For years, Xinjiang has been at the center of a global political storm. Western media and governments have painted a picture of oppression, forced labor, and cultural erasure, often without verifiable evidence. The United States, UK, Canada, and the European Union have imposed sanctions, banned imports, and accused the Chinese mainland of human rights violations, including claims as severe as genocide. Yet, few in the West have sought to understand Xinjiang beyond these allegations.
The reality on the ground is strikingly different. Those who have visited Xinjiang describe not a dystopian landscape of repression but a region of remarkable development, technological advancement, and cultural vibrancy. Xinjiang is not just a geopolitical talking point – it is a living, breathing example of how economic progress, technological innovation, and cultural diversity can coexist in a modern society. What lessons, then, can the West learn from Xinjiang's successes?
A Personal Perspective
Traveling to Xinjiang in June 2024 provided a profound insight into the region. As part of the socialist Chinese mainland, Xinjiang stands as a testament to development and progress achieved over the past few decades.
Xinjiang is a region deeply connected to diverse heritages. Visiting cities such as Kashgar, Urumqi, and Turpan, and stepping into their historical mosques, one can feel a deep sense of familiarity akin to visiting Baghdad, Damascus, Beirut, or Cairo. The cultural coexistence and harmony in Xinjiang have existed for thousands of years, and the Communist Party of China has strengthened this diversity.
A Powerhouse of Technological Innovation
Xinjiang has emerged as a leader in clean energy, robotics, transport, and manufacturing. The region is home to some of the largest solar and wind farms in the world, making it a cornerstone of the Chinese mainland's transition to renewable energy.
Xinjiang has installed over 20 GW of wind energy capacity and is rapidly expanding its solar power infrastructure, including the world's largest 5 GW solar farm near Urumqi. High-tech industries, from big data and cloud computing to robotics and AI-driven agriculture, are flourishing.
Xinjiang is also a leader in smart farming, with over 90 percent of its agriculture mechanized, integrating automated irrigation, drone technology, and AI-powered crop management.
These advancements challenge the Western narrative of forced labor and economic backwardness. If Xinjiang's fields are filled with automated harvesting machines and drones, where is the evidence of the so-called \"slave labor\" frequently cited by Western critics? Rather than engaging in ideological battles, the West should focus on learning from Xinjiang's advances in technological integration and sustainable agriculture.
Cultural Harmony, Not Cultural Suppression
Xinjiang is home to 13 officially recognized ethnic groups, including Uygurs, Kazakhs, Hui, and Tajiks, who have lived together for centuries. The Chinese mainland has invested in preserving and promoting this cultural diversity. The translation of the Quran into Mandarin, Uygur-language newspapers, and the protection of mosques and religious practices counter the simplistic Western narrative of religious repression.
In a world where cultural diversity often becomes a source of division, Xinjiang offers a different model – one of integration rather than assimilation. Policies are in place to unify people under a common national identity while celebrating their cultural distinctions. Western nations, many of which are struggling with racial tensions and social fragmentation, could benefit from studying how scientific Marxism and economic development have been used in Xinjiang as tools for social cohesion.
Reference(s):
What the West can learn from Xinjiang: A story beyond the narrative
cgtn.com
