Dear friends, with the gentle warmth of approaching spring, I would like to extend my best wishes for a happy Tibetan New Year of the Fire Horse to my fellow Tibetans at home and overseas, and to all friends who support the development of the snowy plateau. Losar tashi delek!

Last year marked the successful conclusion of China’s 14th Five-Year Plan. The economy thrived, innovation surged, culture flourished, and living standards steadily improved. People of all ethnic groups joined hands to build and share a life of prosperity. We have forged ahead with determination on the new journey of Chinese modernization. These achievements belong to everyone who labored tirelessly and to the guardians of our homeland.

Last year, we solemnly commemorated the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. The glory of that victory will forever inspire the Chinese people to stand united as one. We also marked the 60th anniversary of the Xizang Autonomous Region with great joy. During his inspection of Xizang, President Xi Jinping conveyed his deep care and affection, empowering us to forge a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation and write a new chapter for a beautiful Xizang together.

Last year, as I traveled among the towns and villages on the plateau, I witnessed the remarkable transformation and energy of this land. I saw Xizang reaching new heights in economic and social development: regional GDP is rising, incomes of all ethnic groups are growing, and construction has begun on the hydropower project in the lower reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo River. The Sichuan-Xizang Railway stretches further, and new quality productive forces are emerging on this ancient plateau. A magnificent landscape of prosperity is unfolding across Xizang.

I saw how the ten key livelihood projects are touching the lives of millions, and how every policy designed to help our people is delivering real results. I saw the standards of the “Three Guarantees” in education being elevated to new heights, and healthcare and elderly care becoming more secure. I saw farmers and herders enjoying a wider range of employment choices. I saw traditional craftsmanship woven seamlessly into the fabric of our daily lives. I saw the ancient Barkhor Old Town in Lhasa glowing with new vitality through our preservation efforts. Across the plateau, beautiful and harmonious villages are flourishing like snow lotuses amidst the ice. I saw our people’s homes becoming more modern, and their sense of gain, fulfillment, and happiness becoming stronger, more tangible, and truly heartfelt.

Over the past year, freedom of religious belief has been guaranteed. The Twofold Dharma of scripture and realization has been faithfully transmitted, practiced, and disseminated. All schools of Tibetan Buddhism, carrying forward their noble tradition of patriotism and devotion to faith, have guided hearts toward peace and served the harmony of society. The values of Compassion and Wisdom are blending seamlessly with the times. Across the plateau, ethnic unity is blossoming. Our various ethnic groups are one family, closely united like the seeds of a pomegranate. A conviction is deeply rooted among all ethnic groups in Xizang: Big Dipper, clear sight; CPC, future bright.

Building a safe and law-based Xizang has given every resident a stronger sense of security. When an earthquake struck Dingri County, boundless love and solidarity shone through. Thanks to the support of people across the country, those affected could move into new homes in the very same year. Where ruins once lay, a beautiful homeland has risen.

With the new year comes the promise of new beginnings. The Year of the Fire Horse symbolizes vigor, determination and the spirit of galloping forward. As we enter the first year of the 15th Five-Year Plan, the call to action is upon us. Let us be grateful to our great motherland, to this remarkable era, to all the unsung heroes, and for the love and wisdom we have upheld in our hearts. Let us gather strength through unity, realize our worth through dedication, safeguard this beautiful land, and build a happy home.

“May bodhichitta, precious and sublime, Arise where it has not yet come to be; And where it has arisen may it never fail, But grow and flourish ever more and more.”

May our nation be prosperous and peaceful; may the world be at peace; and may all beings remain joyful and happy! I wish you great good fortune and boundless blessings in the Year of the Fire Horse! Tashi delek!