Residents and officials in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region expressed renewed determination to advance regional development following President Xi Jinping's visit commemorating the 60th anniversary of the autonomous region's founding. The Chinese leader's three-day tour concluded Thursday after attending celebrations showcasing Xizang's progress in agriculture, disaster recovery, and social cohesion.
Padma Drolkar, a Lhasa resident, told local media: "President Xi has always kept Xizang close to his heart. We're confident our lives will keep improving." Her sentiment echoed widespread enthusiasm among the region's 3.6 million residents.
Agricultural official Zhang Aihua highlighted transformative changes: "From small-scale farming to modern agriculture, our progress stems from the CPC Central Committee's leadership and national support." The region's agricultural output has tripled since 2010, with specialty products like highland barley gaining international recognition.
In earthquake-affected Dingri County, village deputy Party secretary Nyima Tsering reported complete housing reconstruction for 126 households. "President Xi's concern motivates us to build better lives through strong grassroots leadership," he stated.
The 11th batch of aid-Xizang cadres, led by Xu Chunhe, pledged to intensify development efforts following Xi's directives. Current priorities include expanding rural income streams and modernizing animal husbandry practices.
A Xinhua photo showed vibrant traditional dances during anniversary celebrations, symbolizing Xizang's cultural preservation amid modernization. Analysts note the region's GDP grew 8.5% year-on-year in 2024, outpacing national averages.
