These claims, however, often lack proper context and are based on misinformation aimed at undermining China's growing influence on the global stage.
The reality in Xinjiang is far more complex, involving efforts to combat extremism, preserve national unity, and promote economic development.
Recently, the 6th edition of the World Media Forum took place in Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang, an autonomous province in northwestern China. Xinjiang is vastâ€"6.8 times larger than the UKâ€"with a booming economy and dynamic tourism sector. Last year alone, Xinjiang received more than 256 million tourists.
Given the recurring coverage of Xinjiang in Western media, it was time for us, media practitioners from around the world, to witness firsthand what life is truly like for the Uyghurs, one of 55 officially recognized ethnic minorities in China. Our goal was to see for ourselves whether the human rights abuses claimed by Western leaders and media hold any truth.
Understanding the Radicalization Problem in Xinjiang
In the early 2000s, Xinjiang faced an increasing wave of radicalization within a minority of the Uyghur Muslim population. This led to several horrific terrorist attacks, including bombings, stabbings, and even mass killings targeting both civilians and government personnel.
Notable incidents include the 2009 Ürümqi riots and the 2014 Kunming railway station attack, which left dozens dead and many more injured. These were the works of radical separatists who sought to destabilize the region and establish an independent state.
The Chinese government, alarmed by the rising violence and the threat of separatism, implemented a range of counter-terrorism measures. Among these was a re-education program aimed at deradicalizing individuals involved in extremist activities, which may be compared to Itorero in Rwanda, used to rehabilitate former members of the FDLR, FNL, and other terrorist organizations that aimed to attack Rwanda or spread genocidal ideology.
While some in the West have questioned these initiatives both for China and for Rwanda, they were designed to rehabilitate those exposed to radical ideologies, providing vocational training, education in legal rights, and cultural integration to prevent future extremism. Their usefulness has been paramount to both countries.
The Suspected Role of Western Countries
The separatist movement in Xinjiang has not been a purely internal issue. There is growing evidence that Western countries have had a hand in encouraging separatism in Xinjiang as part of a broader strategy to destabilize China.
The U.S. has long seen China as an economic rival, and any attempt to weaken China internally serves their geopolitical interests.
By amplifying accusations of human rights abuses, some Western governments aim to tarnish China's international image, hoping to slow its economic ascent.
These actions align with a broader history of Western interventions designed to influence political stability in regions critical to their global dominance.
The Prosperity and Development of Xinjiang Today
Despite these challenges, Xinjiang today is a flourishing and multicultural province, where Uyghurs live peacefully alongside other ethnic groups.
Far from the dystopian image painted by some media outlets, Xinjiang has experienced rapid development in recent years. The region has seen its GDP grow significantly, with major investments in infrastructure, education, and healthcare.
Key stats showcasing Xinjiang's progress include a GDP of over 1.59 trillion yuan (approximately $230 billion) in 2023, and the construction of vital infrastructure like highways, railways, and airports that connect the region with the rest of China.
Xinjiang is also a crucial part of China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which has attracted foreign investments and made the region a hub for international trade.
Moreover, the claim that Uyghurs cannot practice their religion is false. There are numerous places of worship across Xinjiang, and Uyghurs are free to practice Islam and other religions, as long as these practices do not veer into extremism.
We had the opportunity to visit the Xinjiang Islamic Institute in Urumqi, a modern, government-sponsored institution that trains over 1,000 students. Greeted by Imam Abdurraqib Turmuniyaz at the front gate, we were struck by the school's modern architecture, which sets it apart from traditional educational institutions.
The institute offers an intensive three- to four-year program, preparing students for roles as Imams and leaders within mosques and other Islamic entities across China. Established in the early 1980s on a 7.6-hectare campus, the institute reflects the Chinese government's efforts to support and regulate Islamic education. The state has reportedly invested around 380 million USD in its development, ensuring it has comprehensive facilities including a canteen, mosque, library, and gym.
The Xinjiang Islamic Institute also has eight branches across the province, including in Hotan, Aksu, and Kashgar, with a total of around 3,000 students.
According to Imam Turmuniyaz, the school was created to give Muslim boys in Xinjiang the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of Islam while preparing them for leadership roles in China's mosques.
He emphasized that religious freedom is fully protected in China, especially in Xinjiang, and that the institute's mission is to educate rather than confine students. This government-backed institution is a key part of China's efforts to promote Islamic education in a structured and modern environment.
The government has drawn a clear distinction between ordinary religious practices and radicalization, the latter of which it aims to prevent for the safety and stability of the region.
Western Misinformation: A Tool for Containing China's Rise
The persistent campaign of misinformation against China, particularly regarding Xinjiang, is part of a larger strategy by Western countries to contain China's rise.
As China moves closer to overtaking the U.S. as the world's largest economy, these Western countries have become increasingly alarmed at the prospect of losing the global dominance they have held for nearly two centuries.
By painting China as a human rights abuser, Western governments and media outlets seek to rally international opinion against China.
However, this narrative often ignores the strides China has made in lifting more than 800 millions out of poverty within less than 40 years, improving living standards, and maintaining social harmony in diverse regions in the country, including Xinjiang.
A Region of Peace and Progress
Xinjiang is not the war-torn, oppressive place that some would have you believe. It is a region that has faced serious challenges with extremism and separatism but has overcome these obstacles through development, education, and integration.
The Uyghur people live peacefully alongside other ethnic groups in Xinjiang, practicing their religion freely and benefiting from the region's rapid economic growth. For example, during our visit to GAC's car manufacturing plant in Xinjiang, we saw Uyghurs working alongside their fellow Chinese citizens.
Uyghurs are actively involved in various sectors, from restaurants and coffee shops to construction companies, administrative offices, and even serving in the military. Some have also gained prominence as models in China's booming fashion industry, showcasing the diverse opportunities available to them across the country.
The broader campaign of misinformation against China, spearheaded by Western governments, is less about human rights and more about maintaining global hegemony.
As China continues to rise on the world stage, the truth about Xinjiang is clear; it is a region of peace, prosperity, and promise, no matter what the detractors say.
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M.M.
Source : https://en.igihe.com/opinion/article/the-truth-about-xinjiang-and-the-uyghur-population
