Editor's Note:

Xizang, a region known for its breathtaking landscapes and unique cultural traditions, has long become a target of Western smear campaigns and falsehoods about China. What is the truth? In the "Truth Seen in Xizang" series, the Global Times publishes conversations with and articles from scholars and observers from around the world who have visited the region, sharing their firsthand experience of traveling to Xizang and observing the daily lives of people there. Through their insights and experiences, we aim to present an authentic perspective on the Xizang Autonomous Region. In the 11th piece of the series, Global Times (GT) reporter Liu Xuandi talked to Mark Logan (Logan), former member of the House of Commons of the United Kingdom. He shared his insights about cultural preservation, ecological protection and public welfare in the region.

GT: You recently participated in the 2025 Forum on the Development of Xizang and visited Nyingchi City in Southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. Could you share the most unforgettable experiences from this trip? What unique impressions has Xizang left you with, and how does it differ from your experiences in other Chinese provinces and regions?

Logan: Having visited 31 of China's provincial-level administrative divisions, I can confidently say that Xizang left a profound impression on me. Its spectacular landscapes truly set it apart - nowhere else have I experienced a flight where I gazed at snow-capped mountains for nearly two hours straight before landing. That visual grandeur was unforgettable.

What also struck me was Xizang's relatively small population compared to other densely populated provinces and regions. Yet, despite its sparse population, high-altitude terrain and logistical challenges, Xizang has witnessed the common Chinese characteristics of success in the snow-covered plateau over past decades. Its level of infrastructure development is remarkable. Driving from Nyingchi Mainling Airport to the city, I witnessed modern highways winding through difficult landscapes - a testament to engineering feats seldom seen elsewhere.

GT: As a sinologist with a deep appreciation for Chinese traditional culture, you personally experienced intangible cultural heritage practices during your visit. In your view, what is the current state of preservation and transmission of Xizang's local languages, arts and other traditional cultural heritage?

Logan: What impressed me most was the vibrant preservation and everyday use of the Tibetan language. Unlike certain Celtic languages in Northern Ireland - my homeland in the UK - which face varying degrees of endangerment, the Tibetan language is visibly alive in Xizang: on street signs, at formal occasions and in daily conversations among locals. It's a living language, not a relic.

Similarly, Tibetan medicine also left a lasting impression. At a local hospital, I experienced unique therapies like heated herbal compresses applied to the head - something I had never encountered before. It was both profoundly relaxing and enlightening. This form of medicine is not only culturally significant but also holds potential for broader commercial and wellness applications. These experiences reflect a living culture, well-integrated into modern life in the region.

GT: Xizang's natural environment is among the best preserved in the world. Could you share your impressions of this region's natural landscapes? How do you view Xizang's efforts to prioritize eco-environmental conservation and its commitment to maintaining harmony between humanity and nature in modernization?

Logan: Xizang's natural landscape is truly stunning, distinguished by its incomparable scale and pristine condition. This is due in large part to the Chinese government's firm commitment to ecological conservation. It is remarkable that more than 50 percent of Xizang's total land area has been listed under ecological conservation protection. I observed no signs of pollution during my travel from Nyingchi to other parts of Xizang. This reflects a successful balance between environmental preservation and economic development - a model many nations struggle to achieve. This alignment of ecological and economic goals is not only inspiring but globally significant.

GT: This year marks the 60th founding anniversary of Xizang Autonomous Region. The CPC has always maintained a people-centered approach to human rights and a commitment to ensuring human rights through development in the governance of the region. Based on your observations of local infrastructure and livelihood projects, how would you evaluate the effectiveness of this people-centered approach in improving the livelihoods in Xizang?

Logan: One of the first Chinese characters I ever learned was "development," a concept also embodied in the forum. During my trip, I spoke with people from all walks of life, including a Tibetan man seated beside me on the plane, hotel staff, shopkeepers, farmers and university professors. Without exception, they shared how their lives have tangibly improved over the past decades, crediting the Chinese government's sustained investment in development as the foundation of this progress.

It is unfortunate that some Western developed countries often criticize or attempt to corner China on issues like human rights. From my perspective, however, China demonstrates the right approach in terms of governance and public welfare. Though already boasting advanced infrastructure and a strong economy, China remains a developing nation in the most meaningful sense. It is not a static society, but a developing one: always evolving, always striving to deliver better lives for its people, which stands in stark contrast to the static perception of "developed societies."

GT: You once wrote "there is far too much dangerous language out there bereft of a firm underpinning of the world we now live in." Some Western media outlets, driven by ideological bias, have spread such "dangerous language" about Xizang. Based on your firsthand experience during this visit, do you find such claims to be truthful and fair? How can we foster greater understanding and dialogue to present an authentic Xizang to the world?

Logan: Based on my firsthand experience, I find many Western media narratives disconnected from the reality I witnessed. What I actually saw in Xizang was a region of tangible development - modern infrastructure blending with preserved cultural traditions and clear improvements in local livelihoods. This stands in stark contrast to the distorted picture painted by some Western outlets.

Having engaged with China for over two decades, I've observed how recent EU policy statements often reflect a troubling disconnect - what I can only describe as misguided and counterproductive approaches toward China. It's essential that we move beyond ideological biases. Having been something of a voice in political circles advocating for pragmatic China engagement for 20 years, I believe the solution lies in direct exposure and people-to-people exchanges. We should encourage more people, including intellectuals, nature enthusiasts, climate researchers, linguists and culture seekers, to visit China, learn Putonghua and see it firsthand. That would do more to foster understanding than any political rhetoric.

That was my own experience two decades ago, when I first landed in Shanghai and began traveling across this magnificently vibrant country. As I've often argued, we achieve far more through cooperation than confrontation, and it's time our policies reflected that reality rather than ideological preconceptions.