Intro:

Really pleased to be in Lhasa, honoured to be invited to be part of discussions at conference with experts and professionals present.

My background - born in China but left for the UK when very young, all formative years and higher education spent in the UK. But was lucky family insisted on immersing me in a Chinese environment where possible, encouraging me to read Chinese books, and engaging my active interest in the culture.

Interest in Tibet:

A place that‘s always held a sense of mystery and intrigue for me.

Growing up abroad, the voices on Tibet has been varied and divided. Thus it‘s essential to see for myself the true picture of the region.

Which is why this conference could not have come at a better timing. Had planned to visit Tibet myself with family later this year, but the tourist process is complex for foreign passport holders. So this opportunity felt like a visit to Tibet was meant to be/destined!

Tibet‘s connection with the world:

A place with rich history and enigmatic culture. But its people have not always lived in prosperity. With its liberation, life has been changed. In the past half century, the people have gained freedom, equality and respect. Along with better living standards, the region has become open and connected to the outside world, via high-speed rail, plane.

Tibet has connected with the outside world through its culture too. There are many well-known Tibetans in the entertainment realm. Growing number of ethnic contenders in variety shows.

This is a prime way for the rest of China and the world to learn about Tibet and its people. Starting from profound respect for the talents, extending to curiosity for everything else, and eventually understanding and informed opinions.

Environment:

As Tibet‘s people walk out and rest of the world enter – with this exchange and opening up inevitably there will be unforeseen changes and rapid development.

Tibet earns many titles for its natural beauty and ecological uniqueness: roof of the world, third pole of the world, source of rivers….

Region fast catching up with rest of Chinese economy – more important than ever not to exploit natural resources and put ecology and environment at risk.

Conclusion:

All this is learnt indirectly. Finally have the chance to discover first-hand the real Tibet.

Important given my profession. News industry – the truth is guiding moral and professional principle. Only way to know the truth is by talking and interacting with the people involved, and observing with one‘s own eyes the action that is at the heart of the story.

Finally, I want to say again how excited I am to be here, to be able to exchange views with all of you, and learn from you. China is undergoing tremendous change as it develops fast, Tibet is an essential part of this development, and I am honoured to bear witness to history in the making.

(Jiao Yang, anchor and editor , CCTV-News)