Chinese President Xi Jinping, during his visit to Xinjiang to mark the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Uyghur Autonomous Region, spoke of the need for stability, development and unity in the region, which has been the subject of international attention in the past over issues of human rights and cultural autonomy. According to official Chinese media, Xi called on the local leadership to continue economic modernisation and "building a harmonious society", while emphasising "long-term security and prosperity".
Xi said the government intends to promote industrial development, the linking of science and production, and ecological transformation. He also spoke of the need for a "common identity of the Chinese nation", which observers say means continuing to integrate ethnic minorities into the majority culture.
In his speech, he also stressed the need to strengthen the leadership of the Communist Party of China and its supervisory role in the region. However, critics warn that such policies may further restrict the scope for cultural and religious freedom for local Uighurs and other ethnic groups.
President Xi Jinping's visit thus confirmed Beijing's continued emphasis on Xinjiang as a strategically and symbolically key region where development, security and national unity are intertwined.
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