BEIJING, July 15, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Echoing the spirit of a beloved folk song, Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized that “the brothers and sisters from the 56 ethnic groups belong to the same family,” highlighting the rich tapestry of China’s diverse ethnic groups. The country is home to 56 ethnic groups, with the Han majority comprising approximately 91.5% of the population as of 2021. Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, located in Northwest China, is noted for its historical multi-ethnic composition, hosting over 45 distinct ethnic groups.

During his recent visit to Xinjiang, Xi underscored the importance of fostering ethnic unity and a collective national identity. His visit, which took place from Tuesday afternoon to Wednesday morning, included a focus on cultural preservation and community development.

Cultural Heritage Protection

Xi observed a performance of “Manas,” an intangible cultural heritage of the Kirgiz ethnic minority, at the Museum of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. He remarked on the richness of China’s civilization, composed of the diverse cultures of its ethnic groups, and stressed the need for enhanced preservation and promotion of such cultural treasures.

The state has recognized various cultural heritages from all ethnic groups in Xinjiang, with 133 cultural heritage sites under state protection. According to a white paper from the State Council Information Office, the cultural practices of all ethnic groups, such as the Han Lantern Festival, Uygur Meshrep, Kazak Aytes, Kirgiz Kobuz Ballad Singing Fair, Mongolian Nadam Fair, and Hui Hua’er Folk Song Festival, continue to be celebrated and safeguarded.

Community Development Initiatives

While visiting the Guyuanxiang residential community in the Tianshan District, Xi urged local officials to enhance community services aimed at benefiting residents from all ethnic backgrounds. His visit continued to Shihezi City, where he praised the efforts of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps (XPCC), which plays a crucial role in the region’s development and border security.

Xi expressed satisfaction with the XPCC’s progress in reform and development and recognized its significance in cultivating and protecting frontier areas. He also highlighted the organization’s contributions to specialty agriculture and the integrated development between the Corps and local communities.

Economic Progress in Xinjiang

The Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region has experienced robust economic growth, with a reported GDP increase of 7% in 2021, reaching 1.6 trillion yuan (approximately $253.2 billion). The region created 477,400 urban jobs, reducing the urban unemployment rate by 1.1 percentage points to 2.2%, according to the regional Bureau of Statistics.

During his tour, Xi emphasized the need for nurturing talent, coordinating COVID-19 response efforts with economic and social development, and advancing Belt and Road cooperation, highlighting the government’s commitment to the region’s sustainable growth and the well-being of its diverse communities.