Losang Jamcan was elected chairman of southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region on Tuesday at a session of the regional legislature.

Previously executive vice chairman of the regional government, Losang Jamcan was elected at the first session of the 10th Tibet Autonomous Regional People's Congress.

His predecessor, Padma Choling, was elected chairman of the standing committee of the current regional legislature.

"Reform and opening up is a must for the prosperity of Tibet and its people," said Losang Jamcan at a press conference.

"Without the policy, today's Tibet would not exist, nor would the prosperity and development of tomorrow's Tibet," the new chairman said.

He also vowed that the regional government would deepen reform and opening up for the socialist cause with Chinese characteristics.