Xi's Tibet visit seen as boost for ethnic unity

During the visit, Xi emphasized that people of all ethnic groups had jointly contributed to the development of Tibet.

History has provided many examples of exchanges between Tibetan and other ethnic groups, he said.

The region is at a new starting point of its development, and the Party's leadership must be upheld and the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics must be followed, he said.

In promoting the high-quality development of Tibet, it is important to see growth in various areas from the perspective of ethnic unity and progress and ensure that growth will help improve the sense of gain, happiness and security of people of various ethnic groups, he said.

The president underlined the need to accelerate the construction of railways, roads and other major infrastructure projects, develop industries with local characteristics and quicken the development of a national base for clean energy.

He urged authorities to take concrete steps to address jobs, education, social security, healthcare, eldercare and housing security.

He reiterated the significance of protecting the region's ecology and environment, saying it is important to improve environmental governance, protect the biodiversity of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, and stick to a development path that ensures harmony between humans and nature.

Dorje Tashi, a lecturer at Tibet Vocational Technical College, said Xi pointed the way for development of the region during the visit, adding that the tour will be significant to the ethnic unity, social harmony and economic growth of the region.

Zhang, from the China Tibetology Research Center, said ethnic unity is crucial to social harmony and stability, the long-term peace and order of a nation and the happiness of people.

"The general secretary has underscored a basic historical fact that Tibet has been the area where different ethnic groups of the nation have been living and thriving since ancient times. Tibet's case has revealed that the different ethnic groups of China are a community with a shared future that shares weal and woe," he said.