A senior Chinese Tibetologist has said  that regular and frequent exchanges of ideas can help Americans gain a better understanding of Tibet.

Tobdrub Wangben, vice minister of the State Commission for Ethnic Affairs, told a press conference here Friday that although China and the United States share similar views on many Tibet-related issues, they differ in many others as well.

"However, frequent and in-depth exchange of ideas between the two countries' people will help achieve a better understanding of Tibet."

"It is fairly important for the American public to understand the truth on Tibet," he told the press conference held in the Chinese Consulate-General in New York.

Wang Pijun, a senior official with the China Association for International Cultural Exchange, said the four-member Chinese Tibetologist delegation, headed by Tobdrub Wangben, has found that many people in the United States are ignorant of the current situation and history of Tibet.

"Some legislators even haven't heard about the fact feudal serfdom once existed in Tibet," he said.

According to Wang, many politicians, legislators and media professionals said they changed their impressions of Tibet after they visited the Chinese autonomous region.

"They believe that Tibet has a good governance, has set a good example for the world in dealing with issues relating to ethnic minorities and there is obvious religious freedom in Tibet," he said.

To help more people get a clear picture of Tibet, China will send more people from Tibet to exchange ideas with people in other countries and invite more foreigners to tour Tibet in the future, Wang said.

When asked about the consultation between the representatives of the Chinese central government and the Dalai Lama's envoy, Tobdrub Wangben said that the Chinese central government has been maintaining a persistent stance towards the Dalai Lama and the door of consultation remains open.

"The consultation will move forward after the Beijing Olympic Games," he said.

Tobdrub Wangben also highly commended the efforts by the Chinese government in preserving and developing the Tibetan culture, saying the so-called "cultural genocide" in Tibet is absolute fabrication.

Luorong Zhangdui, a professor of Social and Economic Research Institute under the China Tibetology Research Center, said that tourism industry in Tibet is booming again. He advised those who want to visit to plan their trips as early as possible, or they may not be able to make it.

The four-member Chinese Tibetologist delegation arrived in New York on July 17 to promote understanding on the Tibet issue.

The group met with media professionals, lawmakers and scholars to present their views on Tibet issues, including the central government's policy, religious freedom and Tibetan cultural preservation.

The delegation is scheduled to leave the United States on July 21 and head for Canada.