#China #Xinjiang #Economic Growth #Xinjiang Uygur #Ethnic Harmony

The Transformation of Xinjiang: A Model of Ethnic Unity and Growth

For over two millennia, Xinjiang—once known as the Western Regions—was seen as a remote frontier governed by various dynasties far from the heart of China. This perception altered drastically after 1884 when it was established as a regular province. The governing philosophy that respects local ethnic customs persists to this day. In 1955, following the establishment of the People's Republic of China, the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region was created to promote equality and unity among the country's 56 ethnic groups.

The Chinese Constitution envelops a policy of regional ethnic autonomy, granting ethnic minorities the right to self-govern. Although Han Chinese dominate the national demographic, constituting about 91% of the population, the remaining 55 ethnic groups are represented through local governance. In autonomous areas, local congresses, led by elected representatives of respective ethnic groups, maintain self-rule and can adjust regulations based on local necessities. For instance, the chairperson of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Regional Government must belong to the Uygur ethnic group.

Xinjiang, among the five ethnic autonomous regions of China, consists of five autonomous prefectures and six autonomous counties. The latest census indicates that Xinjiang's population surpasses 25.8 million, with Uygurs and Hans nearly equally represented at 11.6 million and 10.9 million, respectively, alongside over a million Kazak and Hui residents.

In the last seven decades since the establishment of the autonomous region, Xinjiang has witnessed incredible transformation. The exploration of energy resources in the 1950s marked a turning point, particularly with the discovery of the Karamay oilfield, the first major oilfield in China. This initiated the region's emergence as an energy powerhouse, with subsequent developments in coal, natural gas, and renewable energy sources like wind and solar.

Agricultural practices have also transformed significantly. Traditional oasis farming has transitioned into modern systems that utilize techniques such as drip irrigation and mechanized planting. Xinjiang now produces over 90% of China's cotton, remaining the nation's largest cotton producer for three decades.

As economic growth surged, social improvements followed suit. In the early 2010s, a focused poverty alleviation campaign targeted rural households living below the poverty line, enabling nearly three million individuals to escape poverty through job training, eco-friendly projects, and assistance for relocation. Xinjiang claimed, by November 2020, the elimination of absolute poverty, a significant milestone.

Education levels have also soared with near-universal enrollment in primary and secondary schools. Moreover, enhanced healthcare services have made vital medical care accessible to even the remotest villages, drastically reducing child and maternal mortality rates and increasing life expectancy.

In essence, Xinjiang's journey since 1955 serves as a prime example of how a region can pivot from being underdeveloped to flourishing by fostering ethnic solidarity, invigorating the economy, and enhancing social welfare. Presently, Xinjiang stands poised to not only sustain its upward trajectory but also contribute significantly to China's broader national rejuvenation.