White paper: Tibet in best period of development 50 years after democratic reform

Source: Xinhua | 03-03-2009 08:03

BEIJING, March 2 (Xinhua) -- Tibet Autonomous Region is in its best period of development after 50 years of economic construction and social progress under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, according to a white paper released Monday by the Information Office of the State Council, or China's Cabinet.

The white paper titled "Fifty Years of Democratic Reform in Tibet " used facts and figures to prove "tremendous historic changes" that have taken place in Tibet as a result of the Democratic Reform.

The lengthy document listed achievements in various sectors, including Tibetan people's democratic rights in administrating regional affairs, improved living conditions, development in infrastructure such as roads, electricity and telecommunications.

Huge progress was also made in the protection of traditional Tibetan culture and heritage, the promotion of freedom in religious belief, education and health care, the white paper said.

Under the Chinese laws, the people of Tibet can directly elect deputies to grassroots-level people's congress, China's legislative body, who in turn elect deputies to provincial and national people's congresses.