Photo: VCG

The term "forced labor" in the Xizang region is purely defamatory, Xu Zhitao, vice chairman of the people’s government of the Xizang Autonomous Region, said on Friday, refuting some overseas organizations’ smearing which claimed farmers and herdsmen in Xizang are “forced” to receive vocational education and “transferred” for employments.

China's State Council Information Office on Friday released a white paper on the policies of the Communist Party of China (CPC) on the governance of the Xizang Autonomous Region in the new era. The white paper highlighted that the CPC's guidelines for governing Xizang in the new era have brought about all-round progress and historic success in various undertakings in the region.

Xu said at the press conference on the release of the white paper that the Chinese government has always attached great importance to protecting the labor rights of its citizens. China’s Labor Law stipulates that workers have the right to equal employment and the freedom to choose their occupation and workers should complete their work tasks and improve their vocational skills."

In recent years, the regional government in Xizang has implemented proactive employment policies, adhering to the principles of workers' independent job selection, market-regulated employment, and government-promoted employment, and has expanded the employment opportunities for farmers and herdsmen. 

Xu said that regional government has worked to adjust the industrial structure and increase employment opportunities. For example, by developing advantageous industries with local characteristics to create more employments for farmers and herdsmen. The urban surveyed unemployment rate in Xizang is lower than the national average, and the number of zero-employment households continues to be reduced.

Xizang regional government also pays attention to improving employment services and strengthening vocational education and training. Xu introduced that the region has implemented a unified urban-rural employment and entrepreneurship registration system, providing free services such as vocational guidance, job referrals, and job registration.

“We promote the vocational skills training system, targeting urban and rural workers aged 16 and above who have the willingness and training needs for employment. When formulating training and employment plans, we fully respect the will and needs of the people, and the training programs, methods, and institutions are all chosen by urban and rural workers themselves,” said Xu.

Moreover, the region has also encouraged farmers and herdsmen to start their own businesses and seek employment on their own. Local enterprises are encouraged to offer skills training based on work demands and the actual situation of workers, said Xu, noting that all of these practices have received unanimous praise from workers and job seekers.

Global Times