President Xi Jinping attended a grand gathering on Thursday at the Potala Palace square in Lhasa, capital of Xizang Autonomous Region, to mark the region's 60th founding anniversary.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, joined around 20,000 local officials and people from all ethnic groups and all walks of life in the celebration.

A congratulatory message from the CPC Central Committee, the National People's Congress Standing Committee, the State Council, the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee and the Central Military Commission was read out.

Wang Huning, chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, presented a plaque bearing Xi's inscription, "Jointly building a community for the Chinese nation, writing a new chapter for a beautiful Xizang," as a congratulatory gift.

In a speech, Wang said the founding of Xizang Autonomous Region in September 1965 marked an epoch-making event.

He said over the past six decades, Xizang has made significant strides in economic and social development, fully demonstrating the strong leadership of the CPC and the clear political strength of China's socialist system.

Wang emphasised that since the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012, Xizang has entered its best period of development and made the most substantial progress, with people of all ethnic groups benefiting more than ever before.

The CPPCC chairman called for renewed efforts to foster a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation and advance the four main tasks for governing Xizang: ensuring stability, facilitating development, protecting eco-environment, and strengthening frontiers.

Another Politburo Standing Committee member, Cai Qi, was also present at the gathering. (Xinhua)
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Last updated: 2025-08-21 HKT 15:25