Contents

Preface

I. Governance of Xinjiang by Past Central Authorities: Philosophies and Experience

II. CPC's Governance of Xinjiang: Progress and Achievements

III. CPC Guidelines for Governing Xinjiang in the New Era: Opening Up New Dimensions

IV. Stronger Foundations for Stability, Peace and Security

V. Uniting the Chinese Nation as One Community

VI. Further Progress in Democracy and the Rule of Law

VII. High-Quality Development and High-Standard Opening Up

VIII. Significant Progress in Cultural Development

IX. Continuous Improvement in People's Wellbeing

X. Greater Synergy for Xinjiang's Development

Conclusion

Preface

As the boundary of national governance is defined by where the people reside, the primary concern of a country should always be its border areas.

Spanning five millennia, our great civilization has seen all the ethnic groups of the Chinese nation open up the motherland's vast territory through untold hardships and unparalleled perseverance and form a unified multiethnic nation. Together, they have written a glorious Chinese history, created a splendid Chinese culture, and fostered our great national spirit.

Xinjiang, known as the Western Regions in ancient times, has long been an inseparable part of China and an important gateway of the Chinese civilization to the outside world. Throughout history, successive central governments have established administrative institutions for its governance and stationed garrison troops to reclaim wasteland and guard the border areas. Through millennia of exploration and practice, they have accumulated a wealth of experience in this crucial endeavor.

Since its birth, the Communist Party of China (CPC) has pursued its mission of working for the wellbeing of the Chinese people and rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, including the people of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang. Throughout the years of revolution, construction and reform, the CPC has drawn from the experience and lessons in governing Xinjiang to continuously renew and develop its governance philosophy for the region. With new missions and tasks, it has responded to today's new imperatives in its work on Xinjiang, achieving major milestones in promoting reform and development, ethnic unity, social progress, people's wellbeing, and border security in the region.

In the new era, the CPC Central Committee with Xi Jinping at its core has considered, planned and arranged the work in relation to Xinjiang from the holistic and strategic perspective of building a strong China and pursuing national rejuvenation. It has continuously deepened its understanding of the dynamics of governing Xinjiang, set the overall goal of social stability and lasting peace and security, and established the Party's guidelines for governing Xinjiang in the new era. In providing leadership for the work related to Xinjiang, it has upheld fundamental principles and broken new ground, and successfully driven its progress despite the complex circumstances, challenges, and risks. Historic achievements and transformative change have been witnessed in all undertakings of Xinjiang.

I. Governance of Xinjiang by Past Central Authorities: Philosophies and Experience

Central authorities throughout China's history have consistently upheld great unity in their governance, administering the Xinjiang region as an integral part of the country. They maintained social stability, advanced development, and facilitated ethnic interaction and cultural integration, forging a profound awareness and a firm common conviction that Chinese territory must remain intact, the nation must maintain order, all ethnic groups must remain united, and the civilization must be sustained. Their efforts have contributed to the philosophies and experience for governing the nation's border areas.

Placing the administration of Xinjiang in the overall context of national governance. Xinjiang is China's sacred territory. In 60 BCE, the Han Dynasty (206 BCE-220 CE) established the Western Regions Frontier Command, pioneering the effective jurisdiction and administration over the Xinjiang region by central authorities.

During the period (220-589) from the Three Kingdoms to the Southern and Northern Dynasties, the Former Liang regime established the Gaochang Prefecture in the Turpan Basin, becoming the first to extend the system of prefectures and counties to the Western Regions.

The Sui Dynasty (581-618) established three prefectures — Shanshan, Qiemo and Yiwu — further expanding the system in the region.

The Tang Dynasty (618-907) successively set up the Grand Anxi Frontier Command and the Grand Beiting Frontier Command to administer the vast areas both north and south of the Tianshan Mountains.

During the period of the Liao, Song, Xixia, and Kin dynasties (907-1234), the Liao regime established Prince of the State Office of Yutian Kingdom, Office of the Grand Prince of Gaochang Kingdom, and Arslan Uighur Office of the Grand Prince, thereby exercising effective administration over the Western Regions.

The Yuan Dynasty (1206-1368) implemented the system of administrative provinces in the region, before setting up the Beiting Command and the Pacification Commissioner's Office to manage military and political affairs.

In the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the imperial court established the Hami Garrison Command to manage local affairs.

The Qing Dynasty (1616-1911) established the post of Ili General and exercised more systematic administration over the Xinjiang region. In 1884, the Qing court established the region as a province, renaming it Xinjiang, meaning "land newly recovered".

In 1912, following the Revolution of 1911, Xinjiang became a province of the Republic of China.

