Jia Qinglin, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), has called for rapid and sound economic and social development in ethnic minority areas in west China.

"Adhere to Deng Xiaoping Theory and the important thought of 'Three Represents' for guidance, seriously study the 'Selected Works of Jiang Zemin', implement a scientific concept of development in a comprehensive way, and tightly grasp the historic opportunity of the 'Go West' strategy," said Jia, on a tour of Qinghai Province August 18-20.

In talks with local officials, Jia, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee Political Bureau, highlighted the importance of studying the recently-published "Selected Works of Jiang Zemin," calling it an important part of the Party's ideological and political work for the foreseeable future.

During his stay in Qinghai, Jia visited cities, farming and herding areas, and companies run by ethnic entrepreneurs, as well as a mosque in Xining, the provincial capital, and the well-known Ta'er Temple of Tibetan Buddhism.

He urged religious people to oppose separatism and to protect national unity, solidarity among ethnic groups, and social stability.

He also met with provincial leaders of non-Communist parties and federations of industry and commerce and officials from the provincial department of United Front and the provincial political consultative conferences.

(Xinhua News Agency August 22, 2006)