China’s Xi pushes for mega dam, rail links to boost Tibet development
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox
Chinese President Xi Jinping said maintaining political stability, social order, ethnic solidarity and religious harmony are keys for Tibet’s development.
PHOTO: AFP
Follow topic:
BEIJING – Chinese President Xi Jinping called on the country to advance key infrastructure projects in Tibet, such as its massive 1.2 trillion yuan (S$215 billion) mega dam, to spur development in the region.
Major projects such as the Yarlung Tsangpo hydropower projec t
He also urged the region to develop agriculture and clean energy, and to promote the integration of cultural and tourism industries, Xinhua said.
With 60 times the cement of the Hoover Dam and more steel than 116 Empire State Buildings, the Yarlung Tsangpo project is set to become one of the biggest infrastructure projects in history. Construction started in July, and could take at least a decade to complete.
It is a legacy-defining gamble for Mr Xi as he tries to sustainably revive a slowing economy, tighten control over a restive region and project power far beyond the country’s borders.
Mr Xi’s visit indicates Beijing attaches high importance to the region’s development, as the President is personally leading a central government delegation to Tibet for the first time, according to Xinhua.
He was scheduled to attend an event on Aug 21 in Lhasa to mark the 60th anniversary of the region’s founding.
The Chinese leader on Aug 20 said maintaining political stability, social order, ethnic solidarity and religious harmony are keys for Tibet’s development, while efforts should be made to further strengthen the sense of community for the Chinese nation, according to the Xinhua report.
Beijing has faced criticism for its policies in Tibet, which has been subject to intense social, security and religious restrictions, much like its northern neighbour Xinjiang. BLOOMBERG
