Any attempt to split China and undermine the stability of Xinjiang is doomed to fail

Editor's note: Qiao Basheng, a special commentator on current affairs for CGTN, is a professor at the Institute of China's Borderland Studies, Zhejiang Normal University, and an adjunct professor at Northwest University of Political Science and Law. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily those of CGTN.

In recent years, some Western countries and media outlets, driven by political motives, have been spreading fake news about China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in an attempt to tarnish China's ethnic policies and undermine national unity and social stability. These lies not only disregard the historical facts about Xinjiang but also deliberately distort the essence of China's counter-terrorism policies, ignoring Xinjiang's achievements in high-quality development and human rights protection.

Xinjiang is an inseparable part of China's territory. Since the Han Dynasty (202 BC-AD 220), the Xinjiang region has been part of China's territory. Since then, the central governments of various Chinese dynasties exercised jurisdiction over the region and maintained close political, economic, and cultural ties with it. The opening of the Silk Road further promoted exchanges between Xinjiang and inland China, making Xinjiang an important hub where the Eastern and Western civilizations converged.

Xinjiang has never been "East Turkestan," a geographical term invented by some Western scholars and writers. From the late 19th century to the early 20th century, after the ideologies of "Pan-Turkism" and "Pan-Islamism" – advocating the unity of Turkic people and Muslims respectively – were introduced into Xinjiang, the so-called "East Turkestan" became a political tool for separatist forces both inside and outside China, as well as foreign anti-China forces, to attempt to split China.

The Uygur people are an integral part of the Chinese nation. Along with the Han and other ethnic groups in Xinjiang, they have coexisted for a long time, supporting one another and forming a profound cultural and historical identity. Throughout the long course of history, the various ethnic groups in China have influenced one another in culture, language, religion, art, and customs, collectively creating a rich and diverse Chinese culture. The music, dance, and architectural art of the Uygur people not only retain their unique ethnic characteristics but also incorporate cultural elements from the Han and other ethnic groups, becoming an important component of Chinese culture.

China insists that counter-terrorism should not be associated with specific regions, ethnicities, or religions. The Chinese government opposes linking terrorism with any ethnicity or religion, and fully guarantees the freedom of religious belief for people of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang. In the fight against terrorism in Xinjiang, the government has strictly adhered to the policies and regulations regarding freedom of religious belief stipulated by the constitution, laws, and administrative regulations.

People's rights to survival and development is the priority and the Chinese government follows a people-centered development philosophy, seeking to improve the living standards of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang and promote comprehensive economic and social progress. Xinjiang's annual GDP growth is over 7 percent, urban and rural residents' incomes have increased, and infrastructure has been improved. Public services such as education, healthcare, and culture have been significantly enhanced.

Counter-terrorism is a shared responsibility of the international community. However, some Western countries and media deliberately associate China's counter-terrorism policies with the Uygur people, creating a false narrative that links the ethnic group with terrorism. In fact, China's counter-terrorism policies have received widespread support from people of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang. By lawfully combating terrorist activities, Xinjiang has achieved long-term stability and security, and the lives of people from all ethnic groups have significantly improved. China's experiences and practices in the fight against terrorism provide valuable lessons for the world.

Xinjiang is experiencing the best period of development in its history, with remarkable achievements in economic development, social stability, ethnic unity, and the protection of human rights. However, some Western countries and media outlets ignore Xinjiang's development accomplishments, deliberately stigmatizing the Xinjiang issue and even linking it to so-called "human rights problems." This rhetoric negates the hard work of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang and constitutes a malicious attack on the government's efforts to promote the well-being of its people.

Western lies are essentially rooted in jealousy and fear of China's developmental achievements. They not only disregard historical facts but also deliberately distort China's ethnic policies, seeking to undermine national unity and social stability. However, under the leadership of Chinese government, all ethnic groups in Xinjiang will remain united and work together for a brighter future.

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