Full Text of Speech by Xi Jinping at Tibet's Peaceful Liberation Anniversary Conference

In the past 60 years, fundamental changes have taken place on this ancient, miraculous land of Tibet.

Tibet has achieved a leap forward in the development of the social system. The dark, backward feudal serfdom was completely abolished. The one million serfs, who were denied even their basic right of living as a human being, have become masters of the country and society. They have come to enjoy extensive political, economic, cultural and social rights in accordance with the law. Their mindset and spiritual outlook have all changed profoundly. Through democratic reform and with the establishment of the autonomous region, people of all ethnic groups in Tibet have embarked on the bright path of socialism.

Tibet has achieved all-round economic and social development. The establishment of the socialist system and implementation of reform and opening-up policies have greatly unleashed and boosted social productivity in Tibet. The preferential polices introduced by the central government have lent a strong impetus to the economic and social development in Tibet. As a result, Tibet has enjoyed sustained rapid economic growth and achieved remarkable progress in infrastructure building. A host of advantageous industries with distinct local features are taking shape and the eco-environment is being well protected. The fine traditions of the Tibetan culture are preserved and promoted. The advanced socialist culture has become the dominant theme in the society, and sound progress is being made in various social undertakings. Like other regions in the country, Tibet is showing the dynamism of development that points to a prosperous future.

The living standards of the Tibetan people have markedly improved. The income of residents in cities and the countryside has continued to rise. The building of a new socialist countryside anchored on comfortable housing projects is making solid progress. The living environment of farmers and herdsmen and the conditions of farmland and pastoral areas have gone through notable changes. Education, health and other essential public service systems are being improved. The social safety net covering the entire Tibetan population in both cities and the countryside is being put in place. Average life expectancy in Tibet has almost doubled from the level of the early days of peaceful liberation. People of all ethnic groups in Tibet are now marching confidently towards the goal of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects.

Ethnic unity in Tibet has steadily enhanced. The Party's ethnicity and religion-related policies are being comprehensively implemented in Tibet. The system of regional ethnic autonomy is steadily improving. Cadres of ethnic minority origin are acquiring greater competence. The socialist ethnic relations featuring equality, unity, mutual support and harmony are being reinforced and strengthened. The religious beliefs of the people are fully respected and protected. And the patriotic united front is growing stronger. People of all ethnic groups in Tibet have stood firm in the fight against separatism. They have forestalled separatist and sabotage activities staged by the Dalai group and foreign hostile forces, and firmly safeguarded ethnic unity, social stability and national unification. Working in unity with their fellow countrymen, cadres and people of all ethnic groups in Tibet are fully confident and capable of upholding and strengthening social stability and unity in Tibet.