Throughout China's history, depending on their strengths, imperial dynasties in the Central Plains maintained varying levels of relations with the Western Regions, and their administration of the Xinjiang region differed in intensity. Yet, all imperial dynasties regarded the Western Regions as an inalienable part of their territory, and all exercised jurisdiction over it. Safeguarding national unity has always been a sacred mission of China's central authorities.

Upholding national unity. Since ancient times, the Chinese nation has embraced the ideas of "shared customs and practices and unified governance across the country" and "great harmony under Heaven", considering national unification "a universal tenet between Heaven and Earth, and a constant creed throughout the past and present".

Through measures including establishing administrative systems, building up military defenses, guiding economic growth, and promoting the code of rites and law, central authorities throughout Chinese history continued to strengthen the concept of great unity. Local regimes in the Western Regions also held a strong sense of being an integral part of China, considering themselves either tributaries or vassals of the imperial dynasty in the Central Plains.

During the Han Dynasty, King Yan of Shache, in the Western Regions, often told his son that they must serve the Han court from generation to generation and never betray it. During the Tang Dynasty, various tribes in the northwest honored Emperor Taizong of Tang as the "Heavenly Khan". During the Ming and Qing dynasties, local regimes in the Western Regions — such as the Yarkand Khanate — regularly traveled to the imperial capital to pay tribute on a "golden road".

The enduring tradition of great unity of the Chinese civilization affirms that unification has always been at the core of China's core national interests, and that a strong and unified country is fundamental to the future of all ethnic groups.

Strengthening governance over Xinjiang in line with local conditions. In China, past central authorities attached great importance to the governance of border areas. On the premise of political unity, they adapted to local conditions and administered the region in line with local customs.

From Han Dynasty's Chamberlain for Dependencies, to Court of State Ceremonial in the Tang and Song dynasties, to Commission for Buddhist and Tibetan Affairs in the Yuan Dynasty, to Court of Colonial Affairs in the Qing Dynasty, successive central authorities set up specific agencies to oversee ethnic affairs in border areas.

The Han court strengthened its administration over the Western Regions by conferring titles on and presenting official seals to the heads and officials of local vassal regimes, so as to maintain the ruling order and consolidate central authority.

In the Tang Dynasty, the same system of prefectures and counties as in the Central Plains was applied in the regions of Yizhou, Xizhou and Tingzhou. In areas west of these three prefectures, local tribal leaders, who were granted titles such as prefect or commander-in-chief, would follow the imperial court's orders and carry out its missions by defending the country's territory and sending troops to battles.

In the Qing Dynasty, governance in the region was made more systematic and comprehensive through a mechanism that integrated military and political administration and included the Eight Banners system, the system of prefectures and counties, the Baeg and the Jasak systems.

After Xinjiang was established as a province, the system of prefectures and counties was adopted across the region like the rest of the country.

All the imperial dynasties throughout Chinese history have integrated the maintaining of a unified political order with governing in line with local customs, ensuring efficient and effective administration of Xinjiang by the central authorities.

Vigorously developing and building Xinjiang. Central authorities across all historical periods of China attached great importance to the development and building of Xinjiang. The Han Dynasty sent garrison troops to convert wasteland into arable land in the Western Regions, a practice that was continued and expanded to the whole region during the Tang Dynasty. By the Qing Dynasty, the areas of reclaimed farmlands had exceeded 10 million mu (approximately 667,000 hectares).

Water conservancy projects have also flourished. The Milan Ruins in Ruoqiang County are a well-preserved and relatively intact example of Han Dynasty water conservancy facilities in the region. During the Tang Dynasty, Taotuo water management offices were established, with officials overseeing water conservancy work. The Qing Dynasty promoted extensive water conservancy construction in Xinjiang, dredging rivers and canals and popularizing the karez system — an underground irrigation system primarily in use in arid regions. By the late Guangxu era (1875-1908) of the Qing Dynasty, the total length of canals in Xinjiang had surpassed 35,000 kilometers, with a total irrigation capacity exceeding 10 million mu (approximately 667,000 hectares).

Xinjiang has been a vital hub of the Silk Road since ancient times. Central authorities set up postal stations along key routes to ensure the safety of commercial routes for trade and exchanges. On the Silk Road, envoys and caravans traveled between countries and continents, their activities spanning over a thousand years.

With the booming trade, a number of cities and towns, such as Yutian, Shule, Xizhou, Tingzhou, Huiyuan, and Dihua, were built one after another in Xinjiang, driving economic development and population growth. The continuous development and construction of Xinjiang laid a solid material foundation for effective governance and stability in the border areas.

Advancing ethnic integration and religious coexistence. Central authorities throughout China's history regarded ethnic and religious affairs as a key priority in the governance of Xinjiang. In each historical period, people from diverse ethnic backgrounds migrated to or left the region in large groups. Ethnic groups had grown, developed and integrated with each other despite periods of isolation and conflict, forging a bond thicker than blood and sharing weal and woe together. All of them have made important contributions to exploring, developing, and protecting Xinjiang.

The Liu Pingguo Stele of the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220) and the 883 Tang-Dynasty documents unearthed from the Keyakekuduke Watchtower site in Yuli County record vivid scenes of people of diverse ethnic groups jointly garrisoning the frontier. In the Qing Dynasty, the court moved military personnel and civilians of various ethnic groups, including the Manchu, Han, Hui, Mongolian (Chahar Tribe), Xibe, and Suolun (Daur), together with their families, to Xinjiang to garrison the border areas and engage in agricultural cultivation, strengthening northwestern border defense.

The Xinjiang region has always been a place where multiple religions coexist, and central authorities all incorporated the management of religious affairs into the national governance system. In the Tang Dynasty, the position of Chief Buddhist Monk was established to supervise Buddhist affairs in the four garrison commands of Anxi: Qiuci, Yutian, Shule, and Suiye. The Qing Dynasty promulgated the Administrative Codex for Xinjiang, stipulating that the Motisebu Baeg should administer Islamic affairs without interfering in civil affairs.

The fact that the Chinese civilization has been forged through the convergence of diverse cultures fundamentally determines the historical trajectory of ethnic interaction and integration, as well as the harmonious coexistence of religious beliefs in China.

Uniting all ethnic groups with the best of traditional Chinese culture. Central authorities across China's historical periods regarded promoting mainstream values and the best of traditional Chinese culture as an indispensable part of governing Xinjiang. The formation and development of Chinese culture could not have been sustained without the Chinese written language. After the Western Han Dynasty unified the Western Regions, the Chinese language and writing system began to be promoted, and has been in continuous use in Xinjiang ever since.

Confucianism has a profound impact on the Western Regions. By the Tang Dynasty, Confucian classics had been widely disseminated — numerous fragmented manuscripts of the Book of Songs, Book of History, Book of Rites, and The Analects of Confucius have been unearthed in archeological excavations in Turpan. Institutions and statutes originating from the Central Plains were implemented in Xinjiang, and Chinese institutions and cultural traditions, including the Rites of Zhou, took root in the region, exemplified by the widespread application of the Statutes and Regulations of the Qing Dynasty.

For a century or so since the mid-19th century, confronted with an unprecedented crisis of national subjugation and extinction, the people of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang, together with their compatriots across the country, united to resist foreign aggression and fight for national survival. This shared struggle elevated the consciousness of national identity among all ethnic groups to a new height.

Since their inception, the cultures of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang have borne the hallmark of unity in diversity of Chinese culture. Chinese culture has always been the harbor and cultural home of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang, as well as the driving force for the development of their respective cultures.

Over 2,000 years, China's central authorities adopted distinct approaches in their governance of Xinjiang across different historical periods. And Xinjiang has always remained an indispensable and vital part of the unified, multiethnic Chinese nation. Objectively speaking, their concepts and measures for governing Xinjiang had some unavoidable shortcomings: Their governance over Xinjiang varied in intensity, and lacked precision and effectiveness. Especially after the mid-19th century, separatist activities instigated and backed by foreign forces occurred from time to time.

History was calling for a true leader capable of leading the Chinese nation to independence, people's liberation, and national rejuvenation. This glorious mission rightfully fell on the Communist Party of China, which was duty bound to fulfill these goals.

II. CPC's Governance of Xinjiang: Progress and Achievements

Since its founding, the CPC has always held deep concern for Xinjiang, and the future and wellbeing of the people of all ethnic groups living on this vast land. Under the leadership of the Party, the people of Xinjiang have traversed a remarkable path: from achieving emancipation and becoming their own masters, to embarking on the socialist road; from embracing reform and opening up and achieving moderate prosperity in all respects, to setting out on the new journey towards Chinese modernization. Together with the rest of the nation, they have witnessed the great transformation from standing up and growing prosperous to becoming strong. Over the past century and more, generations of Chinese Communists have continued to explore and advance theoretical, practical, and institutional innovations, deepening their understanding and grasp of the dynamics of governance in Xinjiang.

Active exploration during the New Democratic Revolution between 1919 and 1949. During this period, the CPC united the people of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang and led them in heroic and unrelenting struggle, bringing them emancipation and enabling them to be their own masters. The founding of the CPC in July 1921 was an epoch-making event in Chinese history. Ever since, the Party has remained a pillar on which the Chinese people, including those in Xinjiang, can rely. In its early years, the Party had given clear emphasis on Xinjiang, sending members to the region to spread Marxism, sow the seeds of revolution, enlighten the people, and raise their political awareness. During the whole nation's war of resistance against Japanese aggression (1931-1945), the CPC — holding high the banner of a national united front — led the people of Xinjiang in supporting the war effort: organizing donations, ensuring the safe transport of international aid to China, fortifying Xinjiang to support the war front from China's interior, and proactively engaging in movements to rescue the country from Japanese occupation. In August 1938, donations from the people of Xinjiang were used to purchase 10 fighter planes — named "Xinjiang" in their honor — to assist the front line.

Thanks to the CPC's persistent effort, people in Xinjiang developed an unprecedented sense of the Chinese nation as one community, and a large number of progressives devoted themselves to the revolutionary cause. Having secured a decisive victory in the War of Liberation (1946-1950), the CPC central leadership decided to peacefully liberate Xinjiang. The People's Liberation Army (PLA) marched triumphantly into the region, shattering the wild ambition of imperialist and separatist forces to dismember China and safeguarding the fundamental interests of the Chinese nation. This marked a major victory in the cause of national unification and a historic turning point in advancing unity and progress among the people of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang.

Comprehensive governance in the process of socialist revolution and construction between 1949 and 1978. During this period, the CPC united the people of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang and led them in bringing tremendous changes to a region with hard natural conditions, achieving a historic leap into socialist society. The founding of the People's Republic of China (PRC) on October 1, 1949 ushered in a new era: the Chinese people had stood up, and a new chapter for Xinjiang had begun. On December 17 the same year, the People's Government of Xinjiang Province was officially established. Under the Party's leadership, the people of Xinjiang consolidated the newly established people's democratic power, created a new, socialist form of ethnic relations, and abolished the feudal land system. Together, they prudently advanced comprehensive social reforms and completed the socialist transformation, establishing the socialist system in Xinjiang that enabled the region to stride forward with the rest of the country — marking the greatest and most profound change in Xinjiang's history.

On October 7, 1954, the Production and Construction Corps of the Xinjiang Military District of the PLA was formed. A total of 100,000 garrison troops began to open up large swaths of wastelands while guarding the border areas. On October 1, 1955, the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region was formally established, marking a milestone in the region's development and a new success of the CPC's policies on ethnic affairs. In order to end poverty and catch up, the people of Xinjiang pursued self-reliance and worked with determination under the leadership of the CPC to strengthen their home region, supported by selfless assistance from people across the nation. Consequently, Xinjiang has basically built up its industrial system, improved its agricultural production conditions significantly, and achieved marked progress in education, science and technology, health care, transportation, and water conservancy. It has witnessed a historic transformation from barrenness and poverty to flourishing prosperity, secured pivotal achievements in socialist revolution and construction, and created a miracle that changed its future with the people's undaunted spirit.

Further progress in the process of reform, opening up, and socialist modernization. During this period, the CPC has united the people of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang and led them confidently onto the broad path of socialism with Chinese characteristics, aiming for greater heights. The convening of the Third Plenary Session of the 11th CPC Central Committee in December 1978 was a pivotal juncture of far-reaching significance in the history of the Party and the country. Xinjiang's vast land of 1.66 million square kilometers was awash with the strong tides of reform and opening up. In December 1981, the central government decided to restore the production and construction corps system, giving it the name the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps (XPCC). As reforms rolled out, the CPC Central Committee — noting Xinjiang's great potential — decided to accelerate its modernization and promote common prosperity among all ethnic groups in the region. The Central Committee lent vigorous support to the region in transforming its advantage in superior resources into growth, guiding it to achieve a strategic shift in its focus. Comprehensive reforms were implemented in both rural and urban areas, while opening up was expanded by attracting external resources and strengthening internal coordination, bringing about new prospects on either side of the Tianshan Mountains.

After the Fourth Plenary Session of the 13th CPC Central Committee in 1989, the Party Central Committee emphasized that Xinjiang's development and stability was of overarching importance to the nation. For its development, prosperity, and lasting peace and security, the central leadership pooled resources nationwide in assistance to Xinjiang and saw that the socialist market economy was established and improved in the region. This enabled Xinjiang to seize the strategic opportunities presented by the large-scale development of China's west and pioneer a new phase of all-round reform and opening up.

Following the 16th CPC National Congress in 2002, the Central Committee reaffirmed its commitment to unswervingly advancing reform and opening up and socialist modernization in Xinjiang, maintaining social stability, and promoting ethnic unity. Guided by the major strategic plan of stabilizing and revitalizing Xinjiang, enriching the people, and safeguarding the border areas, the region has achieved sound and rapid economic and social development. In advancing the great cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics, Xinjiang has experienced a historic transformation. Its economy has been markedly strengthened by improving its once relatively backward productive forces, and its society has shifted from a closed and semi-closed outlook to one defined by openness. The people's living standards have also borne witness to profound transformation, evolving from bare subsistence to a basic level of moderate prosperity, and then ultimately to moderate prosperity in all respects. Xinjiang has caught up with the rest of the country in making great strides towards the goals of our time.

