Yanglag, a retired Tibetan cadre, said the white paper gave an all-round review of Tibet's development in political, economic, cultural, public health and educational fields over the past 40 years.

Facts have proved the life of Tibetan people has changed a lot after practicing regional ethnic autonomy. Tibet has achieved historic progress, he added.

Cering, a 76-year-old Tibetan, said, "I know the contents of the white paper from my son, as I am an illiterate. Only with Tibetans as the master of the region, can we have a happy life today."

Cering experienced two different societies. As a slave in old Tibet, he lost the chance for education. Now he tastes the happiness of the new society. His grandson and granddaughter are government officials and his grandson son is preparing to buy a car.

Cerdain Yangzom, a businesswoman in Lhasa, said, "Though I am a trader, I pay close attention to current events. Only with the regional ethnic autonomy implemented in Tibet, can Tibetan people fully enjoy human rights."

Traditionally, Tibetans regarded business a shameful trade and against their religious doctrines. Since the founding of new China, especially the practice of economic reforms, a growing number of Tibetans do business and their life experienced a tremendous change, she said.

Statistics showed the per capita gross domestic product of Tibet has increased from 241 yuan (29 US dollars) in 1965 to 6,874 yuan (828 dollars) in 2003.