|
We oppose the Tibetan clergy's actions when they take such radical measures as self-immolations to disturb and undermine social harmony. These young Tibetans are innocent and we feel deeply distressed by their behavior.
Tibet and the Tibetan-inhabited areas in the four provinces of Qinghai, Sichuan, Gansu and Yunnan are inseparable parts of China's territory. The so-called Tibetan government-in-exile in Dharamasala in India is in nature a theocratic one, either under the direct control of the Dalai Lama or under his indirect influence. Its purpose is to separate Tibet and the Tibetan-inhabited areas from China. We have a firm position and principle on this matter.
Tibet is still behind central and eastern parts of China in terms of economic and social development although it has made significant progress in these two respects over the past years. The Chinese Government has taken strong measures and drafted new plans to accelerate development in Tibet so as to improve its people's living standards.
The government should pay attention to protecting Tibet's eco-environment, culture and traditions while developing its economy. We should respect the Tibetan compatriots' freedom of religious belief and their religious belief is protected by law. We must treat all of our Tibetan compatriots with equality and respect and make continuous improvement of our work in this field.
The government will continue to increase the income of urban and rural residents, and raise the minimum wage levels so that people's income will rise in line with economic growth and increases in productivity.
The government will make adjustments to income distribution, further regulate the income of high-income groups, in particular the pay and bonuses of senior managers of state-owned enterprises and state-owned financial institutions, while raising the proportion of middle-income groups.
The government will further improve the social security system, protect lawful incomes and curb illegal incomes.
To promote income equality, the government must create equal conditions for all in terms of education, employment and starting up one's own business so that all people will be able to get started from the same starting line.
The government will pay close attention to the well-being of vulnerable groups. Only after the living conditions of those people are improved, can we achieve the goal of raising the living standard of the nation as a whole.
The government must also continue reform in the fiscal system and income distribution system, so as to push forward the institutional structure the country needs to achieve the goal of common prosperity.
China's debt-to-GDP and budget deficit-to-GDP ratios are at a fairly low level, and they are both lower than that of many developed countries and emerging economies.
The government's debts are at a controllable and safe level. In 2010, the volume of local government debts stood at 10.7 trillion yuan ($1.69 trillion). The figure only increased by 300 million yuan ($47.39 million) by the end of 2011.
The government will properly handle the debt stock, and strictly control the increase of government debts, adding that the revenue and expenditure of local governments must be incorporated into their budgets and final accounts, and be subject to supervision by people's congresses at the same level.
The majority of government debts are in the form of high-quality assets, with stable cash flows and promising returns. The debts of some projects can be repaid by their returns. The market should play a role in handling local government debts in terms of asset disposals, transfers of projects and the sale of equity.
We will take local government debt very seriously, and will not allow it to adversely affect China's development.
Email us at: yaobin@bjreview.com | 