A new era for socialism with Chinese characteristics. The CPC has united the people of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang and led them in pressing forward with hard work, upholding fundamental principles and breaking new ground, creating new miraculous achievements. The 18th CPC National Congress held in November 2012 ushered Chinese socialism into a new era. While pursuing national rejuvenation within a wider context of global change on a scale unseen in a century, the Party Central Committee with Xi Jinping at its core has put its work related to Xinjiang high on the agenda of the Party and the country and continued to further its understanding and grasp of the dynamics of governance in the region. The Central Committee convened its second and third meetings on the work related to Xinjiang in 2014 and 2020, and in 2014, 2022 and 2023, General Secretary Xi traveled three times to Xinjiang on inspection tours, establishing the overall goal of social stability and lasting peace and security in the region, laying down the Party's guidelines for governing Xinjiang in the new era.

With the guidelines in place, Xinjiang has focused on forging a strong sense of the Chinese nation as one community, adhered to its strategic positioning in the country, and ensured both development and security. Solid steps have been taken to govern Xinjiang in accordance with the law, maintain stability through ethnic unity, strengthen cultural identity and bonds, bring greater prosperity to the region and its people, and develop Xinjiang from a long-term perspective. This has contributed to unprecedented economic and social development and significant improvement of people's wellbeing, and brought a greater sense of gain, happiness and security to the people.

Today's Xinjiang is experiencing the best period of development in its history. Over 26 million Xinjiang people of all ethnic groups are tightly knit like the roots of poplar trees and closely united like the seeds of a pomegranate. Confident and open-minded, they are marching forward on the new journey towards a modern socialist country in all respects and striving for the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation through hard work and perseverance.

III. CPC Guidelines for Governing Xinjiang in the New Era: Opening Up New Dimensions

Since the 18th CPC National Congress, the Party Central Committee with Xi Jinping at its core has drawn experience and lessons from past central authorities in governing Xinjiang, and continued to apply and improve the Party's best practices in this regard. It has adopted a systematic and holistic approach to planning and advancing fundamental, essential and long-term undertakings for the region's lasting peace and security. These efforts have explored new dimensions in Xinjiang's governance, enabling the Party to scale new heights in maintaining stability and driving development in the region.

The formulation and development of the CPC's guidelines for governing Xinjiang in the new era. The rejuvenation of the Chinese nation is interwoven with — and interacts with — global change on a scale unseen in a century. Consequently, the strategic role of Xinjiang has become ever more pivotal to the nation's overall trajectory. Prioritizing Xinjiang in the governance of the country, the CPC Central Committee with Xi Jinping at its core has systematically planned all work related to Xinjiang from an overall strategic perspective and provided answers to a series of questions on the future direction and strategy in governing the region.

General Secretary Xi has always paid close attention to the work related to Xinjiang, from a place of care for the people of all of its ethnic groups. At each critical stage in work related to Xinjiang, he has provided strategic direction and guidance, personally steering the course of its development. In April 2014, during an inspection visit to Xinjiang, he highlighted, "The CPC Central Committee has continued to attach great importance to the work related to Xinjiang, emphasizing Xinjiang's special and important strategic role in the work of the Party and the country." He emphasized the major principles and policies of the central leadership to improve the work related to Xinjiang in the new era, and the need to "take a coordinated approach in all undertakings with a focus on social stability and lasting peace and security". In May 2014, the CPC Central Committee held its second meeting on the work related to Xinjiang, at which it reiterated its major principles and policies in this effort and established social stability and lasting peace and security as the overall goal.

After the meeting, Xi presided over a number of important meetings of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and its standing committee, to make plans for the work related to Xinjiang. In September 2020, at the third central meeting on the work related to Xinjiang held by the CPC Central Committee, he raised the CPC's guidelines for governing Xinjiang in the new era, explaining them in detail. He emphasized governing Xinjiang in accordance with the law, maintaining stability through ethnic unity, strengthening cultural identity and bonds, bringing greater prosperity to the region and its people, and developing Xinjiang from a long-term perspective, to build a socialist Xinjiang with Chinese characteristics in the new era.

In July 2022, on another inspection visit to Xinjiang, Xi pointed out the need to promote the fundamental, essential and long-term undertakings for Xinjiang's lasting peace and security, with a focus on the overall goal. In August 2023, he visited Xinjiang again to hear reports about the work of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region government and the XPCC. He emphasized the full, accurate and faithful implementation of the Party's guidelines for governing Xinjiang in the new era, and the strategic positioning of Xinjiang in the country. With the overall goal in mind, we will make thorough and meticulous efforts to deliver practical results in governing Xinjiang in accordance with the law, maintaining stability through ethnic unity, strengthening cultural identity and bonds, bringing greater prosperity to the region and its people, and developing Xinjiang from a long-term perspective. We will pursue progress while ensuring stability, devote continued and long-term sustained efforts in our work, and build Xinjiang into a beautiful home characterized by unity, harmony, prosperity, cultural progress, and a sound eco-environment in which people live and work in peace and contentment on the path to Chinese modernization. In addition, he has delivered speeches, made remarks, and provided instructions on many occasions, putting forward new ideas, perspectives and requirements on improving the work related to Xinjiang that have further enriched and developed the CPC's guidelines for governing Xinjiang in the new era.

