Ken Hammond, an American sinologist and professor of history at New Mexico State University, said in a recent interview that Western narratives about China's ethnic policies often diverge from reality. He noted that in Xizang Autonomous Region, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and other regions, China has promoted economic and social development, improved access to education, healthcare and infrastructure, while also working to preserve traditional cultures. He added that these changes have become increasingly visible in daily life.