CGTN Poll: Chinese modernization drives Xizang's leaping development

　　As this year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the Xizang Autonomous Region, CGTN recently conducted a global survey among 6,747 respondents across 38 countries. The result reveals that most of the respondents laud the all-round progress in Xizang's social and economic development, widely praise the historic transformation brought by democratic reforms, and recognize Chinese modernization as the fundamental driving force for Xizang's leaping development.

　　Affirming Xizang's modernization achievements

　　The survey shows respondents' positive assessments of Xizang's social and economic achievements, with the top five recognized accomplishments being: "continuous improvement in healthcare standards" (83.8 percent), "ensured right to education for citizens" (83.8 percent), "remarkable achievements in ecological protection and governance" (83 percent), "rising life expectancy with full protection of subsistence and development rights" (82.5 percent), and "enhanced infrastructure development" (81.9 percent).

　　Additionally, 80.6 percent acknowledge the rising income levels of the people in Xizang, 80.6 percent affirm the effectiveness of poverty alleviation efforts, and 78.4 percent commend Xizang's robust economic growth and substantial outcomes.

　　The survey indicates that 74.8 percent of respondents attribute Xizang's leaping development to Chinese modernization. Notably, the respondents aged 25 to 34 show the highest degree of recognition, exceeding the average by 6.2 percentage points and reaching 81 percent. Regionally, respondents from Africa (85.1 percent), South America (81.8 percent), and Asia (76.1 percent) demonstrate the highest levels of endorsement.

　　Recognizing China's governance approach in Xizang

　　Respondents also widely recognize the democratic reform in Xizang. Over 60 percent of respondents said the feudal serfdom system subjected impoverished serfs to exploitation and oppression. Meanwhile, 58.8 percent affirmed that the reform comprehensively liberated persecuted residents. Regional approval rates rank highest among respondents from Asia, Africa, and North America, all exceeding the average.

　　Over the past six decades, Xizang has fully implemented the policy on freedom of religious belief, with continuous enhancement in safeguarding the right. The survey indicates that 75.8 percent commend the modern upgrading of religious sites and facilities in Xizang. Meanwhile, 79.1 percent acknowledge sustained improvements in social welfare protections for religious personnel.

　　Additionally, 83.5 percent positively evaluate Xizang's cultural heritage preservation outcomes, recognizing this initiative as effectively protecting, inheriting, and developing outstanding ethnic minority cultures. Meanwhile, 84.6 percent highly affirm the steady improvement of public cultural infrastructure, considering it vital for preserving and promoting Xizang's culture.

　　Expecting a prosperous, stable Xizang

　　The survey demonstrates strong consensus that Xizang-related affairs are China's internal matters, with firm opposition to external interference. A total of 63.8 percent of respondents affirm that Xizang has been an integral part of China's territory since ancient times. Meanwhile, 56.1 percent maintain that Xizang affairs are purely China's internal affairs, rejecting any external meddling. Another 72.7 percent assert that spiritual leaders of Tibetan Buddhism should strictly adhere to local religious traditions, with reincarnation processes fully complying with religious rituals and historical conventions, opposing the Dalai Lama's erroneous statements on reincarnation.

　　Regarding attitudes toward Xizang's development prospects, 74.5 percent express confidence in its future. Regionally, respondents from South America, Africa, and Asia demonstrate the highest confidence, all exceeding the mean. The top 10 countries are Kenya, Indonesia, Peru, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, Nigeria, Malaysia, the Philippines, Mexico, and Pakistan, all with approval rates above 85 percent.

　　The survey was jointly conducted by CGTN and Renmin University of China through the Institute of New Era International Communication, among 6,747 respondents from 38 countries around the world in the form of an online sample library survey. The surveyed countries cover major developed countries and the Global South. The respondents are people aged 18 to 65, and the sample is in line with the age and gender distribution of the population censuses of various countries.