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January 16, 2010

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Tibet stability a high priority

TIBET'S new governor pledged to make social stability and national unity the priority of his administration after the regional people's congress unanimously elected him to the post yesterday.

Padma Choling, formerly vice-chairman of the regional government, was elected at the regional congressional session of southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region.

He replaces Qiangba Puncog as head of the regional government to become the eighth person to take up the post since the Tibet Autonomous Region was founded in 1965.

"It's a great honor, as well as a heavy responsibility," he told a press conference shortly after the election. "I have the determination and confidence to live up to everyone's expectations."

His six-minute speech focused on the regional government's adherence to the Chinese Communist Party rule, as well as its role in bolstering economic growth, improving people's welfare, and maintaining social stability.

"Stability is of overwhelming importance," he said. "We will firmly oppose all attempts at secession, safeguard national unification and security, and maintain unity among different ethnic groups in Tibet."

Padma, born in 1951, is a native of Dengqen in Qamdo Prefecture. Padma means "lotus" in Tibetan and Choling means "immense beneficence."

He served in the People's Liberation Army from 1969 to 1986 then became an official in Tibet's regional government.

"In contrast to his predecessor, the slender, bespectacled and soft-spoken Qiangba Puncog, Padma Choling is firm and strong-willed," said a source close to the two officials. "Many Tibetans admire Qiangba Puncog as a man of wisdom, and Padma Choling, a man of valor."

Tsering Norbu, a journalist with a local Tibetan newspaper, sees the new governor as "a man with a twofold personality".

"He looks stern, but if you get closer to him, you'll find he's an amiable person," he said. "He's straightforward and always gives explicit answers to questions."

Former governor Qiangba was elected chairman of the Standing Committee of the Regional People's Congress, replacing former parliament leader Legqog who, at 66, has reached retirement age.

Qiangba, born in 1947, served as Tibet's governor for nearly seven years.

A mechanics major from Chongqing University in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, Qiangba was among the first Tibetans to receive a college education.



 

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