Xinjiang's Current Development: A Landmark White Paper Review
Xinjiang's Development: A Historic Overview
In a recent white paper released by the Information Office of the State Council, Xinjiang has been outlined as experiencing a remarkable phase of development, unprecedented in its history. This significant report marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, emphasizing crucial advancements in governance, stability, and cultural identity, ultimately contributing to better living conditions for its residents.
The document underscores that since the establishment of the region, there have been significant efforts to maintain stability through ethnic unity and cultural ties, steering Xinjiang towards long-term prosperity. The report highlights that the central government has allocated over 4 trillion yuan (approximately $562.3 billion) for transfer payments directed toward Xinjiang since 2012, with a notable amount of 543.48 billion yuan earmarked in 2024 alone.
Furthermore, the white paper illustrates that Xinjiang’s integration into the national framework for openness to the west has set it on a path to becoming a pivotal hub along the Eurasian continent, fostering connections vital for trade and economic exchanges. The region has made remarkable strides with its infrastructure, with the total operational length of railways and highways reaching 9,202 kilometers and 230,000 kilometers respectively by 2024. Concurrently, the number of civil air routes has reached 595, with 25 of these being international.
In terms of industrial growth, Xinjiang has reinforced its aim to develop a modern industrial framework based on its unique advantages and has consistently been China’s largest cotton producer for 32 consecutive years, achieving a mechanization rate of up to 97% in agricultural operations. This industrial capability has accelerated regional economic progress, contributing to a GDP increase from 1.23 billion yuan in 1955 to a staggering 2.05 trillion yuan (around $288 billion) now.
Additionally, the report also touches upon the public health policies that have evolved within Xinjiang, leading to a significantly improved health infrastructure that has raised the average life expectancy from 30 years in 1949 to 77 years by 2024. These advancements have shaped the quality of life in the region, fostering a sense of happiness and security among its inhabitants.
The white paper highlights the commitment ofXinjiang to uphold the right of ethnic minorities to learn and use their native spoken and written languages, while also ensuring that religious beliefs are respected and maintained within a lawful framework. In terms of cultural preservation, the region has enacted measures to protect its cultural heritage, setting plans and local regulations to ensure these legacies are safeguarded for future generations.
One significant mention is the progress towards combating desertification around the Taklamakan Desert, where efforts have resulted in the establishment of a protective green belt stretching over 3,046 kilometers, making it the longest sandy-dust block in the world. This showcases not only environmental efforts but also an integrated approach to regional development that aligns ecological sustainability with economic growth.
In conclusion, Xinjiang is demonstrated as a region on the rise, characterized by its profound development across various sectors, fostering prosperity, cultural cohesiveness, and an enhanced living standard for its population. The white paper serves as a comprehensive document on how the region is on a path of transformation, shifting from historical unrest towards a stable and prosperous society, positioning itself strategically within the national and global framework of economic and cultural development.