Yu Zhengsheng (C), chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, presents Tashilumpo Monastery with a banner inscribed with Chinese President Xi Jinping's words "Enhancing ethnic unity, building a beautiful Tibet" in Xigaze, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, Sept. 10, 2015. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)
XIGAZE, Tibet, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- Chinese top political advisor Yu Zhengsheng on Thursday highlighted ethnic unity and social stability in Tibet for a better future in the autonomous region.
Yu, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), is in Tibet heading a delegation from the Chinese central government for celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of the founding of the autonomous region.
In a trip to Xigaze, the second largest city in Tibet, on Thursday, Yu said the city had witnessed dramatic development in recent years thanks to support from the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and the people as well as the hard work of Xigaze residents.
The top priority of work in Tibet at present and in the near future, he said, is to strengthen ethnic solidarity and safeguard national unity, promote economic development while improving people's livelihoods, and to enhance social stability and harmony.
While visiting the Tashilhunpo Monastery, the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama, Yu urged Tibetan religious figures to observe religious precepts and national laws at the same time, further advance their religious studies, and help build a better future for the region together with the Tibet's local officials and residents.
He also promised an early start of reconstruction work in the quake-hit township of Zham in Nyalam County. Many people were relocated to Xigaze following the April 25 quake in Nepal, which also affected parts of Tibet.
Tibet marked the 50th anniversary of the founding of the autonomous region earlier this week, and the 65-member delegation headed by Yu, including Vice Premier Liu Yandong, and Du Qinglin, vice chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, is fanning out throughout Tibet to visit residents.
On Wednesday, Yu Zhengsheng underlined the improvements of people's living standards in Lhasa, stressing that the fruit of reforms and development must be shared by people of all ethnic groups.
Related:
China Focus: China celebrates 50th anniversary of Tibet's autonomy
LHASA, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- The square in front of the Potala Palace in Lhasa, capital of Tibet Autonomous Region, hosted a ceremony on Tuesday to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the region's founding.
Tens of thousands of people gathered in front of the imposing landmark, waving national flags and cheering like they were ushering in a new year.
Top Chinese political advisor Yu Zhengsheng attended the celebration, heading a 65-member delegation from the central government.
It presented Tibetan authorities with a plaque inscribed with President Xi Jinping's words: "Enhancing ethnic unity, building a beautiful Tibet." Full Story
