Tibet's history and the great changes it has undergone impressed 170 diplomats from more than 100 countries yesterday. They were attending an exhibition in Beijing on the region's past and present.

Another 70 diplomats from more than 40 countries will visit the exhibition today.

"It's clear this exhibition presents a lot of references and elements that support the Chinese position about the relationship with Tibet," Chilean ambassador Fernando Reyes Matta said.

The exhibition comprises two parts: the history of Tibet and feudal serfdom in old Tibet, and new Tibet changing with each passing day. More than 160 objects, 400 pictures and audio-visual material are on display showing the changes in Tibet over the past 700 years.

Reyes Matta said the exhibition answers the question whether it is possible to have modernization and at the same time maintain old traditions.

Bosnia and Herzegovina ambassador Pero Baruncic said he had visited Tibet and discovered its economy was developing fast and the living standards of the people were improving.

"The exhibition comes at the right time, because many people do not know much about Tibet. The exhibition helps to reveal the real conditions in the region. The exhibition shows many positive aspects of Tibet, which many people do not know about, and very different from what the Western media have reported," he said.

Baruncic said it was completely understandable there were still problems with Tibet, just as in many other countries.

Maldives ambassador Ahmed Latheef found the exhibition to be very informative.

"This is a very good and very important initiative. It shows what Tibet was and what it is now. I hope it continues until the Olympics so that more people will be able to see it," he said.

Ambassador of Bolivia Fernando Rodriguez Urena said: "(The exhibition shows) that the Tibetan people now have dignity, which is important for any people."

Republic of Congo ambassador Charles Mumbala Nzanku said that as someone from a country with more than 40 ethnic groups and many cultures, he appreciates China's efforts to make such great changes in Tibet.

The exhibition held at the Cultural Palace of Nationalities opened on April 30 and will run until July 25. Admission is free.

(China Daily 05/16/2008 page7)