With the passage of 50 extraordinary years, Tibet of today presents a scene of vitality and prosperity with economic growth, social progress and stability, ethnic solidarity and solid border defense. The people here are living and working in peace and contentment. 

 

The credit for the remarkable achievements of Tibet in the past 50 years goes to the wise decision-making and correct leadership of the three generations of central collective leadership of the Party with comrades Mao Zedong, Deng Xiaoping and Jiang Zemin at the core respectively during different historical periods in Tibet 's development. The achievements are also attributable to the all- out support of the state to Tibet and the continual aid of the people across the country. The achievements are also the result of the concerted efforts by the people of all ethnic groups in Tibet, who have displayed the extraordinary spirit of fortitude, hard work, endurance, solidarity and utter devotion. 

 

Reflecting on the past in light of the present, one should bear in mind where his/her happiness comes from. At this moment, we deeply cherish the memory of proletarian revolutionaries of the older generation such as Mao Zedong and Deng Xiaoping who initiated and laid the foundation for the development and progress of Tibet. We also deeply cherish the memory of the martyrs and heroes who dedicated their youth, wisdom, strength and even invaluable lives to the revolution, construction and reform in Tibet and to the defense of the frontier of the motherland. Their heroic names and meritorious deeds will be eulogized through the ages and go down in history! 

 

The course of 50 years of storms and vicissitudes has brought to light a great truth: It is only under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, only in the embrace of the big family of the motherland and only by firmly taking the socialist road with Chinese characteristics that Tibet can enjoy today's prosperity and progress and an even better tomorrow. This is the most important conclusion that we have drawn from the 50 years of Tibet 's development and also the fundamental principle that must be followed in building and developing Tibet in the days to come.