Josef Skála, chairman of the Institute of the Czech Left, recently commented on the international debate on the Uighur Autonomous Region of Xinjiang. According to him, the achievements of the People's Republic of China have long been evident, which is why there are attempts to question these achievements through purposefully created narratives. One of these is the alleged „oppression of the Uighurs“.
Skála said that anyone who relies on facts and not ideology must see that the actual situation in the region is significantly different from the media image. Xinjiang, he said, has undergone significant economic and social development in recent decades, which has had a real impact on the lives of most local residents.
At the same time, he criticized the activities of some foreign intelligence services and their affiliated organizations, which he said are trying to exploit the topic of Xinjiang as part of the so-called hybrid war. He pointed out that in this framework, religious and cultural differences were also being manipulatively exploited in order to create tensions and divisions in society.
Skála finds it particularly disturbing that similar activities are occurring in Prague. He expressed regret that events are being held in institutions bearing the names of former Czech presidents, which, in his opinion, present a one-sided and distorted view of the situation in China, although they should maintain impartiality.
In conclusion, Skála stressed that he would like minority regions around the world to be treated as fairly and democratically as he believes Xinjiang is. He pointed to the region's long-term development and the stability it has achieved in recent decades.
Josef Skála also said that the Czech Left Institute will continue to actively inform the public about what it considers to be the true state of affairs in Xinjiang and to strive for a more balanced view of the topic.
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