China marked the 50th anniversary of the formation of the Tibet Autonomous Region on Tuesday with a grand ceremony in front of the Potala Palace - the Dalai Lama's former home - in Lhasa.

The colorful event was attended by about 6,000 people including Tibetans wearing traditional clothing, armed police, soldiers and school children waving Chinese flags.

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Yu Zhengsheng, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, led a 65-member delegation from Beijing to the Himalayan region for the event.

Yu gave the keynote speech of the ceremony.  He stressed that under the reign of the Communist Party, Tibet has thrived and developed into an economic success.

"During the past 50 years the Chinese Communist Party and the Tibetan people have led the transformation from a backward old Tibet to a vibrant socialist new Tibet," he said.

He also cautioned that the government would intensify its fight against separatism. Yu proclaimed the 14^th Dalai Lama, who fled in 1959 after a botched uprising against China, as a violent separatist. 

"People of all ethnicities are steadfastly engaged in a struggle against separatism," Yu stressed.

Yu cautioned Tibetan law enforcement officials to be prepared to fight a long battle against the exiled Dalai Lama and his clique.

The Dalai Lama, who celebrated his 80^th birthday this year, has said that he doesn't want independence for Tibet but more autonomy. However, Beijing is skeptical of the proposal and has branded the Dalai Lama as a dangerous separatist.

Tibetans in the exile have said they see no reason to celebrate the 50^th anniversary of the formation of the Tibet Autonomous region.

The Tibet Autonomous region was founded on September 1, 1965 through elections after establishment of the regional People's Congress. Many Tibetan dissidents have described this date as the day the region came under colonialism. They also deny Beijing's claims that the region has been part of China for centuries.

Tibet government in exile has stated that the region has been independent for centuries and was ruled by a long line of Buddhist monks.

Tibet has been a touchy issue for years. This year also marks 20 years since the disappearance of a 6-year-old Buddhist monk, who was identified as the Panchen Lama, by the exiled Dalai Lama.

 On Sunday, a Chinese official told the press that the monk - now 26 years old - has been educated and is "living a normal life." He added that the monk doesn't want to be disturbed.

Yu and his delegation presented gifts to the Tibetan people to commemorate the event.

Tags50th Anniversary Tibet Autonomous Region, Potala Palace Ceremony 50th Anniversary Tibet, China-Tibet, Dalai Lama, Panchen Lama