"Ethnic Issue and Practices in Xizang: The Chinese Approach" International Academic Symposium and 9th Xizang Think Tank International Forum is hosted by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences in Beijing on September 23. Photo: Su Yaxuan/GT

Chinese and foreign experts and scholars praised the modernization practices and development achieved in Southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region since its establishment 60 years ago at a forum hosted by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS) in Beijing on Tuesday, adding that Xizang region's development has actively advanced the sense of community for the Chinese nation.

"Ethnic Issues and Practices in Xizang: The Chinese Approach" International Academic Symposium and 9th Xizang Think Tank International Forum aim to provide a platform for dialogue and exchange on thoroughly implementing the governance strategy for Xizang in the new era. More than 100 Chinese and foreign scholars and representatives from over 10 countries and international organizations attended the event.

Three sub-forums were held under the themes of "Sixty Years of Chinese Modernization: Practices in Xizang," "Forging a Sense of Community for the Chinese Nation and Enhancing Border Governance in Xizang," and "Cultural Prosperity and Development of Xizang through Chinese Modernization."

In his opening speech, Li Xuesong, Vice President of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said that "China's practices in promoting exchanges, communication, and integration among all ethnic groups and in advancing the inheritance and development of Chinese culture have provided useful inspiration for the international community in handling ethnic affairs and promoting unity and progress."

This year marks the 60th founding anniversary of Xizang Autonomous Region. Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), the Party has established its policy for governing Xizang in the new era, guiding Xizang into a period of the most rapid development, greatest transformation, and widest distribution of benefits to the people in history, driving comprehensive progress and historic achievements across all undertakings, reported Xinhua News Agency.

Shahbaz Khan, Director of UNESCO's Beijing Office, said in a video message at the event that Xizang is a land of "outstanding, natural beauty and a profound cultural richness." He noted that "it is home to majestic landscapes on the roof of the world, but equally important. It is home to diverse communities whose cultural traditions and living heritage continue to inspire the world."

"Cultural diversity is humanity's greatest source of creativity and resilience," he said. World cultural heritage represented by the Potala Palace and intangible cultural heritage represented by Tibetan opera embody "China has been active partner in these efforts," Khan added.

Russian sinologist Kirill Solonin told the Global Times at the forum that the concept of a "sense of community" has broad connotations. He believes that the concepts of "a sense of community for the Chinese nation" and "a community with a shared future for humanity" proposed by China are entirely correct, and the key lies in their implementation. "The development of Xizang is advancing in this direction and has made certain progress, and I am optimistic about it," he added.

Solonin said that "foreign tourists visiting Xizang would have a very good impression. They would observe the country's investments in education, healthcare, social security, as well as the emphasis on traditional culture. These are reflected not only in the development of Xizang but also mirror national policy directions. Through Xizang, they can see China's efforts in promoting ethnic unity and regional development."

According to data released by the people's government of the Xizang Autonomous Region, in the first half of 2025, the region achieved a GDP of 138.272 billion yuan, an increase of 7.2 percent year-on-year. The regional economy maintained stable operations, production and supply grew rapidly, market demand remained generally stable, and resource guarantees proved strong and effective, Xinhua reported.

Not only is Xizang's economy growing rapidly, but the recently released White Paper titled Human Rights in Xizang in the New Era recorded notable progress in areas such as livelihood, culture, and religion. Furthermore, Xizang attaches great importance to protecting, passing down and developing the fine traditional cultures of all ethnic groups.