H.E. Mme. Tong Xiaoling, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Brunei Darussalam, held on 16^th April 2009 a photo exhibition to commemorate the 50^th anniversary of the democratic reform in China's Tibet at The Mall Gadong, Brunei's largest shopping complex. The more-than-200- strong attendees included officials from Brunei's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Ministry of Religious Affairs, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, Information Department of the Prime Minister's Office and Brunei History Centre, officials from diplomatic missions in Brunei, friends from Bruneian Chinese communities, journalists from Brunei's English-language, Chinese-language and Malay-language press, as well as teachers and students from Chung Hua Middle School (CHMS) of Bandar Seri Begawan, Seri Mulia Sarjana (SMS) International School, and Jerudong International School (JIS).

In delivering her speech, H.E. Mme. Tong expounded the necessity and significance of the democratic reform in China's Tibet and elaborated on the earth-shaking changes brought by the reform to Tibet's economic and social development as well as its cause of human rights. Many participants stressed that the photo exhibition showed them a true image of Tibet which has been undergoing epoch-making development and changes. Some participants voiced support for China's just stance on the Tibet issue, deplored the false coverage on Tibet by some Western media and wished long-term peace and prosperity should rest upon Tibet.

Address of H.E. Mme. Tong Xiaoling, Ambassador of the

People's Republic of China, at the Opening Ceremony of the

Photo Exhibition to Commemorate the

50^th Anniversary of the Democratic Reform in China's Tibet

16^th April 2009, The Mall Gadong

Pehin, Excellencies, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good morning. 

I am delighted to welcome and join all of you at this Opening Ceremony of the Photo Exhibition to commemorate the 50^th anniversary of the democratic reform in China's Tibet. First of all, I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to Chung Hua Middle School of Bandar Seri Begawan for the provision of exhibition panels, to Seri Mulia Sarjana School for designing, producing and setting up this photo exhibition, and to Abdul Razak Holdings for offering this venue.

In the year of 1959, Tibet of China embarked on a new and historic path as the democratic reform was initiated. Prior to 1959, Tibet had long been a society of feudal serfdom under theocratic rule, a society which was even darker than medieval society in Europe. The 14^th Dalai Lama, as head of the Tibetan local government, monopolized both political and religious power, and was the chief representative of feudal serf owners. However, the serfs and slaves, making up over 95% of the total population, suffered destitution and cruel exploitation, and possessed no personal freedom, not to mention other basic human rights.

In March of 1959, the Dalai Lama and his followers staged an armed rebellion in an attempt to maintain feudal serfdom. The rebellion was quelled soon and the Dalai Lama escaped to India. And then in Tibet started a vigorous democratic reform, which overthrew the feudal serfdom and emancipated nearly one million serfs and slaves.

Over the past half century, thanks to the attentive care of the Central People's Government and assistance from the whole nation, the people in Tibet have participated in the grand course of constructing a new society and creating a new lifestyle. The economic and social development of Tibet has stridden by leaps and bounds; its modernization has advanced rapidly; and remarkable progress has also been made in the cause of human rights which has attracted attention from around the world.

All the historical facts have proven that the democratic reform is the deepest and most extensive reform in the history of Tibet. It signifies an epoch-making event in Tibet's social development and the progress of its human rights, as well as a significant advance in the history of human civilization and universal human rights.

Therefore, on this commemorative occasion, the Chinese Embassy feels it meaningful to hold this Photo Exhibition dedicated to the 50^th anniversary of the democratic reform in Tibet. We sincerely hope that this Exhibition will offer a chance for all the friends present today to gain a better understanding of Tibet's past and present as well as a fuller insight into the remarkable changes brought to Tibet people by the democratic reform.

Thank you!