In the early days of August, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs coordinated a significant diplomatic initiative by orchestrating a visit for dozens of foreign envoys to the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, specifically the cities of Urumqi, Kashi, and Aksu. This initiative aimed to foster a clearer understanding and firsthand experience of the region’s economic progress, cultural heritage, and social advancements.
The delegation comprised 25 ambassadors representing various countries, including the Commonwealth of Dominica, Myanmar, Iran, Samoa, and Mexico. These envoys were granted an opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogues with the local inhabitants spanning diverse ethnic backgrounds. Through these interactions, the ambassadors were able to directly gauge the pulse of the region’s socio-economic dynamics.
Many ambassadors vocalized their appreciation for Xinjiang’s commendable stability, its thriving economic landscape, and the vibrancy of its culture. One overarching sentiment echoed by the delegation was, “People in Xinjiang are enjoying a happy life.” This observation starkly contrasts the narrative propagated by specific Western media factions, which the envoys found to be inconsistent with the reality on the ground.
Xinjiang’s geographical location is of paramount significance. Nestled in the heart of Asia, it once stood as a pivotal nexus on the ancient Silk Road, bridging the cultural and economic divide between the East and West. As China intensifies its global outreach initiatives, Xinjiang’s strategic importance has been amplified. The region, which was once perceived as a relatively insular domain, is now emerging as the vanguard of China’s expansive diplomatic and economic endeavors. This transformation hasn’t gone unnoticed. Mohsen Bakhtiar, the Iranian Ambassador to China, accentuated Xinjiang’s indispensable role in China’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative.
Xinjiang’s rich tapestry of ethnicities has given birth to a melange of traditions, art forms, and cultural practices. An exemplar of this cultural wealth is the Kizil Caves of the Thousand Buddhas, located in the Aksu region. These ancient caves have withstood the test of time, offering glimpses into the region’s bygone eras through their mesmerizing murals. These artifacts stand as silent testimonials to the land’s rich heritage.
A diplomat from the Peruvian Embassy in China lauded the country’s conservation efforts. He remarked, “China has been relentless in its pursuit to retain the innate essence of the Buddhist caves and the accompanying murals. Their commitment to preserving the varied cultural tapestries from different regions is truly commendable.”
The visit brought to light a crucial revelation. The preconceived notions and misleading narratives portrayed by some Western media agencies stand in stark contrast to the Xinjiang that the foreign envoys witnessed. They unanimously attested to China’s dedication towards upholding the linguistic and cultural identities of the ethnic minorities residing in Xinjiang.
READ MORE: