Sun Chunlan, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of the United Front Work Department made an inspection in Tibet from June 15 to 18. Why did Sun Chunlan choose this time to go to Tibet? What was her itinerary? 

Visiting quake-hit people and conveying concern from the CPC Central Committee

During her time in Tibet, Sun Chulan made a special trip to visit the people who have been affected by the earthquake in Shigatse. Sun visited the Shigatse People’s Hospital and inquired as to how victims were recovering. She said: the earthquake was ruthless, but people are kind, and the Party and the government have always shown concern for the people. She expressed her hope that the victims would be able to relieve from the grief of losing their beloved ones，recover and start a new life as soon as possible.”

She also visited Zham Township, which had been seriously affected by the earthquake, and said to the local residents: “The Party Central Committee and the State Council care a lot about you. General Secretary Xi Jinping and Yu Zhengsheng entrusted me to offer sympathy to everyone on their behalf. “I feel reassured to see how well you are all doing. I believe that with the strong leadership from Party General Secretary Xi Jinping and the strong support of the nation, you will be able to  overcome the disaster and begin a new and good life in the spirit of self-reliance.”

Sending a message to the Tibetan Buddhist circle to unswervingly follow the Party

Sun Chunlan arrived in Tibet five days after Xi Jinping met with the Panchen Lama. She said to monks and temple officials: “General Secretary Xi Jinping recently had a cordial meeting with the Panchen Lama, which not only reflects the growing importance and care he feels toward the Panchen Lama, but also the expectations he has for Tibetan Buddhism.”

Sun Chunlan held discussions with monks from the Jokhang Temple, Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery, Ganden Monastery, Tsurphu Monastery, and other monasteries. She hopes that Tibetan Buddhism will uphold patriotism, the glorious tradition of protecting the country and benefiting the people, firmly defend national unity, and resolutely resist all kinds of separatist activities. The Tibetan Buddhist circle should also actively explore ways to adapt itself to the socialist society, explain its doctrines in accordance with the requirements of the times, and play an active role in promoting the economic and social development of Tibet.

The Central Ethnic Work Conference held last year stressed the need to fully implement the Party’s policy of freedom of religious belief, handle religious affairs according to the law, adhere to the principles of self-determination and self-management, and actively guide the adaptation of religion to the socialist society.  Principles of sticking to the Chinese characteristics, raising the level of the legalization in religious affairs, and guiding the religious work to serve the economic development, social harmony, cultural prosperity, ethnic unity, and national unification services must be observed.

The Central United Work Front Conference convened this year further pointed out that ethnic and religious affairs are of overall importance. General Secretary Xi Jinping also stressed the need to fully implement the Party’s policy of freedom of religious belief, manage religious affairs according to the law, adhere to the principles of self-determination and self-management, and actively guide the adaptation of religion to the socialist society.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Tibet Autonomous Region. Since the beginning of June, Xi Jinping has met with the Panchen Lama, Sun Chunlan has made an inspection in Tibet, and the Central Government has attached importance to Tibet, all of which make the public anticipate that the Sixth Tibet Work Conference would be held this year. The major benefits it may bring to  Tibet are drawing more and more attention.