2015年CRI Stability in Tibet is Critical in Governing Border Areas: Chinese Authority（在线收听）

Media reports always criticized that there have been insufficient number of public facilities in Chinese cities.

Yu Zhengsheng, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference said Tibet has realized remarkable economic growth over the past 50 years.

He made the remarks at a rally of senior officials and thousands of Tibetan people gathered in front of the Potala Palace.

The Chinese top political advisor spoke highly of the contribution made by people from all walks of life in the region.

"People of all ethnic groups in Tibet have been in high spirits and worked very hard together over the past 50 years. They have worked diligently and used their wisdom to create one miracle after another. They've made remarkable achievements and brought great changes to the snow-covered plateau. The social capital in Tibet has been emancipated and developed. Tibet's GDP has increased by 68 times and local financial revenue has increased by 564 times in the past five decades."

Yu noted social stability is critical to ensure the sustainable economic development of the region.

He highlighted the strategic role of Tibet and said the region is an important shield of national security.

"Tibet is an important shield of national and ecological security, an important strategic resources reserve base, an important place to preserve distinctive culture of the Chinese nation and an important passage for opening up to south Asia."

Yu noted border areas must be well managed to successfully govern the country.

And he adds that stability in Tibet is paramount to the management of these areas.

"The governance in the border areas is an indispensable part in governing a country. To maintain stability in Tibet comes the first in governing the border. It is the ardent aspiration of the people of all ethnic groups to safeguard Tibet's harmony and stability and bring prosperity and development to Tibet. It is also the common wish of the entire Party and the people of all ethnic groups in China."

The senior Chinese leader vowed that the country will continue to crack down on all kinds of separatist activities.

He also called for improved ethnic solidarity, calling it a "lifeline".

The Tibet Autonomous Region was founded on September 1, 1965, after the establishment of the regional People's Congress, the local legislature, through elections.

For CRI, I'm Guo Yan.