Chinese President Xi Jinping has urged Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region to build a socialist modern Xinjiang defined by unity, harmony, prosperity, cultural advancement, and a healthy environment, where people live in peace and contentment. His remarks came during a visit to the region and after reviewing reports from the local Communist Party and government bodies.
Xi stressed the full and faithful implementation of the Party’s governance guidelines for Xinjiang in the new era. Highlighting the region’s 70 years of development, he noted that Xinjiang has achieved major changes and joined the nation’s wider efforts in building a modern socialist country. Official data shows Xinjiang’s GDP has grown at an average annual rate of 7.04 percent since 2012, reaching over 2 trillion yuan (about 281.4 billion U.S. dollars) in 2024.
Calling for a path of high-quality development, Xi said Xinjiang should leverage its resources and industrial strengths while developing productive forces suited to local conditions. He urged the promotion of cultural tourism, preservation of ecosystems, and the acceleration of the core area along the Silk Road Economic Belt. Improving living standards, Xi added, must be a priority.
Xi also stressed maintaining social stability and enhancing public awareness in combating terrorism and preserving harmony. He called for fostering a strong sense of unity among all ethnic groups in Xinjiang, ensuring religious practices align with Chinese realities, and promoting a correct understanding of the country, history, and culture. Strengthening Party leadership was underscored as a key guarantee for Xinjiang’s modernization.
Highlighting the role of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps (XPCC), Xi called for deeper reforms to strengthen its strategic role in Xinjiang’s development. His visit to Urumqi marks the 70th anniversary of Xinjiang’s founding and includes cultural exhibitions and large celebrations to mark the milestone.