Xinjiang Official Highlights Region’s Stability And Growth Amid Western Criticism

By Noor Bakhtiar Ahmad

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 17 -- A senior official from Xinjiang has praised the region's economic and social progress over recent years, contrasting these developments with what he described as persistent misinformation from Western governments.

Chen Cheng, Deputy Director of the Information Office of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, said that no violent crimes have been recorded since 2017, marking a significant departure from earlier years marred by criminal incidents.

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Chen cited recent statistics as evidence of Xinjiang's transformation, pointing to gains in economic growth, cultural development, and social stability.

“The situation in Xinjiang has improved greatly. We have achieved stability and progress across multiple sectors, with cultural prosperity and religious harmony as cornerstones,” he said at the Real Xinjiang: From Multiple Perspectives session organised by the Concorde Club forum, here on Thursday.

Also present was the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) Acting Deputy Editor-in-Chief and Executive Editor for the International News Service, Ravichandran DJ Paul.

The Concorde Club, chaired by Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, who also serves as Chairman of Bernama and Advisor to the Star Media Group, holds monthly meetings.

It is an informal group of journalists from both local and international media.

Chen accused Western forces, led by the United States, of ignoring the region’s advancements to sustain a narrative of poverty and repression.

“Their agenda is not about human rights or democracy but about keeping Xinjiang backward. They do not want the people of Xinjiang to live a good life.”

Chen highlighted tourism as a key sector fuelling Xinjiang’s economic recovery, now ranked as the region's ninth-largest industry.

The local government has been promoting tourism not only as a cultural bridge but also as an economic engine, offering substantial benefits for rural communities.

"For every yuan of income from tourism, other sectors can gain five yuan," Chen noted, describing tourism as a vital means of increasing wealth for local families, especially farmers who have transitioned into tourism-related businesses.

Tourism revenue in Xinjiang reached 287.6 billion yuan from January to September, marking a 23.02 per cent increase compared to the same period last year.

Chen said this growth reflects the region's success in positioning itself as a major tourist destination, where visitors can experience an authentic, objective, and diverse representation of its people and culture.

“Civilisation enriches through communication and becomes vibrant through diversity. Tourists coming to Xinjiang can see a more multidimensional and colourful reality,” he added.

The official dismissed what he described as a concerted effort by "Western anti-China forces" to misrepresent Xinjiang, arguing that criticisms from these quarters ignore the significant progress made in the region.

“The so-called fundamental issues are not about human rights or democracy. They are about creating a state of poverty and ignorance in Xinjiang,” he said.

Chen also took the opportunity to address misconceptions during the forum, noting that forums such as the Concorde Club offer a chance for Xinjiang to better share its story with the international community.

He emphasised the importance of transparent engagement with foreign media and visitors to correct misunderstandings and provide a clearer view of the region's development.

Despite the notable progress, Chen acknowledged that more work is needed to sustain Xinjiang's economic growth and improve the driving forces behind its development.

He called for ongoing efforts to present a “true story of Xinjiang” and underscored the need for more international exchanges to share the region’s progress openly.

“Today’s discussion is a window for you to better understand Xinjiang. We look forward to more opportunities like this to continue telling our story,” he said.

Earlier, Wong said in his welcoming speech via video that the Concorde Club is pleased to have guests from Xinjiang attending the session.

“We are happy and honoured to have you come to Malaysia to share your story and narrative about Xinjiang in various ways.

“There is so much misinformation and fake news about Xinjiang from Western media. So, we are extremely privileged to have all of you come to Kuala Lumpur to share your story with us,” he said.

-- BERNAMA