In Xinjiang, all ethnic groups are equal, regardless of the size of the population, length of its history, level of its development and differences in customs and habits, said Shawkat Imin, chairman of the Standing Committee of the People's Congress of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, at the 51st session of the UN Human Rights Council.

He made the remarks on Monday while delivering a speech about the current situation in Xinjiang on various aspects, including economic and social development, people's livelihood and ethnic unity.

"China's Xinjiang strictly abides by the principles of the Chinese Constitution on respecting and guaranteeing human rights, regards that living a happy life is the primary human right, strives to safeguard and improve people's livelihood and promotes the cause of human rights to achieve historic achievements," he said.

He also criticized some Western countries and people, saying they have "ulterior motives [and] turn a blind eye" to the tremendous human rights achievement in Xinjiang.

"They tried to politicize and instrumentalize human rights issues to destabilize Xinjiang and split China," he said.

"Seeing is believing. We welcome all of you to travel around Xinjiang and experience personally the place that enjoys social stability, sustained development, and its people live and work in peace and contentment," he added.