Celebrating 73 Years of Progress: Xizang’s Remarkable Transformation Since Peaceful Liberation
On May 23, 1951, the signing of the Agreement of the Central People’s Government and the Local Government of Xizang on Measures for the Peaceful Liberation of Xizang, known as the 17-Article Agreement, marked a pivotal moment in Xizang’s history. This event ended the influence of imperialist forces in the region and set Xizang on a path of unity, progress, and development alongside other ethnic groups in China.
Over the past 73 years, under the strong leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC), the people of Xizang have worked tirelessly to achieve leapfrog development in both the economy and society. The living standards and spiritual outlook of the people have undergone tremendous changes.
Historically, Xizang was governed by a feudal serfdom under theocracy for centuries. In 1959, a democratic reform abolished this system, liberating about one million serfs who gained personal freedom and became masters of the new society. This historic leap laid a solid foundation for establishing socialism in Xizang.
In September 1965, the First Session of the First People’s Congress of Xizang was held, marking the establishment of the Xizang Autonomous Region. The newly elected People’s Committee signified Xizang’s transformation from theocratic feudal serfdom to a people’s democratic socialist society. This change allowed all ethnic groups in Xizang to enjoy equal rights in administering regional and state affairs, fostering unity and common prosperity.
With substantial support from the central government and the rest of China, Xizang has made remarkable strides in socioeconomic development. The central government has implemented favorable policies covering taxation, infrastructure, industrial development, education, healthcare, cultural preservation, and environmental protection. These efforts have significantly improved the working and living conditions of the local people, enhancing their sense of gain, happiness, and security.
From 1994 to 2020, various provincial-level regions, central government departments, and centrally administered state-owned enterprises provided support to Xizang through pairing-up assistance in over 6,330 projects, with a total investment of 52.7 billion yuan ($7.43 billion). They also dispatched 9,682 cadres to the region to aid in its development.
Xizang’s gross domestic product (GDP) has soared from 129 million yuan ($18.18 million) in 1951 to over 239 billion yuan ($33.67 billion) in 2023, an increase of more than 1,855 times. This substantial economic growth has led to significant improvements in the economic structure.
Recognizing Xizang’s critical role in environmental security, the Chinese government places great emphasis on ecological protection in the region. Continuous efforts are made to improve environmental policies, provide scientific and cultural support, and increase investment in eco-protection, aiming to build a community with a shared future for humanity and nature.
As Xizang celebrates the 73rd anniversary of its peaceful liberation, the region stands as a testament to the transformative power of unity, leadership, and collective effort. The journey over the past decades reflects the unwavering commitment to development, environmental stewardship, and the well-being of all ethnic groups in Xizang.
