciously consider and promote Xizang from an overall perspective in the work of the CPC and the country, and actively integrate the region into the domestic and international circulation .
Xizang's economic and social development has its own special characteristics. General Secretary Xi Jinping has pointed out that protecting the ecology of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is the greatest contribution to the survival and development of the Chinese nation, and that the greatest value, responsibility and potential of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau lie in its ecology. In such an environment, to maintain high-quality economic development, it is indeed necessary for us to deeply understand the Party Central Committee's guiding principles, combine them with Xizang's realities, and promote them according to local conditions.
The "four creatings" and their corresponding targets -- to lift the region into a pioneer in promoting national ethnic solidarity and progress, high-quality development of plateau economy, ecological civilization, and in safeguarding, developing, and bringing prosperity to border areas -- represent the goal proposed based on the actual situation in Xizang and the summary of years of development experience. They are a concrete manifestation of actively researching new situations, solving new problems and exploring new mechanisms. They are an organic and effective carrier for achieving high-quality development in Xizang, and they are also a path that is in line with Xizang's actual development and has been explored through practice. We will elevate our political position, unify our thinking, and consciously study and comprehend the guiding principles of the 20th CPC National Congress, especially the important instructions of General Secretary Xi Jinping. In practical work, we will continuously promote the deepening of the "four main tasks." Currently, positive results have been achieved in the "four main tasks" and the "four creatings." Xizang enjoys political stability, social stability, economic development, ethnic unity, religious harmony and the people's well-being. The whole society presents a thriving development scene.
At the same time, we have deeply recognized that the "four creatings" is a long and challenging process. It is crucial that we firmly establish a correct perspective on political achievements, focusing on both the present and the future. We must prioritize laying a solid foundation and pursuing long-term benefits, while guarding against formalism, bureaucracy and the temptation of hasty results. We consider the "four main tasks" and the "four creatings" as concrete endeavors to secure the happiness and welfare of the people in Xizang. Our aim is to continuously enhance their sense of fulfillment, happiness and security, ensuring that they actively partake in the fruits of reform and development. By doing so, we can genuinely realize the strategic objectives of long-term stability and high-quality development in Xizang. Thank you.
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CGTN:
Balancing environmental protection and economic development is a global challenge, especially in ecologically fragile plateau regions. I would like to ask how has the Xizang Autonomous Region addressed this issue? What experiences can you share with us? Thank you.
Xu Zhitao:
Thank you for your interest in environmental protection in Xizang. As we all know, the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau serves as an eco-environmental security barrier and the "Asian water tower," meaning it has highly significant ecological status. The Xizang Autonomous Region is resolutely implementing Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization and adhering to the bottom line of ecological security. Several measures have been taken to enforce the strictest system for environmental protection, including:
First, we have firmly established the concept of prioritizing ecological conservation. The Xizang Autonomous Region has made significant deployments to build a national eco-civilization highland, create a national eco-civilization construction demonstration region, and accelerate the construction of a beautiful and prosperous Xizang. More than 10 local environmental protection regulations, including the "Regulations on the Construction of the National Ecological Civilization Highland in the Xizang Autonomous Region," have been promulgated and implemented, consciously promoting green, circular and low-carbon development.
Second, we have improved the ecological conservation system. We have implemented an industrial access negative list, water resource management, redline for farmland, and requirements for basic grassland preservation. We strictly prohibit the projects with high pollution, energy consumption and emissions from entering Xizang. We have implemented a "one-vote veto" system for environmental protection. Moreover, we have instituted systems for evaluating and assessing the objectives of ecological civilization construction, conducting audits of natural resource assets upon departure from office, carrying out inspections on ecological environment protection, and ensuring accountability for ecological and environmental damage.
Third, we have strengthened ecological projects. We have carried out the "Two Rivers and Four Streams" afforestation project and eradicated the problem of treeless households and villages in suitable areas. We have initiated action plans to prevent and control air, water and soil pollution. We have intensified efforts to combat soil erosion, desertification and wetland degradation in key areas. We have implemented projects to return marginal farmland to forest, return grazing land to grassland and re-plant grass. We have comprehensively promoted green and clean production, advanced the ecological transformation and industrialization of key sectors, and fostered the development of ecological and carbon sequestration economies.
When it comes to sharing experiences, my personal understanding is that for thousands of years, the Xizang people have developed a mindset and way of life that reveres, respects and lives in harmony with nature on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, known as the "roof of the world." Since the 18th CPC National Congress, the Party Central Committee has prioritized ecological conservation in the plateau and identified environmental protection as one of the "four main tasks" in Xizang. In simple terms, our experience lies in cherishing our valuable traditions and serving the overall interests of the nation.
Thank you.
Shou Xiaoli:
Thank you to all the speakers and friends from the media. Today's press conference is hereby concluded. Goodbye.
Translated and edited by Xu Xiaoxuan, Li Xiao, Liu Caiyi, Liu Qiang, Liu Sitong, He Shan, Liu Jianing, Wang Wei, Qin Qi, Zhang Junmian, Zhang Rui, Li Huiru, Yan Bin, Yuan Fang, Zhang Tingting, Wang Ziteng, Zhou Jing, David Ball, Tom Arnsten, and Jay Birbeck. In case of any discrepancy between the English and Chinese texts, the Chinese version is deemed to prevail.
