The signing of the 17-Article Agreement symbolized the peaceful liberation of Tibet, thus "opening a new page in the history of social progress in Tibet," said a white paper released on Monday.

The peaceful liberation enabled Tibet to "shake off imperialist aggression and political and economic fetters," safeguarded China's sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity and enhanced the solidarity among all ethnic groups of China and within Tibet, said the white paper, "Sixty Years Since Peaceful Liberation of Tibet," released by the State Council Information Office.

It said "after friendly talks," the Central People's Government of China and the local government of Tibet signed the Agreement on Measures for the Peaceful Liberation of Tibet in Beijing on May 23, 1951.

The central government and Chairman Mao Zedong had never given up their efforts for the peaceful liberation of Tibet. Even during the Qamdo Battle, Mao urged that "the Tibetan delegation should come to Beijing as soon as possible," it said.

Regarding the peace talks and the signing of the 17-Article Agreement, the white paper stressed some basic historical facts as follows:

-- The peace talks were held on the premise that the local government of Tibet admitted that Tibet is an inseparable part of China.

-- The central government's "ten policies" for the peaceful liberation of Tibet were the basis for the talks.

The "ten policies" were: British and U.S. imperialist aggressive forces shall be driven out of Tibet; regional ethnic autonomy shall be exercised in Tibet; the present political system in Tibet shall remain unchanged; freedom of religious belief shall be guaranteed; economy, culture and education in Tibet shall be developed; matters of reform in Tibet shall be settled by the Tibetan people and Tibetan leaders through consultation; and the PLA troops shall enter Tibet.

-- The conflict between the Dalai Lama and Panchen Erdeni was an important problem that had to be resolved in the talks.

-- The Agreement was reached on the basis of mutual respect and friendly negotiations.

-- The Agreement gained support from the Dalai Lama and both ecclesiastical and secular people in Tibet.