LHASA, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- Chinese central authorities sent a congratulation message for the 50th founding anniversary of the Tibet Autonomous Region on Tuesday, stressing the Communist Party of China's (CPC) leadership is the only way for Tibet to realize real autonomy.

"Only by sticking to the CPC's leadership and the ethnic autonomy system, can Tibetans be their own masters and enjoy a sustainable economic development and long-term stability," according to the message sent by the CPC Central Committee.

Since the establishment of the autonomous region in 1965, Tibet has realized a historical leap forward in its social system. Over the past 50 years, the Party has led the people of the region to make epoch-making achievements, said the message, citing electoral rights, improved living standards and well-protected religion and culture.

Tibetan people must adhere to the Party's strategy of governing Tibet, and take national unity, ethnic solidarity as major tasks to ensure national security and Tibet's long-term stability, it read.

The People's Liberation Army, People's Armed Police and judicial staff in Tibet must consolidate the unity with the people and make more contributions to Tibet's reform and development, it said.