Chinese President Xi Jinping joined thousands of attendees at a historic gathering in Urumqi on Thursday to mark the 70th anniversary of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region's establishment. The event showcased the region's cultural diversity and economic progress, with traditional music performances and exhibitions highlighting local craftsmanship.
In his address, President Xi emphasized Xinjiang's role as a 'vital hub along the Silk Road Economic Belt,' noting a 12.5% GDP growth rate over the past five years. The region has attracted $3.8 billion in foreign investment since 2020, particularly in renewable energy and logistics sectors.
Academics point to Xinjiang's upgraded transportation network – including 25 new international flight routes launched this year – as key to its growing connectivity with Central Asian markets. The celebrations concluded with a multimedia presentation tracing the region's development from ancient trade crossroads to modern innovation center.
