President Xi Jinping has stressed the importance of stability, development, ecological conservation and border security in Tibet Autonomous Region. 

Xi, also General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, visited Tibet from July 21 to 23 for the 70th anniversary of its peaceful liberation. This is the first time for a top Chinese leader to take part in such a celebration in the history of the Party and the country. The following are edited excerpts of a Xinhua News Agency report on Xi's visit: 

During his tour, Xi extended congratulations on the 70th anniversary of Tibet's peaceful liberation, visited officials and ordinary people of various ethnic groups and conveyed the CPC Central Committee's best wishes for them. 

Xi said over the past 70 years Tibet has made historic strides in its social system and realized comprehensive economic and social development, with people's living standards significantly improved.

"It has been proven that without the CPC, there would have been neither a new China nor a new Tibet," Xi said, adding the CPC Central Committee's guidelines and policies on Tibet have worked well.

Xi stressed efforts to strengthen developing border areas, emphasized the four major issues of stability, development, ecology and border area consolidation, and called for new achievements in protecting the ecology of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and advancing its sustainable development.

On July 21, Xi arrived at the Nyingchi Mainling Airport and went to the Nyang River Bridge, where he learned about the ecological preservation of the Yarlung Zangbo River and its tributary Nyang, as well as the construction of nature reserves. Xi underscored the importance of protecting and restoring the ecology of major river basins.

During a visit to the city planning hall of Nyingchi, Xi called for scientifically delineating the boundaries of urban development while underlining the importance of protecting ecosystems.

In the village of Galai, Xi went to the home of Dawa Gyaltsen and chatted with the family in the living room.

He said the village epitomizes the economic and social achievements Tibet has made over 70 years since its liberation. He also hailed the village as a model of ethnic unity.

Xi later visited a city park in Nyingchi where he greeted dancing locals and tourists.

On July 22, Xi went to Nyingchi Railway Station, to learn about the overall design of the Sichuan-Tibet Railway and how the Lhasa-Nyingchi section has operated since June 25. Aboard a train to the regional capital Lhasa, Xi inspected the construction along the railway. He hailed the railway as a major move to boost Tibet's development and improve people's living standards.

In the afternoon, Xi went to the Drepung Monastery located in the western suburbs of Lhasa. He acknowledged the contributions the monastery has made in upholding the leadership of the CPC, supporting the socialist system and safeguarding national unity.

He stressed fully implementing the Party's fundamental guidelines governing religious work, respecting the religious beliefs of the people and adhering to the principle of independence and self-governance in religious affairs.

He also stressed governing religious affairs in accordance with the law and guiding Tibetan Buddhism to adapt to a socialist society.

At Lhasa's Barkhor Street, Xi visited shops and learned about the development of tourism and cultural industries, as well as the preservation of Tibetan culture. On the street, people of various ethnic groups greeted Xi, who waved back.

At the Potala Palace square, Xi inquired about the protection and management of the palace, and was also greeted by people of various ethnic groups.

Xi said people of all ethnic groups have jointly contributed to the development of Tibet and written the history of Tibet. Through its course, history has provided ample examples of exchanges between Tibetan and other ethnic groups.

He said at present, Tibet is at a new historical starting point in its development, and the Party's leadership must be upheld and the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics must be followed.

On July 23, after hearing the reports of the Party committee and government of Tibet Autonomous Region on their work, Xi acknowledged the achievements the region has made in various fields and stressed efforts to strengthen social governance and ensure national security, social stability, and people's wellbeing.

He also called for strengthening exchanges and interactions among ethnic groups, as well as building a stronger sense of identification with the country, the Chinese nation, Chinese culture, the CPC, and socialism with Chinese characteristics.

He went on to say, development in all sectors should serve ethnic unity and progress, and should help improve people's livelihood and build consensus.

Stressing deepening reform and opening up, Xi said the building of major infrastructure including railways and roads should be accelerated.

He also noted that the development of industries with distinct local characteristics, the building of clean-energy bases, and coordination between development and security.

Xi said the achievements made in poverty alleviation should be consolidated and expanded, in coordination with the extensive drive for rural vitalization.

He also stressed solid work to enhance people's wellbeing in terms of employment, education, social security, medical services, elderly care, childcare, and housing.

He noted that the ecological environment in Tibet should be well protected, stressing that snow and ice, comparable to green mountains and clear waters, are also valuable assets. The earth's third pole should be well protected, Xi said.

Xi also met with representatives of troops stationed in Tibet, calling for efforts to strengthen military training and preparedness and make contributions to the lasting stability, prosperity and development of Tibet.

(Print Edition Title:President Xi Visits Tibet)  

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Copyedited by Ryan Perkins