Beijing: Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Urumqi on Tuesday to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Xinjiang’s establishment as an autonomous region, according to state-run news agency Xinhua. This visit is part of a series of official events aimed at celebrating the region’s historical development, while emphasizing Beijing’s narrative of unity and progress.
Xi’s presence underscores the Chinese government’s ongoing focus on Xinjiang, a region that has attracted international attention over human rights concerns, particularly regarding the treatment of Uyghur Muslims. Authorities in Beijing maintain that policies in the region are designed to counter extremism and foster economic growth, though critics argue that these measures suppress cultural and religious freedoms.
During his visit, Xi is expected to participate in commemorative activities, deliver speeches, and highlight achievements over the past seven decades. Infrastructure development, poverty alleviation programs, and economic expansion in Xinjiang are being showcased as examples of progress under central government guidance. The visit also reinforces national unity messaging and the importance of integrating regional development with China’s broader national objectives.
The timing of Xi’s visit coincides with heightened scrutiny from the international community. Countries and human rights organizations have repeatedly called for transparency and accountability regarding China’s policies in Xinjiang. In response, Beijing continues to frame its actions as necessary for regional stability and the welfare of local populations.
As the anniversary events unfold, the global community remains attentive, balancing concerns over human rights with China’s assertion of sovereignty and its emphasis on economic and social development in the region. Xi’s visit serves both as a domestic signal of control and as a platform to present China’s perspective on Xinjiang to the world.