The essence of the CPC's guidelines for governing Xinjiang in the new era. The CPC's guidelines for governing Xinjiang in the new era represent a thorough understanding of the situation in Xinjiang and embody a profound reflection on the work related to the region by the CPC Central Committee with Xi Jinping at its core. They comprise a complete system of theories with a sound logic and rich content, and sit at the core of all work related to Xinjiang in the new era. Their main content is as follows:

Viewing and planning the work related to Xinjiang from a strategic perspective. The work related to Xinjiang bears not only on national reunification, ethnic unity, and national security, but also on the initiative to build China into a great country and the goal of national rejuvenation. We must have a clear understanding of the prevailing trend of development in Xinjiang, of the impact of good work in Xinjiang on the overall situation of the Party and the country, and of the work's significance in addressing both domestic and international imperatives, thereby laying a solid foundation for its long-term development, peace and security.

Upholding social stability and lasting peace and security as the overall goal of the work related to Xinjiang. This means that all undertakings must be planned and advanced to achieve this goal. We should both channel our resources to address the pressing problems in maintaining social stability and systematically tackle the deep-rooted issues that undermine Xinjiang's lasting peace and security.

Rallying the people's support is fundamental. Without the people's support, all efforts are futile. We must put the people first, have faith in the people of all ethnic groups, rely on them, and be of service to them. We should provide them with guidance, and let them understand the importance of stability and peace, that a happy life stems from the Party's good policies and the hard work of all ethnic groups united as one, and that the development of Xinjiang cannot be achieved without the support from the whole Party and the whole country.

Fostering a stronger sense of the Chinese nation as one community. This is fundamental to the work related to Xinjiang in the long run. We must focus on fostering a stronger sense of national identity, fully implement the Party's policies concerning ethnic affairs, and heighten public awareness of ethnic unity and progress. We must move faster to build an ethnically integrated society and neighborhoods and encourage more exchanges, interactions and integration among different ethnic groups, so that they remain as closely united as the seeds of a pomegranate.

Ensuring that religions in China conform to China's realities. This concerns the overall work related to Xinjiang. We must fully implement the Party's basic policy on religious affairs, protect lawful practices, proscribe illegal activities, contain extremism, resist infiltration, and punish crime. We must guide religious believers to foster a keen sense of national identity, citizenship, and law-based governance, and provide active guidance to religions so that they can adapt to socialist society.

Fostering and carrying forward the core socialist values. We must uphold the guiding role of advanced socialist culture and strengthen the cultural identity and bonds of people in Xinjiang. We must guide the people and inspire them to identify more closely with our motherland, the Chinese nation, the Chinese culture, the CPC, and socialism with Chinese characteristics.

Promoting high-quality development centered on the people's wellbeing. Xinjiang's development should manifest in the people's wellbeing, betterment of local economy and society, and greater ethnic unity. We must uphold the people-centered development philosophy, and advance economic and social development while improving people's wellbeing so that the people of all ethnic groups live and work in peace and contentment, thereby enabling them to enjoy a stronger sense of gain, fulfillment and security.

Strengthening the Party's leadership over the work related to Xinjiang. To improve the work related to Xinjiang, we must uphold and strengthen the Party's overall leadership, cultivate a contingent of officials with strong political commitment, professional competence, and exemplary conduct, and ensure the smooth execution of the Central Committee's policies and decisions. We must regard building solid foundations at the grassroots level as the fundamental measure to ensure stability and security in Xinjiang, and strengthen grassroots Party organizations to serve the people, maintain stability, and oppose division.

The principles and requirements of the CPC's guidelines for governing Xinjiang in the new era. The CPC's guidelines for governing Xinjiang in the new era are the foundation for the work related to Xinjiang. We must have a thorough understanding of governing Xinjiang in accordance with the law, maintaining stability through ethnic unity, strengthening cultural identity and bonds, bringing greater prosperity to the region and its people, and developing Xinjiang from a long-term perspective, and advance these undertakings in a coordinated manner.

