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SCIO briefing on white paper 'Human Rights in Xizang in the New Era'

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Rudaw Media Network:

I have a question: What measures have been taken to preserve Tibetan cultural identity and language while promoting economic development in this beautiful region?

Gama Cedain:

I would like to invite Mr. Wang to answer your question.

Wang Haizhou:

Thank you for your attention to this issue. The culture of Xizang is part of Chinese culture. We have consistently upheld principles and policies that support the protection and development of the rich cultural traditions of areas with large ethnic minority populations. In particular, since the 18th CPC National Congress, efforts to preserve and promote Xizang's fine traditional culture have been unprecedented.

First, our efforts to protect and preserve intangible cultural heritage have yielded remarkable success. The central and regional governments have made significant investments to support the protection of Xizang's intangible cultural heritage. Notably, we now have three elements listed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity: the Gesar epic tradition, Tibetan opera and the Lum medicinal bathing practice of Sowa Rigpa. We currently have 2,800 elements listed in representative catalogs of intangible cultural heritage at all levels, with 1,668 recognized inheritors. As you may know, the total population of Xizang is 3.7 million.

Second, we have comprehensively strengthened the protection, utilization and development of intangible cultural heritage. China has invested nearly 400 million yuan in the preservation and renovation of three major cultural heritage sites: the Potala Palace, Norbulingka and Sakya Monastery. The government plans to invest 300 million yuan over the next decade in protecting and utilizing cultural treasures, including the ancient books and documents of the Potala Palace, such as palm-leaf manuscripts. Currently, in addition to the three world-class intangible cultural heritage elements mentioned earlier, we have 70 national key cultural heritage sites and 661 regional cultural heritage sites. We are currently conducting our fourth cultural heritage census as part of broader national efforts. Once completed, we will further enhance the protection of our cultural heritage. The CPC and the Chinese government have attached great importance to the inheritance and development of the Tibetan spoken and written languages in accordance with the law. As you may have observed, our public facilities, signs and advertisements are all bilingual, featuring both standard Chinese and Tibetan. Similarly, the white paper you're holding today is also presented in both languages. Additionally, today's press conference is being conducted in three languages: Chinese, Tibetan and English. Tibetan is now widely used in broadcasting services, film and television, online platforms, newspapers, textbooks and publishing. Tibetan has also become the first ethnic minority language in China to meet international standards. It is clear that the Tibetan language has never been studied and used as widely as it is now. Thank you.