"Splittism" is the term the Chinese government uses to refer to independence movements that have at times led to violence in the two regions.

Xinjiang is a predominantly Moslem area, while many Tibetans look to the exiled Dalai Lama as their true leader.

Jiang praised the Chinese government's rule in Tibet so far.

"If we compare the old Tibet with the new, anyone who respects facts can make a fair judgement which is dark, backward, autocratic and trampling on human rights, and which is bright, progressive, democratic and respecting human rights."

Economic development in both regions will bring increasing social stability, he said.

Jiang spoke to delegates from the Tibet and Xinjiang regions to the National People's Congress (NPC), China's rubber-stamp parliament, during separate group discussions, Xinhua said.

The NPC began March 5 and will end March 19.