Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China and Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, recently visited the Tibet Autonomous Region, stating that "the top priority in governing Tibet is its stability" and emphasized the thorough implementation of the Ethnic Unity Promotion Law.
The Ethnic Unity Promotion Law, which institutionalizes the strengthening of unity and community consciousness among various ethnic groups in China, came into effect this month.
According to the state-run Xinhua News Agency, Wang inspected the Tibet Autonomous Region from July 19 to 22, visiting Lhasa and the Ari region near the India-Nepal border.
During his visit, Wang learned about social stability, ethnic harmony, temple management, border development, poverty alleviation, and the protection of historical and cultural heritage, engaging in discussions with various ethnic minority officials and residents.
Wang emphasized, "The top priority in governing Tibet is its stability, and to achieve this, we must solidify a united and stable political and social environment." He added, "Ethnic unity is the lifeline of the people of all ethnic groups in China, and we must carry out propaganda and education to strengthen the sense of community among the Chinese nation and promote the construction of the Chinese national community in a concrete, practical, and effective manner."
He also stated, "We must thoroughly implement the Ethnic Unity Promotion Law and enhance our capacity to manage ethnic affairs, ensuring that all development embodies the meaning of ethnic unity and progress."
Wang further stressed the need to systematically promote the Sinicization of religion and to strengthen the rule of law in religious administration, guiding Tibetan Buddhism to adapt to socialist society.
Additionally, he highlighted the importance of protecting and utilizing Tibet's historical documents, archaeological artifacts, and cultural heritage to showcase the historical processes of exchange and integration among various ethnic groups.
The Ethnic Unity Promotion Law, which took effect on July 1, adopts Mandarin Chinese as the basic language for school education and official government work, and includes provisions for punishing acts of ethnic division abroad. Some have expressed concerns that this could expand the legal basis for restricting the religious, cultural, and political activities of ethnic minorities.
Wang Huning has participated in establishing key theoretical systems of the party, including Jiang Zemin's "Three Represents" and Hu Jintao's "Scientific Outlook on Development," and is regarded as a prominent theorist within the party, responsible for core policy and theoretical design under Xi Jinping's leadership. He previously visited the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region in June, where he also emphasized ethnic unity and stability.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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