Ethnic minorities are increasingly taking on key roles in the governance of China’s Xizang Autonomous Region, according to the recent white paper Human Rights in Xizang in the New Era released by China’s State Council Information Office.
Currently, ethnic minority officials hold significant positions across all levels of government in Xizang. This includes 26 officials at the provincial level and 512 at the prefectural level. Impressively, more than half of the township-level leadership is composed of ethnic minority representatives.
Increased Legislative Representation
In legislative bodies, ethnic minorities make up a substantial proportion of representatives. They account for 89.2 percent of deputies in people’s congresses at four levels within Xizang. Since 2016, the number of deputies at the county and township levels has grown by nearly 6,500.
In the 12th Xizang People’s Congress, ethnic minorities comprise 65.42 percent of the 428 deputies. Additionally, 68 percent of the region’s delegation to the 14th National People’s Congress consists of members from Tibetan or other minority groups, including the Monba and Lhoba peoples.
Role in National Advisory Bodies
Ethnic minorities are also making their mark in national political advisory bodies. Of the Xizang members in the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, 93.1 percent come from minority backgrounds.
This growing representation reflects China’s ongoing efforts to promote inclusivity and ensure that the voices of ethnic minorities are heard at all levels of government.
