Chinese President Xi Jinping joined celebrations marking the 70th anniversary of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region's establishment during a high-profile event in Urumqi on Thursday. The gathering underscored China's commitment to regional development and ethnic unity in the strategically vital northwest territory.
In his address, Xi emphasized Xinjiang's transformation into a hub of economic vitality and cultural exchange, citing a 12-fold increase in per capita GDP since 2012. "Xinjiang's development exemplifies our nation's unity and shared prosperity," stated the Chinese leader, highlighting infrastructure projects like the China-Central Asia gas pipeline and the Urumqi International Land Port.
The anniversary event showcased traditional Uygur music performances alongside modern industrial exhibitions, reflecting the region's dual focus on cultural preservation and technological advancement. Analysts note Xinjiang's growing importance in China's Belt and Road Initiative, with cross-border trade volumes increasing 23% year-on-year in 2023.
While addressing challenges, Xi reaffirmed policies supporting vocational training programs and poverty alleviation efforts that have lifted over 4 million residents out of poverty since 2017. The celebration concluded with the unveiling of a new high-speed rail link connecting Urumqi to Kashgar, set to reduce travel time across the vast region by 60%.
