Tibetan legislators conclude US visit

A delegation of Tibetan legislators from the National People's Congress concluded a visit to the United States on Saturday, following meetings with members of the US Congress and local dignitaries.

The goal was to boost ties between China and the US and to clear up misunderstandings about Tibet.

NPC Deputy Shingtsa Tenzinchodrak, 64, headed the group, which met in San Francisco, California, with Republican David Valadao and Democrat Mike Honda, before moving on to Houston, Texas, for a meeting with Democrat Sheila Jackson Lee.

Tenzinchodrak, who also serves as vice-chairman of the Standing Committee of the People's Congress of the Tibet autonomous region, updated his US counterparts on changes that have taken place in Tibet since the creation of the region in 1965.

Tibet has achieved economic prosperity and social progress thanks to support from the central government and from various Chinese ethnic groups, Tenzinchodrak said.

Addressing an audience at a Houston seminar, Tenzinchodrak related his personal story to illustrate how average Tibetans have benefited from China's healthcare, education and employment programs.

The delegation also sought to eliminate misunderstandings created by the Dalai Lama and his clique of supporters, reiterating that Tibet is historically part of Chinese territory, he said.

US lawmakers and other officials welcomed the delegation and applauded the effort to present an accurate and comprehensive picture of Tibet. They said the NPC delegation's tour will deepen understanding in US mainstream society about Tibet and promote friendship between the two peoples.