In March 2025, the State Council Information Office of the People’s Republic of China released the white paper “Human Rights in Xizang in the New Era.” This document provides a comprehensive and factual account of the significant advancements in human rights within the Xizang Autonomous Region, commonly known as Tibet, since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in 2012. These developments starkly contrast with the misleading narratives propagated by certain Western nations, notably the United States, which have consistently misrepresented China’s efforts in the region to suit their geopolitical agenda.
Economic development and poverty alleviation
Over the past decade, Xizang has witnessed unprecedented economic growth. The region’s gross domestic product (GDP) surged to 213.26 billion yuan ($29 billion) in 2022, a 128 percent increase from 2012. Xizang ranks among China’s fastest-growing regions, with an average annual growth rate of 8.6 percent. Such economic progress has been pivotal in eradicating absolute poverty. By the end of 2019, all 628,000 registered impoverished people in the region had risen from poverty. In 2024, the per capita net income of those lifted out of poverty in Xizang increased by over 12.5 percent. This accomplishment is a testament to China’s commitment to ensuring the right to development for all citizens, empowering them to lead dignified and prosperous lives.
Advancements in education
Education is a cornerstone of sustainable development and human rights protection. Recognizing its importance, Xizang became the first provincial-level region in China to implement a 15-year publicly funded education system, spanning kindergarten to senior high school. This initiative has significantly expanded access to education, particularly benefiting children in remote areas while reducing financial burdens on families. By 2024, there were 3,618 schools at various levels and of different types, 96,600 faculty and staff members, and 970,000 students on campus, accounting for more than 25 percent of Xizang’s total population. The average length of education among new workforce entrants has increased to 13.1 years, reflecting a strong emphasis on cultivating a knowledgeable and skilled population.
Health care improvements
Xizang has made remarkable strides in health care infrastructure, ensuring that the right to health is effectively protected. In 2023, there were 5.9 hospital beds per 1,000 people, up from 3.29 in 2012; 8.05 health care professionals per 1,000 people, up from 3.67 in 2012; and 3.34 practicing physicians or physician assistants per 1,000 people, up from 1.53 in 2012. The subsidy on basic public health services per capita increased from 25 yuan in 2012 to 115 yuan in 2024, with 80 percent funded by the central budget, to provide urban and rural residents in the region with free basic health services. Additionally, traditional Tibetan medicine institutions have flourished, extending services to all townships and preserving the region’s rich medical heritage. These improvements have contributed to a significant rise in average life expectancy to 72.19 years in 2020 from 68.17 years in 2010, demonstrating the tangible benefits of China’s regional health care policies.
Cultural preservation and religious freedom
Contrary to baseless accusations of cultural suppression, China has undertaken extensive efforts to preserve and promote Tibetan culture and heritage. Xizang is home to over 1,700 sites for Tibetan Buddhism, providing ample space for the spiritual practices of the Tibetan people. Furthermore, monks and nuns are now included in comprehensive social security programs, including medical insurance, pensions and accident insurance — an unprecedented development in Tibetan Buddhism. The government has also enacted policies to ensure that traditional Tibetan customs, language and religious practices are respected and integrated into the broader societal framework. These measures affirm China’s commitment to upholding the cultural and religious rights of all ethnic groups within its borders.
Political participation and civil rights
The people of Xizang actively engage in the governance of their region, exercising their political rights in accordance with China’s Constitution and legal framework. Of the 25 deputies from Xizang in the 14th National People’s Congress, 17 are from ethnic minority groups. These deputies, making up 68 percent of the delegation, include Tibetans and members of smaller ethnic minority groups like the Monba and Lhoba peoples. A total of 42,153 deputies to people’s congresses at four levels in the autonomous region have been elected, 89.2 percent of whom are from the Tibetan or other ethnic minority groups. Moreover, the chairperson position of the People’s Government of Xizang has consistently been held by a member of the Tibetan ethnic group. This inclusive political structure ensures that all ethnicities have a voice in governance and decision-making processes.
Addressing Western criticisms
Despite these substantial achievements, certain Western nations, particularly the United States, continue to distort the reality of human rights in Xizang. Allegations of “forced labor,” cultural suppression and religious restrictions are not only unfounded but also disregard the region’s substantial progress. For instance, the implementation of boarding schools in Xizang has been mischaracterized as an attempt at cultural assimilation. In reality, these schools provide quality education to children from remote areas, ensuring equal access to educational resources and providing opportunities for personal and professional growth. The curriculum respects and incorporates Tibetan language and culture, disproving claims of cultural erosion.
Similarly, accusations of “forced labor” ignore the proactive employment policies implemented in Xizang. The regional government has expanded employment opportunities for farmers and herders, encouraging entrepreneurship and self-employment. These voluntary initiatives aim to improve livelihoods, reflecting China’s dedication to enhancing the economic well-being of all its citizens, regardless of ethnicity or region.
