Xi Calls on Religious Circle in Tibet to Promote Patriotism, Maintain National Unity

Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping (R Front), who is also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Chinese Communist Party (CPC) Central Committee and vice chairman of the Central Military Commission, talks with local people during a visit to Xigaze, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, July 22, 2011. Xi, leading a central government delegation, is in Tibet attending celebrations marking the 60th anniversary of the region's peaceful liberation. [Xinhua]

Vice President Xi Jinping on Friday called on the religious circle in Tibet to continue their efforts to promote patriotism and maintain ethnic and national unity.

He called on religious leaders and members to make joint efforts with other Chinese people in building a well-off society.

Xi, also a Standing Committee member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, made the remarks during his visit with some members of the central government delegation to the seat of the Panchen Lama -- Tashilhunpo Monastery in Xigaze.

Built in 1477, the Tashilhunpo Monastery is one of the most important monasteries of Tibetan Buddhism, the dominant religion in Tibet.

Xi was welcomed by the monks of the Monastery. He paid homage to the stupa of the 10th Panchen Lama by presenting a "hada," a white scarf symbolizing best wishes.

During his visit in Xigaze, Xi also met with local leading government officials, retired officials, representatives of local residents and officers of the the People's Liberation Army (PLA), the police and the armed police forces.

Xi previously made an inspection tour to Xigaze in 1998 when he was the deputy provincial Party chief in Fujian, as part of the "pairing-up" support program for Tibet.

Xi said he is pleased with the progress and development in Xigaze over the past years and appreciates the efforts of the local CPC organizations, government departments and local people.

He called for more efforts to promote the "pairing-up" support program and to develop local agricultural and industrial sectors.

Efforts should also be made to improve the infrastructure and local people's lives, Xi said.

On Thursday and Friday, four other groups of the central government delegation visited Tibet's Nagqu, Qamdo, Lhasa and Ngari, respectively, and met with local officials and residents in these areas.

The 59-member central government delegation headed by Xi concluded the trip to Tibet on Friday and returned to Beijing.

The delegation left for Tibet last Sunday to attend a series of celebrations marking the 60th anniversary of Tibet's peaceful liberation.