BEIJING -- The central government has arranged 189 projects worth 657.6 billion yuan (around $97.8 billion) in Tibet autonomous region since 2016 when the State Council issued a document on supporting the region's economic and social development.

The projects were arranged in a coordinated manner to ensure people's livelihoods, build ecological security barriers, complete the infrastructure system, and solidify the foundation for social stability.

The State Council document has provided a strong guarantee for making remarkable progress in the development of Tibet, promoting its long-term peace and stability, and building a moderately prosperous society in all respects in the region.

Thursday marks the 60th anniversary of democratic reform in Tibet that abolished ruthless theocracy and serfdom and established a socialist system that has seen booming economic, political, religious, cultural and social development on the plateau.