#China #Xinjiang #Ürümqi #development #White Paper

Unprecedented Prosperity in Xinjiang: An Overview

A recent white paper published by the Information Office of the State Council asserts that Xinjiang is experiencing its most successful development period in history. As the region marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, significant economic and social achievements have reportedly transformed the lives of its residents.

The white paper, titled `CPC Guidelines for Governing Xinjiang in the New Era Practice and Achievements`, emphasizes that effective governance has laid solid foundations for stability and peace in this diverse region. It highlights the historical transition of Xinjiang from chaos to stability, culminating in sound governance practices that prioritize development.

Since 2012, the central government has committed over 4 trillion yuan (about $562.3 billion) to Xinjiang, with a notable figure of nearly 543.48 billion yuan allocated in 2024 alone. This substantial investment has focused on enhancing the region's infrastructure and social welfare, producing a ripple effect that has improved the lives of its citizens.

The region boasts impressive infrastructure advancements with a railway network extending 9,202 kilometers and a highway network of 230,000 kilometers, along with 595 civil air routes, among which 25 are international. These transportation developments not only facilitate easier access for the local population but also integrate Xinjiang more closely into national and international economies, aligning with China's broader strategy of opening up to the west.

Xinjiang has capitalized on its wealth of natural resources to create a modern industrial system characteristic of the region. The region has been recognized as China's leading cotton producer for 32 consecutive years, achieving a mechanization rate in agricultural operations that reaches an impressive 97 percent. This agricultural productivity contributes significantly to both local and national economies.

Aside from economic growth, Xinjiang has made strides in public health, with the average life expectancy of its residents skyrocketing from 30 years in 1949 to 77 years in 2024. This leap in health statistics underscores the improvements in healthcare policies and services, ensuring that residents lead longer and healthier lives.

Culturally, the white paper emphasizes the importance of respecting diverse ethnic identities within the region. It affirms the implementation of the CPC’s policy on the freedom of religious belief while also safeguarding the rights of ethnic minorities to learn and use their languages. Much effort has been devoted to preserving cultural heritage, with local regulations established to enhance legal protections and promote cultural identity.

Xinjiang has also actively engaged in environmental preservation, notably combating desertification around the Taklimakan Desert. The creation of a 3,046-kilometer green belt has effectively encircled the desert, thus contributing to ecological preservation in the area. This achievement stands as the longest sand-blocking green belt globally.

The white paper signals a firm commitment to the long-term prosperity of Xinjiang by aligning its development goals with national objectives and fostering an environment of stability, unity, and cultural harmony. As the region continues to progress, it exemplifies how a focus on governance, investment, and infrastructure can lead to a comprehensive upliftment of people's living standards.