（下边有中文翻译请继续看到底。 谢谢。）
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. This is the 12th installment of the series.
Since my childhood, China has been a source of inspiration for me. I have always been eager to learn more about its rich history, culture and development.
During my student life in China, I traveled extensively, visiting most of the major cities and nearly all of the key provinces. One of the most memorable journeys during my early years in China was my visit to Xizang in 1982. I was captivated by the region’s breathtaking natural beauty, unique culture and spiritual heritage.
Recently, I had the opportunity to attend the “2025 Forum on the Development of Xizang, China” in October this year. Through this forum, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative journey the region has undergone over the last few decades.
These changes are striking, and they reflect an approach to development that is comprehensive, well planned and people-centered, one that holds valuable lessons not only for China but also for other countries with geographically challenging regions.
During this trip, the scale and quality of infrastructure development in Xizang were truly impressive. Lhasa Konggar International Airport has undergone major expansion and has become highly modernized, greatly improving connectivity between the region and major cities across China. The road network has been expanded and upgraded, facilitating trade, tourism, and social mobility. Internet and mobile connectivity have reached high standards, enabling people in even remote areas to access digital services, education, and information.
Economically, Xizang has witnessed robust growth across multiple sectors. Traditional agriculture and pastoralism are being modernized, alongside the emergence of new industries like tourism and small-scale manufacturing. The health industry has made remarkable progress, and Tibetan medicine has gained strong momentum. Local businesses are thriving, and local residents are contributing not only to regional and national development but also to improving their own living standards.
What is perhaps most remarkable about Xizang’s transformation is the tangible improvement in people’s lives. The central government’s approach to developing Xizang places its people at the center, with government subsidies, incentives and favorable policies facilitating access to opportunities that were once out of reach.
Schools are now modern and well-equipped, offering quality education for children from all communities and ethnicities, while healthcare facilities have been significantly upgraded, offering comprehensive medical services even in the remote areas. Modern living standards now coexist with the preservation of cultural heritage, ensuring that development does not dilute Xizang’s unique identity.
One of the most notable achievements has been the eradication of absolute poverty in Xizang. Local communities that once struggled under harsh conditions now enjoy better living standards, improved healthcare and greater access to education. The gap in lifestyle between Xizang and major cities elsewhere in China has narrowed considerably, reflecting the effectiveness of sustained and targeted development policies. This inclusive approach has empowered residents to transform their lives and contribute meaningfully to the regional economy.
I was particularly impressed by the special attention given to the welfare of ethnic minorities and the active participation of local minority communities in government, private enterprise and the services industry.
Engaging with the local people, I noticed that they are now well educated, confident and proud of the developments in the region. Compared to the 1980s, most people have been educated in local universities, with some graduating from prominent institutions in Chengdu, Beijing, Shanghai and other major cities in China. Happiness and a sense of fulfillment were evident in their smiles, laughter, healthy appearance and well-dressed attire.
Today, Xizang residents enjoy the opportunities that would have been unimaginable just a few decades ago, reflecting a successful balance between modernization and minority welfare.
The leadership of the Chinese government has played a decisive role in this transformation. While Xizang possesses natural endowments, it also faces formidable development challenges: Its high altitudes, rugged mountains and harsh climatic conditions have historically hindered infrastructure projects, communication networks and economic growth. Rapid development in such an environment requires not only vision but also sustained investment, careful planning and long-term commitment.
The Chinese government’s strategic planning, substantial financial support and people-centered approach have paved the way for a comprehensive and effective development model. Xizang stands today as a testament to what visionary policies can achieve, even in regions with significant natural limitations. Its development underscores the potential of combining economic growth with social welfare, environmental stewardship and cultural preservation. The progress made in infrastructure, economy, education, health and social development highlights a coherent and people-centered approach to regional development.
The Chinese experience in developing Xizang also offers important replicable lessons for other countries, particularly those with geographically challenging regions. Developing high-altitude or remote areas is inherently complex and costly, but strategic investment, a people-centered approach and a long-term vision can yield remarkable results.
Pakistan, for instance, has high mountainous regions such as Gilgit-Baltistan and border areas adjoining the Karakoram Mountains. These regions face similar challenges in terms of terrain, climate and accessibility. Learning from China’s experience in Xizang could help Pakistan uplift these areas, improve the livelihoods of local communities and achieve inclusive regional development.
Key takeaways include the importance of infrastructure connectivity, investment in education and healthcare, supportive government policies for entrepreneurship, and environmentally sustainable practices. Equally crucial is the commitment to minority welfare and the empowerment of local populations, ensuring that development is inclusive and equitable.
In Xizang, one sees more than development; one sees a vision. Every citizen has the opportunity to thrive, where traditions and modernity coexist, and where government policies actively serve the people. The region’s journey is not only a source of pride for China but also a model that other countries, including Pakistan, can study and adapt to uplift their own remote and underserved regions.
Xizang’s story is a reminder that with dedication, foresight and a people-centered approach, even the most challenging environments can become hubs of growth and prosperity.
