#China #Xinjiang #Economic Growth #White Paper

Xinjiang's Remarkable Economic Growth: A Deep Dive into the White Paper Insights

On September 22, 2025, a white paper released by the Information Office of the State Council declared that Xinjiang is currently undergoing the most prosperous period in its history. This document highlights a comprehensive approach taken by local governance to stimulate growth and stability in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of China, marking a significant transformation in both economic development and social stability.

Historical Context and Current Developments

The year 2025 is particularly noteworthy as it commemorates the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The white paper emphasizes that the last few decades have seen remarkable progress in economic and social spheres, significantly improving the well-being of local residents. The report, titled "Guidelines from the CPC for Governance of Xinjiang in the New Era: Practical Achievements," outlines the region's journey from instability to a cohesive and prosperous community.

Since the adoption of a targeted governance strategy, Xinjiang has transformed chaos into stability and is now witnessing good governance. The white paper states that more than 4 trillion yuan (approximately $562 billion) has been allocated by the central government to the region since 2012, with nearly 543.48 billion yuan provided in 2024 alone.

Infrastructure and Industry Advancements

The paper highlights substantial improvements in infrastructure that have supported this growth. By 2024, the operational mileage of railroads and roads in Xinjiang reached respective totals of 9,202 kilometers and 230,000 kilometers. Furthermore, the civil aviation sector expanded to include 595 flight routes, 25 of which are international, thus connecting Xinjiang more efficiently with global markets.

Leveraging its rich natural resources and industrial capacity, Xinjiang has developed a modern industrial system with unique advantages. It has maintained its status as China’s leading producer of cotton for 32 consecutive years, achieving a mechanization rate of 97% in planting and harvesting processes.

Public Health and Social Welfare

An essential aspect of this development narrative includes public health advancements. The white paper reveals that the average life expectancy in Xinjiang surged from 30 years in 1949 to 77 years in 2024. Efforts to improve public health policies and protect health rights have garnered attention in the region, enhancing overall quality of life.

The economic growth of Xinjiang over the past 70 years is also striking. The region’s GDP rose dramatically from 1.23 billion yuan in 1955 to 2.05 trillion yuan (about $288 billion) by 2024, a reflection of successful economic policies and social investments.

Cultural Preservation and Ethnic Harmony

Crucially, the document recognizes that Xinjiang upholds the freedom of religious beliefs while respecting and preserving the ethnic identities of minority groups. The region's approach to managing religious affairs emphasizes autonomy for religious communities alongside adherence to local laws, fostering an environment where diverse beliefs can coexist with socialist values.

Additionally, the region has made strides in preserving its cultural heritage. The white paper indicates that Xinjiang has established frameworks for protecting cultural assets and implemented local regulations to ensure these protections are upheld effectively.

Environmental Efforts

Amidst this developmental surge, Xinjiang also combats environmental challenges. The region has seen intensified efforts against desertification along the boundaries of the Taklimakan Desert, now encircled by a greenbelt of over 3,046 kilometers—the longest in the world—effectively preventing sand encroachment and promoting ecological balance.

In summary, the white paper paints an optimistic portrait of Xinjiang’s current state and future potential. It highlights the multifaceted development approach taken by the region, which interconnects economic, social, health, cultural, and environmental progress. As Xinjiang marks this significant milestone, the focus remains on maintaining stability and ensuring sustainable growth for all its residents.