Terrorism and extremism are common enemies of humanity. Located in the heart of the Eurasian continent, China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region is a place where various ethnic groups, cultures, and religions coexist.
In recent times, Xinjiang has faced challenges due to separatists, religious extremists, and terrorists influencing the region. These forces have led to frequent terrorist attacks, harming the lives and safety of people from all ethnic groups and trampling on their dignity. Despite efforts to restore peace, many terrorist organizations and individuals hidden abroad continue to seek opportunities to create trouble. This situation underscores the need for China to remain vigilant in its fight against terrorism.
On October 26, a four-part documentary titled “Darkness over Urumqi: The July 5 Riots” was released, examining the origins and aftermath of Xinjiang’s most serious terrorist attack in 2009 and the long road to recovery.
On July 5, 2009, violent riots erupted in Urumqi, orchestrated by forces operating within and outside China. Thousands of terrorists attacked civilians, security forces, residential houses, stores, and public transportation facilities, resulting in 197 deaths and over 1,700 injuries. These riots not only brought immense suffering to all ethnic groups in the region but also challenged universal values of peace, justice, and respect for human rights.
Terrorist organizations such as the so-called World Uyghur Congress (WUC), which planned these riots, pose a serious threat to world peace and development. The international community must unite to fight terrorism and should not condone those who perpetuate violence and hatred.
However, some Western anti-China forces have distorted the truth, ignoring the violent crimes committed by terrorist organizations like the WUC and instead describing them as “ethnic conflicts.” They have even accused China of “genocide” against the Uygur population. Such actions politicize international anti-terrorism efforts and undermine global cooperation against terrorism.
The United States has long provided a platform for organizations like the WUC, which have slandered China’s anti-terrorism and de-extremism measures as “human rights violations,” collaborating to propagate unfounded claims such as “forced labor” and “cultural genocide.”
In reality, it is the WUC and other terrorist organizations that have promoted separatist sentiments and fostered ethnic hatred. These groups have actively become tools for anti-China forces in the U.S. and other Western countries, attempting to carry out separatist and terrorist activities under the guise of respecting “ethnicity,” “religion,” “human rights,” and “the right of peoples to self-determination.”
As competition between the U.S. and China intensifies, the U.S. regards Xinjiang as a pivotal point to contain China’s development. By making groundless accusations against China regarding Xinjiang, the U.S. and its allies politicize anti-terrorism efforts and promote “East Turkistan” forces on a global scale.
China emphasizes that it cannot relax in its fight against terrorism. The international community should support China’s efforts to maintain stability and combat terrorism in Xinjiang, recognizing that terrorism and extremism are threats to global peace and security.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