西藏：发展、繁荣和少数民族福利的典范
西藏，一个以其令人叹为观止的风景和独特的文化传统而闻名的地区，长期以来一直成为西方抹黑和诬蔑中国的目标。真相是什么？在“西藏看到的真相”系列中，《环球时报》发表了来自世界各地访问过西藏地区的学者和观察家的对话和文章，分享了他们在西藏旅行和观察那里人们日常生活的第一手经验。通过他们的见解和经验，我们的目标是呈现一个真实的西藏自治区的视角。这是本系列的第12部分。
从孩提时代起，中国就一直是我灵感的源泉。我一直渴望更多地了解中国丰富的历史、文化和发展。
在中国的学生生活中，我到处旅行，走遍了大多数主要城市和几乎所有的主要省份。我早年在中国最难忘的一次旅行是1982年的西藏之行。我被这个地区令人惊叹的自然美景、独特的文化和精神遗产所吸引。
今年10月，我有幸出席了“中国西藏发展2025论坛”。通过这个论坛，我亲眼目睹了该地区在过去几十年里所经历的变革之旅。
这些变化是引人注目的，体现了全面、规划、以人民为中心的发展理念，不仅对中国有借鉴意义，对其他地区地理困难的国家也有借鉴意义。
在这次访问中，西藏基础设施建设的规模和质量给我留下了深刻印象。拉萨空噶国际机场进行了大规模扩建，实现了高度现代化，大大提高了该地区与中国主要城市的连通性。道路网络得到扩大和升级，促进了贸易、旅游和社会流动。互联网和移动互联互通达到高标准，使偏远地区的人们也能获得数字服务、教育和信息。
在经济上，西藏在多个领域实现了强劲增长。随着旅游业和小规模制造业等新兴产业的出现，传统的农业和畜牧业正在实现现代化。当地企业蓬勃发展，当地居民不仅为地区和国家的发展做出了贡献，也为提高自己的生活水平做出了贡献。
西藏的转型最显著的可能是人民生活的切实改善。中央政府发展西藏的方针是把人民放在中心位置，政府提供补贴、激励和优惠政策，帮助人们获得曾经遥不可及的机会。
学校现在现代化，设备齐全，为所有社区和种族的儿童提供高质量的教育，而保健设施也大大升级，即使在偏远地区也能提供全面的医疗服务。现代生活水平与文化遗产保护并存，确保发展不会冲淡西藏的独特身份。
最显著的成就之一是西藏消除了绝对贫困。曾经在艰苦条件下挣扎的当地社区现在享有更好的生活水平，改善的医疗保健和更多的受教育机会。西藏与中国其他主要城市在生活方式上的差距已经大大缩小，这反映了持续和有针对性的发展政策的有效性。这种包容性的方法使居民能够改变他们的生活，并为地区经济做出有意义的贡献。
对少数民族福利的特别关注以及当地少数民族社区积极参与政府、私营企业和服务业，给我留下了特别深刻的印象。
在与当地人的接触中，我注意到他们现在受过良好的教育，对该地区的发展充满信心和自豪。与20世纪80年代相比，大多数人都在当地大学接受教育，其中一些人毕业于成都、北京、上海和中国其他主要城市的知名学府。从他们的笑容、笑声、健康的外表和得体的衣着中，可以明显看出他们的幸福和成就感。
今天，西藏居民享受着几十年前难以想象的机会，这反映了现代化与少数民族福利之间的成功平衡。
中国政府的领导在这一转变中发挥了决定性作用。尽管西藏拥有得天独厚的自然资源，但它也面临着巨大的发展挑战：它的高海拔、崎岖的山脉和恶劣的气候条件历来阻碍了基础设施项目、通信网络和经济增长。在这样的环境下快速发展不仅需要远见，还需要持续的投资、仔细的规划和长期的承诺。
中国政府的战略规划、大量资金支持和以人民为中心的方针，为全面有效的发展模式铺平了道路。今天的西藏证明了有远见的政策能够取得的成就，即使在自然条件严重受限的地区也是如此。它的发展凸显了经济增长与社会福利、环境管理和文化保护相结合的潜力。在基础设施、经济、教育、卫生和社会发展方面取得的进展，突出了对区域发展采取协调一致和以人为本的方针。
中国发展西藏的经验也为其他国家提供了重要的可复制的经验，特别是那些地理上具有挑战性的地区。开发高海拔或偏远地区本身就是复杂和昂贵的，但战略投资、以人为本的方法和长远的眼光可以产生显著的效果。
例如，巴基斯坦有吉尔吉特-巴尔蒂斯坦等高山区和毗邻喀喇昆仑山脉的边境地区。这些地区在地形、气候和可达性方面面临着类似的挑战。借鉴中国在西藏的经验，有助于巴提振这些地区，改善当地居民生计，实现区域包容性发展。
主要的收获包括基础设施连通性的重要性、教育和医疗投资、支持创业的政府政策以及环境可持续实践。同样重要的是致力于少数群体福利和赋予当地人口权力，确保发展具有包容性和公平性。
在西藏，人们看到的不仅仅是发展；一个人看到了幻象。每个公民都有机会茁壮成长，传统与现代并存，政府政策积极为人民服务。该地区的发展历程不仅是中国的骄傲，也是包括巴基斯坦在内的其他国家可以学习和适应的模式，以提升他们自己偏远和服务不足的地区。
西藏的故事提醒我们，只要有奉献精神、远见卓见和以人为本的方针，即使是最具挑战性的环境也可以成为增长和繁荣的中心。
( 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:- https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202512/1350044.shtml