To govern the region in accordance with the law, we should uphold Xi Jinping Thought on the Rule of Law, advance law-based governance, promote its concept across society, adhere to its principles, and implement its requirements in all sectors of the work related to Xinjiang. We should employ law-based thinking and approaches to forestall risks, combat crimes, handle problems, and address disputes, and strengthen law-based and persistent efforts in combating terrorism and maintaining stability, thereby ensuring that all the work related to Xinjiang is carried out under the rule of law.

To maintain stability through ethnic unity, the fundamental issue is to rally people's support. We should regard ethnic unity as the lifeline of the people of all ethnic groups, safeguard the unity of the Chinese nation, and continue to foster a stronger sense of the Chinese nation as one community. We should make systematic efforts to ensure that religions in China conform to China's realities, to unite the people of all ethnic groups closer around the Party, and to forge tremendous momentum to build a beautiful Xinjiang.

To strengthen cultural identity and bonds, we should see that people in Xinjiang identify with the Chinese culture. Upholding the core socialist values, we should develop advanced socialist culture, promote revolutionary culture, carry forward the best of traditional Chinese culture, and build a spiritual home shared by all the Chinese people. We should provide education and guidance to the people of all ethnic groups to strengthen their sense of Chinese national identity, and reinforce their political commitment and win their support, thus consolidating the ideological foundations for social stability and lasting peace and security.

To bring greater prosperity to Xinjiang and its people, we should fully and faithfully apply the new development philosophy on all fronts in line with the strategic positioning of Xinjiang in building a great modern socialist country. Giving full play to Xinjiang's advantages in geographic location, resources, and policies, we should actively support Xinjiang in serving and integrating with the new development dynamic and promoting high-quality opening up. We should advance high-quality development centered on the people's wellbeing, and ensure that the benefits of development improve the people's wellbeing and win their support.

To develop Xinjiang from a long-term perspective, we should uphold and strengthen the Party's overall leadership and advance the great new project of strengthening the Party in the new era. We should foster highly competent officials based on the criteria for assessing the caliber of officials in the new era, maintain our strategic resolve, and make meticulous plans before taking any actions. We should pursue progress while ensuring stability, devote continued and long-term sustained efforts in our work, and address deep-rooted problems, to lay solid foundations for achieving the overall goal of the work related to Xinjiang.

The CPC's guidelines for governing Xinjiang in the new era represent both innovations and breakthroughs in theory, and concrete plans and requirements for their implementation. Embodying Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, they encapsulate and build on the past successes of the CPC who lead the Chinese people in governing, stabilizing and developing Xinjiang. They have opened a wide avenue leading to steady and sustained progress in the work related to Xinjiang, marking a new height of the CPC's understanding of the underlying principles in border governance. They are a milestone in the Party's work related to Xinjiang and in the development of the region.

Under the strong leadership of the Party Central Committee and with the support of the whole country, over 26 million people of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang are applying the Party's guidelines for governing Xinjiang in the new era in full, to the letter, and in all fields. Keeping the requirements in mind, they are working hard with gratitude and forging ahead in the face of daunting challenges to translate into reality the grand blueprint for Xinjiang drawn up by the CPC Central Committee with Xi Jinping at its core.

IV. Stronger Foundations for Stability, Peace and Security

Social stability and lasting peace and security in Xinjiang are of overarching importance to overall reform, development and stability in China. While balancing development and security, Xinjiang has maintained social stability as a top priority. It has continued to fight terrorism and maintain stability in a law-based and regular manner, preventing and defusing risks in various fields, as well as interference and sabotage by external forces. A historic transformation from chaos to stability and from stability to governance has been achieved in the region.

Significant achievements in the fight against secession. Separatism endangers national unity and undermines ethnic unity, breeding terrorism and extremism in Xinjiang. In the past, ethnic separatists, religious extremists, and terrorists have engaged in rampant sabotaging activities in Xinjiang, disrupting local stability and bringing enormous suffering to the people of all ethnic groups in the region. The Chinese government stands firm against all forms of separatism, terrorism, and extremism, and takes robust action against any acts that aim to split the country, endanger public security, or infringe upon human rights in accordance with the law.

Xinjiang is resolute in safeguarding national unity and takes robust action against illegal acts and crimes, including the incitement, organization, plotting, and execution of acts that divide the country or jeopardize national unity. It is resolute in guarding against the infiltration and spread of "Pan-Turkism" and "Pan-Islamism" and strives to root out the breeding grounds for terrorism and extremism to sprout and spread. The hard work over the years has reaped notable results in Xinjiang's fight against separatism. Violent and terrorist events have not happened for many years, and social stability and ethnic unity have been effectively safeguarded in the region.

Enforcement of regular counterterrorism measures to ensure stability in accordance with the law. This is central to sustaining long-term social stability, peace, and security in Xinjiang. Upholding and promoting the socialist rule of law, Xinjiang has exercised law-based governance in full and across all areas. In accordance with the Criminal Law and Counterterrorism Law of the People's Republic of China, it has advanced the fight against terrorism and continued to maintain stability with standardized, regular and efficient operations within the legal framework.

