China: "Tibet is Better Off"

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Tibetans (and cartoonists) may disagree, but Chinese officials say Tibet is better off after it was taken over. Chinese intervention liberated "serfs" suffering under the Dalai Lama's harsh religious rule. And Tibetans should thank the Communist Party of China (CPC) for their efforts.

Pagbalha Geleg Namgyai (Xinhua)

Girls of the Tibetan ethnic group attend a festival in Nyingchi, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, July 17, 2008 (Xinhua/Purbu Zhaxi). SEE MORE

"Tibet a far better place thanks to CPC reforms"

• Full Text: Fifty Years of Democratic Reform in Tibet

BEIJING, March 20 -- The democratic reforms adopted in Tibet have been a half century-long campaign aimed at clearing away religious-political rule and liberating millions of suppressed serfs across that sacred land.

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The sweeping democratic reforms, led by the Communist Party of China (CPC), allowed the majority serfs of old Tibet to become their own masters and created favorable conditions for Tibetan prosperity and ethnic autonomy.

Propaganda, Chinese-style:

"Serfs Emancipation Day"

Previously, serfs were bonded to overlords and enjoyed no personal freedom. The three major estate-holders -- local administrative officials, aristocrats and upper-class monastery lamas -- made up five percent of Tibet's population. More>>

Map of Tibet Autonomous region and surrounding countries