Chinese President Xi Jinping's call for united efforts to advance modernization, stability and prosperity in the Xizang Autonomous Region was echoed by attendees at a grand gathering celebrating the region's 60th founding anniversary in Lhasa on Thursday.
Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, led a central delegation on a special two-day visit to Xizang to join the region's celebrations.
In a meeting with local authorities on Wednesday, Xi urged the region to build a new, modern, socialist Xizang that is united, prosperous, civilized, harmonious and beautiful.
He said to govern, stabilize and develop Xizang, it is essential to maintain political stability, social harmony, national unity and religious peace.
Inspired by Xi's remarks, several attendees at the grand gathering, which was held at the Potala Palace square, affirmed their commitment to this cause during interviews with China Global Television Network.
"This is my 14th year serving in Xizang. I often hear people saying it's not easy for female soldiers to serve for so long. But I believe that the battlefield knows no gender, and both female and male soldiers share the mission of strengthening the military. As a female soldier, I'm determined to serve my country and contribute to border defense," said Qi Meng.
"This grand gathering is not just about celebration. It also demonstrates the prosperity of the Xizang Autonomous Region 60 years after its establishment, fully proving the great truth that without the Communist Party of China, there would be no new, socialist Xizang," said Jigme Tseten, a member of the 12th Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference from the Xizang Autonomous Region.
President Xi said Xizang's development is unique. Its achievements in areas such as employment, education, elderly care and childcare enhances peoples' sense of fulfillment, and happiness and brings security to all ethnic groups.
"The general secretary has given many instructions on education, and particularly, education in Xizang. As a teacher, I will bear in mind the general secretary's words," said Liu Chenyan, an English teacher of Lhasa Middle School.
Anniversary celebration attendees pledge devotion to building new, socialist Xizang
A former television host from Taiwan, Zhai Xuan, has made a pivotal decision to leave mainstream broadcasting in order to create content that provides a better understanding of the Chinese mainland and cross-strait relations.
Zhai, a seasoned television host with over a decade of experience in Taiwan's media landscape, recently addressed an audience at an event in Beijing, where she revealed her complete transition into independent online media.
In her remarks, she articulated her aspiration to bridge what she perceives as a significant information gap between audiences on both sides of the Strait, highlighting her commitment to fostering a deeper understanding and connection through her new endeavors.
"I was really surprised by all the fake news. There were stories saying people on the mainland can't afford tea eggs or that they live in mud houses and in Taiwan, this was the main information many people received," said Zhai.
Zhai said she initially began producing online videos to challenge such perceptions while continuing her work as a television host.
In April 2025, she travelled to the mainland with her father to fulfill her late grandfather's wish to return to his hometown. The trip, which reunited family members separated since 1949, was recorded in a video series titled "Journey to Find Our Roots", drawing attention from viewers in both Taiwan and the mainland.
"Many people in Taiwan told me that after watching, they wanted to apply for a mainland travel permit immediately and go looking for their relatives. Some had long forgotten these things, but after seeing my story, they began thinking about their hometowns and family members they had never met and decided to search for their roots," Zhai shared her story at the event.
By mid-2025, Zhai said she began to feel increasing pressure amid rising political tensions and a tightening atmosphere around cross-Strait exchanges in Taiwan.
After more than 12 years in the industry, Zhai resigned from her position, believing it was the right thing to do.
"At that moment, I felt this was a major issue，not just for me, but for Chinese people on both sides of the Strait. If I backed down then, I wouldn’t be standing on the right side," said Zhai.
Since leaving television, Zhai has broadened her online programming to encompass a range of daily-life topics, including practical guidance on applying for a mainland travel permit and using commonly employed mobile applications, in addition to content that delves into historical memory and cultural connections across the Strait.
As the debate over cross-Strait relations continues in Taiwan, Zhai said she remains committed to her current path.
Former Taiwan TV host bridges cross-Strait divide via online media
