Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping Tuesday underlined the importance of the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in Tibet's development in the past six decades.

"The extraordinary development over the past 60 years pointed to an irrefutable truth that without the Communist Party of China, there would have been no new China, and no new Tibet," Xi told a rally in Lhasa celebrating the 60th anniversary of the peaceful liberation of Tibet.

Xi described Tibet's changes as "fundamental", as the region has achieved a leap forward in the development of the social system, achieved all-round economic and social development, markedly raised the living standards of the local people, and steadily enhanced ethnic unity.

"The establishment of the socialist system and implementation of reform and opening-up policies have greatly unleashed and boosted social productivity in Tibet. The preferential polices introduced by the central government have lent a strong impetus to the economic and social development in Tibet," Xi said.

In 1951, the central government signed in Beijing with the former local government of Tibet the Agreement on Measures for the Peaceful Liberation of Tibet, which signaled Tibet's peaceful liberation. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the liberation.

Xi told the rally amid celebrations for the anniversary in Lhasa that Tibet has enjoyed sustained rapid economic growth and achieved remarkable progress in infrastructure building. A host of advantageous industries with distinct local features are taking shape and the eco-environment is being well protected. The fine traditions of the Tibetan culture are preserved and promoted.

Xi said the Party's ethnicity and religion-related policies are being comprehensively implemented in Tibet. The system of regional ethnic autonomy is steadily improving and cadres of ethnic minority origin are acquiring greater competence, he said.

The religious beliefs of the people are fully respected and protected, he added.

The vice president said the experience gained in the course of development is invaluable, and the achievements are attributable to the wise decisions and correct leadership by the Party. The achievements have come as a result of the unity and hard work of officials and people of all ethnic groups in Tibet and the strong support and assistance of people of all ethnic groups across the country, he added.

"As long as we stick to the CPC leadership, the socialist system, the system of regional ethnic autonomy and the development path with Chinese and local Tibetan features, Tibet will enjoy greater prosperity and progress and embrace a brighter future," Xi concluded.