A delegation of Chinese experts on Tibetan studies paid a visit to Chile from August 15th till 20th aiming to introduce to the local people the new changes taken place in southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR), and to promote mutual understanding between the peoples of China and Chile. .

Joaquin Monteith, director-general of the Department of Asian Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Chile met with the delegation. He said that the visiting Tibetologists presented a complete and true picture of the progressing Tibet to the Chilean officials, scholars, students and general public, which has played a significant role in helping the Chileans to better understand Tibet.

During their visit, the Chinese Tibetologists held lectures at  Fazhan University of Chile and Catholic University of Chile, the institutions of higher learning in Chile on the history, religion, economy and society of TAR, which had aroused great interest among the scholars and students in Chile.

The lectures given by the Tibetologists was focused on the Tibetan culture and history. The Chilean students told Xinhua News Agency prior to the lecture that they were very curious about the lectures because it was their first time to listen to the Chinese Tibetlogists.

Eri Wangden, associate researcher of the Institute of Ethnic Literature of Chinese Academy of Social Science (CASS ), briefed the audience on the development of Tibetan civilization from the historical perspective. 
He said, the Tibetan culture was influenced by the culture of central and western Asian countries, especially strongly influenced by the inland areas of China. It showed the facts that TAR was inseparable from other parts of China in terms of culture and civilization.

Hao Shiyuan, deputy secretary-general of CASS introduced today's new TAR in education, culture and environment from the social and economic aspects.

On August 17, the delegation gave a lecture in Catholic University of Chile.

During the lecture, Nyima Tsering, deputy director of the Institute of Cultural and Historical Research Archives of Sichuan Province and former master painter for the10th Panchen Lama, presented his own paintings via Powerpoint slides to introduce the tradition of Tibetan Buddhism and the Living Buddha reincarnation system.

The audience was marveled at the mysterious Tibetan religion and culture after listening to Nyima Tsering's introduction on the search of reincarnation boys, the lot-drawing ceremony and their confirmation from China's central government.

The Chinese Tibetologists then answered questions raised by students and scholars.

In response to the question raised by some Chilean scholars on how the TAR use the special funds allocated from China's central government, Dawa Tsering, associate researcher of the Tibet Academy of Social Science said, the funds were pumped into the construction of infrastructure, development of housing projects, enhancement of science and education, promotion of cultural heritage and so on, endeavoring to boost the regional economy and improve the livelihood of the local people.

Chilean scholars said they used to hold many misconceptions about TAR misled by western media and due to the limit of the geographical blockade. However, these lectures opened up a new world for them to get acquainted with the genuine TAR.