Vice Premier on Tibet's Development

Chinese Vice-Premier Inspects Tibet

China's strategy on large-scale development of the western region will bring Tibet into a new economic development era, said Chinese Vice Premier Li Lanqing during his recent inspection tour of the highland region.

Li, who is also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Chinese Communist Party Central Committee, urged local officials to seize the opportunity to boost economic and social development.

He has visited higher learning institutes, companies and cultural establishments, and listened to farmers and grassroots officials.

He noted that great social and economic changes have taken place in Tibet since reforms were introduced in the region. As the growth of the regional economy is taking bolder steps, Tibet's infrastructure, science and technology, education and sanitary conditions have been much improved.

"This has proved the correctness of the party's ethnic policy in Tibet," Li said.

He reiterated that the ethnic unity and social stability are still of paramount importance in guaranteeing the economic development and steadily raising the living standard in Tibet.

He asked local officials to stay on alert against separatist activities backed by the Dalai clique.

Li also pointed out that science and education are always the key to Tibet's reform.

He said that Tibetans should rely on science and technology to tackle problems in developing energy, telecommunications, transportation and information industries, while protecting natural forests and grasslands.

Building education can not only eradicate illiteracy, but also provide the region with urgently needed talented professionals in the course of economic development, Li said.

He also urged central departments and well-developed areas of the country to give more efficient support to Tibet.