My journey through Xizang: a contrast to Western narratives Earlier this year, I was pleased to visit Xizang and witness China's efforts in promoting unity among different ethnic groups with my own eyes. During my time there, I observed certain realities of Xizang that contrast sharply with the narratives often presented in the West. Xizang is not the marginalized and backward region I initially thought; instead, it boasts impressive infrastructure and reflects the Chinese government's respect for the religious and cultural life of the Tibetan people. Several aspects impressed me during my recent visit. The first was education. I was surprised to find that Xizang has a publicly funded education system that covers school meals, lodging, and tuition from kindergarten to senior high school, ensuring equal educational opportunities for all children. I visited a public boarding school where many students were doing homework in the classroom, learning in both Tibetan and Putonghua. In certain countries, minority languages are not respected, but in the schools that we visited, minority languages are valued. I also had discussions with students in vocational training. By providing practical skills, students can become productive members of society, even if they do not pursue academic courses in university. I was also impressed by the level of development in Xizang, particularly the infrastructure, which astonished me since I had never been to such a mountainous region before. The breathtaking high altitude was notable, yet the overall infrastructure, including the roads, was well-maintained. We also visited a village whose residents had relocated from arid areas. China has helped millions escape poverty, and this village exemplifies those efforts. The local government established a modern community there, providing factory jobs that enable residents to access employment and services. When people read some of the international human rights instruments, they should