Wen Jiabao visits Tibetan region hoping to cement legacy
On his third trip to quake-hit Tibetan region on New Year's Eve, leader hopes to shore up image as grandfatherly premier who cares for people
Premier Wen Jiabao called on monks in Yushu, Qinghai, to stay pure when he paid a visit to the earthquake-devastated Tibetan autonomous prefecture on New Year's Eve.
Wen's third visit to the high-altitude plateau, which was hit by a 7.1-magnitude tremor in 2010 that killed at least 2,700 people, is being seen as another attempt to cement his legacy as a down-to-earth premier before he steps down in March.
State-run Xinhua reported yesterday that Wen went to Gyegu township, where new apartments and a square commemorating the legendary Tibetan king Gesar were built as part of post-quake reconstruction efforts.
Wen also visited the ancient Damkar monastery, which was severely damaged in the earthquake, and told the clergy he was concerned about laymen and monks in the quake-hit area.
A number of monasteries were damaged by the quake, and the region has also seen self-immolations among Tibetans.
"A monastery should be a clean and pure place where clergy abide by religious commandments and build a positive social image," Wen said.