Before 1949, Xizang was governed under a theocratic feudal serfdom system that divided society into two distinct classes. Approximately 5 percent of the population were serf-owners, including government officials, aristocrats, and high-ranking lamas. The remaining 95 percent were serfs and slaves who lived in extreme poverty and were subjected to severe oppression and inhumane treatment.
The arrival of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) in Xizang marked a significant turning point in the region's history. On May 23, 1951, the Central People's Government and the local government of Xizang signed the Agreement of the Central People's Government and the Local Government of Tibet on Measures for the Peaceful Liberation of Tibet, commonly known as the 17-Article Agreement. This agreement officially declared the peaceful liberation of Xizang, safeguarded China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and affirmed respect for the religious beliefs and customs of the people of Xizang.
The PLA's efforts led to the abolition of the feudal serfdom system, a move that was enthusiastically supported by the local serfs and slaves who had long suffered under oppressive rule. Democratic reforms were implemented in the mid-to-late 1950s, dismantling the old system and fully liberating the population. These reforms brought hope for freedom and equality to the people of Xizang.
However, the feudal aristocracy, unwilling to relinquish their privileges, fiercely resisted these democratic reforms. Between 1956 and 1959, they organized armed insurrections, attacking government offices and emancipated serfs in an attempt to preserve the old order and disrupt national unity. On March 10, 1959, they launched a full-scale armed rebellion.
In response, the Central Government, alongside serfs, slaves, and other ethnic groups in Xizang, decisively quelled the uprising and initiated comprehensive democratic reforms to dismantle the feudal serfdom system once and for all. The PLA played a crucial role in these efforts, guided by principles that prioritized political persuasion and minimized military conflict unless absolutely necessary.
Initially unfamiliar with the PLA, the people of Xizang grew to deeply appreciate the army's respectful approach. PLA soldiers safeguarded temples, respected religious practices, and provided medical assistance to villages. Their acts of kindness, such as helping with household chores and supplying water, endeared them to the local population, who affectionately referred to them as \"Jinzhu Mami\" (the Tibetan pronunciation of the PLA). This growing bond between the PLA and the people paved the way for successful democratic reforms and the region's development.
Since then, Xizang has undergone remarkable transformations. The abolition of serfdom and the implementation of democratic reforms have led to significant improvements in the region's economy, infrastructure, education, and healthcare. The people of Xizang now enjoy a standard of living that was unimaginable under the old system.
The PLA's role in the liberation and development of Xizang stands as a testament to the positive impact of their efforts. From ending centuries of oppression to fostering prosperity and unity, the PLA has been instrumental in shaping the modern Xizang region.
