LHASA - Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping on Wednesday called on people from the religious circle in Tibet to "stay clear from" separatist forces during his visit to the Jokhang Temple, a key Tibetan Buddhism monastery located in Lhasa.

Speaking to more than 100 monks of the monastery and representatives from the religious circle gathering at Jokhang, Xi said Tibet has been an inalienable part of China since ancient times and people from the religious circle have helped maintain social stability, national integrity and ethnic unity.

"The Party and the government will not forget your positive contributions," Xi said, urging them to carry on the patriotic spirit, stay in line with the Party and the government, and strive for Tibet's development and the improvement of the people's living standards.

Xi's remarks came a day after he addressed a mass rally in Lhasa to mark the 60th anniversary of the peaceful liberation of Tibet and emphasized the fight against separatist activities led by the Dalai Lama group.