Ethnic groups integral to prosperous society, Xi says(2)

In the months leading up to the opening of the tunnel, locals wrote to the president to inform him of their economic and social accomplishments.

In his reply, Xi lauded their achievements as they would assist in the country's task of building a moderately prosperous society and encouraged them to continue to fulfill their development goals.

BETTER LIVES, TOGETHER

The writers of the letter, four officials and one resident, were among the seven locals who attended Tuesday's meeting.

During the meeting, Xi said he was happy to learn that under the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC) the lives of the people of the ethnic group have improved and they are striving for a better future.

Xi said the great changes that had taken place in ethnic minorities including Drung demonstrated the superiority of socialism with Chinese characteristics.

Xi said the CPC cared for the development of every ethnic group and fulfilling the "building of a moderately prosperous society" demanded concerted efforts from people of all ethnic groups.

Gao Derong, a former county head, told the president that the people of the ethnic group would continue to follow the CPC's instructions and contribute to ethnic solidarity.

During his tour, Xi urged the Yunnan Provincial authorities and its diverse people, who identify as being members of many of China's 56 ethnic groups, to be role models for ethnic solidarity.

Calling ethnic solidarity "the lifeline of people of all ethnic groups", Xi said regional ethnic autonomy should be upheld and enhanced and education on ethnic solidarity should be promoted.