China on Monday celebrated the 60th anniversary of "peaceful liberation of Tibet", asserting that the Himalayan region was historically part of the country.
A crowd of about 5,000 people from all walks of life gathered in front of Potala Palace (previously the official residence of the Dalai Lama) to mark the "special date that opened a new chapter in Tibet's history", state-run 'Xinhua' reported.
A grand flag-raising ceremony was held with the entire crowd joining in a chorus of the national anthem, it said.
"It's a historic date for all the Tibetans," Qiangba Puncog, Chairman of Tibet's regional legislature said.
"It opened a new chapter in Tibet's history. And ushered in a new period of national unity and rapid development," he said.
Every year China celebrates this day as Tibet liberation day to mark the end of "serf rule" headed by the Dalai Lama in 1951.
The Tibetan spiritual leader fled to India in 1959.
The official media here assert that Tibet was historically part of China.
"Tibet has never assumed independent statehood in the eyes of modern international law. Instead, it has been under Chinese jurisdiction since the mid-13th century.
"The very title and authority of the Dalai Lama were created and first bestowed by China's Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) government," China Daily said in its editorial.
"Over the past 60 years, thanks to the care of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the central government, the struggle of the liberated people of all ethnic groups in Tibet and the support of the people of the entire country, Tibet has made great achievements in various undertakings," a write up in the daily said.
Another official daily 'Global Times' said in an opinion poll that majority of the Lhasa people gave higher marks for Tibet's accomplishments and stability, while 9.5 per cent acknowledged the Tibetan government in exile and "hoped to address overseas interference of Tibetan issue through friendly negotiation."
"What we need to take on is not a Tibet without flaws.
"In fact, the flaws do exist, and we should mirror comprehensive social ecology, represent various voices among ordinary people there, and try to bring modern Tibet to the world's eyes," it said.