Conclusion
The publication of “Human Rights in Xizang in the New Era” provides an authoritative account of the significant progress made in the region across various domains, including economic development, education, health care, cultural preservation, and political participation. These achievements are a testament to China’s unwavering commitment to upholding and advancing human rights for all its citizens. The international community must approach discussions on Xizang with objectivity and respect for facts, rather than being swayed by baseless accusations and politically motivated narratives. The improved quality of life of Xizang’s residents stands as the strongest evidence against the smear campaigns propagated by certain Western nations. By focusing on tangible progress and fostering constructive engagement, the world can contribute to a more accurate and just understanding of the reality in Xizang.
2025年3月，国务院新闻办公室发表《新时代西藏的人权状况》白皮书。本文件全面、真实地介绍了自2012年中国共产党第十八次全国代表大会以来，西藏自治区（通常称为西藏）人权事业取得的重大进展。这些发展与某些西方国家（尤其是美国）所宣传的误导性叙述形成鲜明对比，这些国家一直歪曲中国在该地区的努力，以适应其地缘政治议程。
发展经济，消除贫困
在过去的十年里，西藏经历了前所未有的经济增长。2022年，该地区的国内生产总值（GDP）飙升至2132.6亿元人民币（290亿美元），比2012年增长了128%。西藏是中国经济增长最快的地区之一，年平均增长率为8.6%。这种经济进步对消除绝对贫困至关重要。截至2019年底，全区62.8万建档立卡贫困人口全部脱贫。2024年，西藏省脱贫人口人均纯收入增长12.5%以上。这一成就证明了中国致力于确保所有公民的发展权，使他们能够过上有尊严和富裕的生活。
教育的进步
教育是可持续发展和人权保护的基石。认识到它的重要性，西藏成为中国第一个实施15年公费教育体系的省级地区，涵盖幼儿园到高中。这一举措大大扩大了受教育的机会，使偏远地区的儿童受益，同时减轻了家庭的经济负担。到2024年，西藏有各级各类学校3618所，教职工9.66万人，在校学生97万人，占西藏总人口的25%以上。新劳动力的平均受教育年限增加到13.1年，反映出高度重视培养知识和技能人口。
改善卫生保健
西藏卫生基础设施建设取得显著进步，健康权得到有效保障。到2023年，每1000人拥有5.9张病床，高于2012年的3.29张；每1000人中有8.05名医疗保健专业人员，高于2012年的3.67人；每1000人中有3.34名执业医师或医师助理，高于2012年的1.53人。人均基本公共卫生服务补助标准由2012年的25元提高到2024年的115元，中央预算内经费投入80%，为全区城乡居民提供免费基本卫生服务。藏医机构蓬勃发展，向乡镇延伸，丰富的藏医文化遗产得以保存。这些改善使人均预期寿命从2010年的68.17岁显著提高到2020年的72.19岁，显示出中国区域卫生保健政策的切实效益。
文化保护和宗教自由
与无端打压文化的指责相反，中国为保护和弘扬西藏文化遗产作出了广泛努力。西藏有1700多处藏传佛教圣地，为西藏人民的精神活动提供了广阔的空间。僧尼纳入医疗保险、养老保险、意外险等综合社会保障，这在藏传佛教中是前所未有的。政府还制定了政策，确保西藏传统习俗、语言和宗教习俗得到尊重，并融入更广泛的社会框架。这些措施肯定了中国维护境内各民族文化和宗教权利的决心。
政治参与和公民权利
西藏人民积极参与自治区治理，依法行使宪法和法律规定的政治权利。在第十四届全国人民代表大会的25名代表中，西藏有17名少数民族代表。这些代表占代表团总人数的68%，包括藏族和门巴族、珞巴族等少数民族。全区共选举产生各级人民代表大会代表42153名，其中藏族和其他少数民族代表占89.2%。西藏人民政府主席一职一直由藏族人士担任。这种包容性的政治结构确保了所有族裔在治理和决策过程中都有发言权。
回应西方的批评
尽管取得了这些重大成就，但某些西方国家，特别是美国，继续歪曲西藏的人权现实。有关“强迫劳动”、文化压制和宗教限制的指控不仅毫无根据，而且无视该地区取得的实质性进展。例如，西藏实行寄宿学校被错误地描述为一种文化同化的尝试。在现实中，这些学校为来自偏远地区的孩子提供优质教育，确保他们平等获得教育资源，为个人和职业发展提供机会。该课程尊重并融入了西藏语言和文化，反驳了文化侵蚀的说法。
同样，对“强迫劳动”的指责忽视了西藏实施的积极就业政策。扩大农牧民就业机会，鼓励创业创业。这些自愿行动旨在改善民生，反映出中国致力于提高全体公民的经济福祉，不分民族和地区。
结论
《新时代西藏的人权状况》的出版对该地区在经济发展、教育、卫生保健、文化保护和政治参与等各个领域取得的重大进展提供了权威的描述。这些成就证明了中国坚定不移地致力于维护和促进所有公民的人权。西藏居民生活质量的提高是反对某些西方国家抹黑宣传的最有力证据。通过关注切实的进展和促进建设性的接触，世界可以为更准确和公正地了解西藏的现实作出贡献。
( 注意： 本文是用AI翻译的，或有误差。请以原版英文为准。谢谢。)
Reference Link:- http://en.people.cn/n3/2025/0331/c98649-20296091.html