Editor's Note:

Xizang, a region known for its breathtaking landscapes and unique cultural traditions, has long become a target of Western smear campaigns and falsehoods about China. What is the truth? In the "Truth Seen in Xizang" series, the Global Times (GT) will publish conversations with and articles from scholars and observers from around the world who have visited the region, sharing their firsthand experience of traveling to Xizang and observing the daily lives of people there. Through their insights and experiences, we aim to present an authentic perspective on the Xizang Autonomous Region.

Roland Boer (Boer), an Australian Marxist philosopher and professor at the School of Philosophy at Renmin University of China, told GT reporter Su Yaxuan that when it came to how he felt about Xizang, "unique" and "liberation" were the first words that came to his mind.

GT: Could you share with us your impression of Xizang? Were there any particularly memorable people or experiences?

Boer: I would like to describe Xizang in two words - unique and liberation.It's like nowhere else on Earth. The extraordinarily high-altitude environment, the rich history of the people and their ability to live in harmony with their surroundings make it truly unique. Another deeply meaningful aspect for me is the liberation of the serfs, which holds significant historical and cultural importance. This event has profoundly impacted the lives of the people and remains deeply embedded in their cultural memory and experiences.

One memory that has stayed with me is of the last day of the trip, when we climbed to a pass at 5,000 meters above sea level. Standing on the pass, looking around, there was just one farmhouse nearby. I took out my phone and was amazed to find it had full reception at 5,000 meters. It highlighted the extent of the comprehensive infrastructure in place, even in remote areas.

GT: As a university professor with teaching and learning experiences in both China and other countries, what is your view on education in Xizang?

Boer: During our visit, we toured a primary school, a high school and a university in Lhasa. What struck me was the confidence and curiosity of the students. One story that stood out was that some smaller schools were consolidated into larger central schools. Due to poor road conditions, one student had to travel two hours each way to attend school. However, with infrastructure development, particularly road improvements, the same trip now takes only 15 to 20 minutes by bus. This small but significant change reflects the broader impact of economic development on education and daily life.

Moreover, the high school we visited is paired with one or two high schools in Beijing. Teachers from Beijing come to teach at the school in Xizang for a year or two, helping to improve the quality of education. It is a very interesting and uniquely Chinese approach. The project addresses challenges by bringing experienced teachers and resources to Xizang's schools, helping to bridge the gap and improve educational outcomes. It's a practical and innovative solution that reflects China's commitment to improving education in even the most remote areas.

GT: You emphasized that the inheritance of culture relies on the involvement of young people. In Xizang's education system, how is creativity encouraged, while also fostering and promoting traditional culture?

Boer: The Chinese term for culture, "wen hua," is telling. "Wen" has ancient connotations related to literature and refinement, while "hua" signifies transformation or change. This suggests that culture is not static but constantly evolving.

In schools, students learn about Xizang's rich cultural heritage as well as the broader contributions of Chinese culture. At the same time, they are encouraged to creatively develop and take these traditions further. This balance between preservation and innovation is, in a way, a dialectical process: you preserve culture by innovating it.

This approach is deeply embedded in Xizang, where people take great pride in their cultural development. They see it not only as a contribution to Xizang's identity but also to Chinese culture as a whole. The focus on maintaining tradition while embracing change is both meaningful and forward-looking, ensuring that culture remains vibrant and relevant for future generations.

GT: In an earlier article, you highlighted that it is a fact that Xizang's comprehensive development has been resolutely people-centered. In your view, what kind of "whole-process people's democracy" Chinese story does Xizang tell?

Boer: Since the peace and liberation of Xizang, "whole-process people's democracy" has been a continuous practice.

One example that stands out for me is a visit to a new village formed by relocating three former villages from harsh environments. This decision was not simple, as the old villages have been the home to generations of local families. Grassroots democracy plays a crucial role here: all options are considered, the advantages and disadvantages are thoroughly discussed, everyone's concerns are addressed, and the final choice is made through a collective agreement.

The decision required lengthy discussions and agreement from all villagers. Ultimately, this relocation not only improved the living conditions of the villagers but it also demonstrated true people's democracy through open debate and consensus.

GT: Though you see "whole-process people's democracy" in Xizang, Western critics sometimes accuse China's Xizang policy of "cultural genocide" under the guise of "concern." Are they genuinely concerned about Xizang?

Boer: The first point is that their claims are entirely false.

Some in the West aim to create instability in border regions, consistently targeting areas such as Xizang, Xinjiang and other strategically located regions near China's borders. By spreading fabricated narratives, they seek to destabilize or even separate these areas, driven by a clear, calculated agenda, despite the lack of factual basis. As I often emphasize, Western critics use Western frameworks not to understand China, but to criticize and undermine it.

GT: What aspects should Western countries focus on when it comes to Xizang?

Boer: The critical question is: Will they change their approach? They appear deeply entrenched in their methods.

Once, I posted a photo of a clear blue sky in Beijing to someone, and they replied, "This can't be Beijing." I had to insist, "This is a photo I took in Beijing today." Such reactions are not uncommon. But a person who has never been to China claims to understand it better than someone like me, who has actually been there.

I believe the solution lies in people-to-people interactions. People need to see for themselves - not with the intent of spreading falsehoods, but with an open mind. That's what truly matters.

This article first appeared in the Global Times: 

https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202503/1329990.shtml