-- Speech at the 2023 Forum on the Development of China's Xizang

Wang Qingxian

China
 

Deputy head of the Party School of the CPC Xizang Autonomous Region Committee

 

Democracy is the common value of all mankind. Before the 1950s, Xizang was a feudal serfdom, in which serfs and slaves, accounting for more than 95 percent of the population, were completely deprived of their personal freedom and political rights. There was no democracy to speak of. In 1951, Xizang was peacefully liberated, ushering in the dawn of democracy on the ancient snowy plateau. The Democratic Reform in 1959 brought about the most extensive, profound and progressive social change in Xizang's history, freeing millions of serfs and ushering in a new era of becoming masters of the country. Over the past 70 years and more, socialist democracy has achieved extensive, real and profound development in Xizang, and the political, ideological and mass foundation for the Party's governance in Xizang has become increasingly solid. In terms of the essential characteristics of democracy, upholding the organic unity of the leadership of the Party, the role of the people as masters of the country, and the law-based governance of Xizang, is all democracy that serves, relies on, and benefits the people in Xizang. In terms of the subject of democracy, putting the people first and upholding the people-centered principle bring a democracy that all people equally, universally and truly enjoy. In terms of the content of democracy, ensuring that the people manage state affairs and economic, cultural and social affairs in accordance with the law is a means of consolidating and developing a lively, stable and united democracy. In terms of the scope and operation of democracy, it is the most extensive, real and effective democracy with a full chain, all-round and comprehensive coverage.