The autonomous region government has improved the long-term mechanism for rigorous crackdowns on violent and terrorist acts, employed law-based thinking and approaches to combat crimes and maintain stability, and ensured that these efforts were law-based, targeted, and timely. It has established a system for fighting terrorism and maintaining stability in a law-based and regular manner, and a comprehensive prevention and control system for social security, shifting the focus from the very end to the source and evolving from emergency response to a standardized, refined, and regular approach. Policies and measures have been improved to guard against the few terrorists without interrupting the normal order of work, study, and daily life of the majority of people, effecting a fundamental change more conducive to ensuring peace and stability. Since the start of the new era, counterterrorism and stability-maintaining efforts have achieved significant outcomes, bringing an end to the frequent violent and terrorist attacks seen in the past.

Targeted countermeasures against foreign sanctions and interference. In recent years, a number of Western countries, led by the United States, have imposed sanctions on businesses and individuals related to Xinjiang on the account of "genocide" and "forced labor" — lies and absurd fallacies they have concocted to interfere in China's internal affairs. Their purpose is political manipulation and economic bullying under the guise of human rights protection. Countering sanctions and interference is essential for breaking the containment of China by the anti-China forces in the US and some Western countries, which use Xinjiang as a handle. It is a just response for safeguarding our national sovereignty, security, and development interests.

China has promulgated relevant laws, regulations, and departmental rules, such as the Foreign Relations Law, the Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law, the Provisions on the Application of the Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law, and the Provisions on the Unreliable Entity List, taking countermeasures against the unjustified sanctions involving Xinjiang imposed by a mere handful of countries. The Standing Committee of the People's Congress of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region has adopted a resolution opposing a series of US sanctions on Xinjiang and supporting the development of sanctioned enterprises and related industries, fighting back against unilateral sanctions by the US. In addition, the government has provided a range of services for sanctioned businesses, supported them in safeguarding their legitimate rights and interests in accordance with the law, given a boost to relevant industries, and created new employment opportunities for people affected by the sanctions.

Notable improvements in social governance. Sound social governance is a prerequisite and guarantee for social harmony, stability, and people's wellbeing. Xinjiang has applied and further developed the Fengqiao model for community-level governance in the new era, and improved the urban and rural primary-level governance system that combines self-governance, the rule of law, and the rule of virtue under the leadership of Party organizations. The autonomous region has strengthened grassroots governance through Party development and improved the social governance system based on collaboration, participation, and common interests, consolidating the grassroots foundations. It has conducted regular risk assessment, combined with prevention, coordination, and resolution measures, to effectively forestall and defuse any potential risks or dangers.

The autonomous region government monitors and takes resolute action against illegal acts of grave concern to the public, including severe violent crimes and recurrent offences such as pornography, gambling, drug abuse, food and drug safety violations, environmental crimes, theft, robbery, and conventional, telecom, and online fraud, carrying out regular campaigns targeting criminal gangs and organized crime. It has introduced diverse ways for the resolution of conflicts and disputes by promoting law-based handling of public complaints, advancing the standardized development of integrated management centers with a focus on the county level, and created new forms of dispute resolution such as "horseback mediation teams" and "tea-serving mediation rooms". These initiatives have helped to resolve issues at the community level as soon as they arise. In 2024, 98.52 percent of civil disputes in Xinjiang were solved through mediation. The autonomous region government is firmly committed to maintaining social stability and ensuring people's safety and wellbeing. Significant progress has been made in building a peaceful Xinjiang, providing the people of all ethnic groups with a greater sense of gain, fulfillment, and security.

V. Uniting the Chinese Nation as One Community

Forging a stronger sense of the Chinese nation as one community is the focus of the CPC's work on ethnic affairs in the new era and the focus of all work in ethnic minority areas. Taking solid steps to heighten the sense of national identity, Xinjiang endeavors to improve commonality among its people of all ethnic groups, and guides them to unite as one through both rough times and the smooth towards a shared future, encouraging them to contribute to building China into a great country and creating a better life together.

Faster pace in building a cultural home shared by the Chinese nation. Xinjiang continues to promote mainstream opinions and increase the appeal of the Chinese culture and its power to unite people, consolidating the common ideological and political foundations for ethnic unity and progress. Under the guidance of the core socialist values, it has strengthened public education on the history of the CPC, the PRC, reform and opening up, the development of socialism, and the development of the Chinese nation, and carried out extensive educational campaigns, such as the one on "forging a stronger sense of the Chinese nation as one community to realize the Chinese Dream", to enhance cohesion and forge the nation's soul with shared ideals and convictions. Under an initiative for carrying forward revolutionary traditions and heritage, Xinjiang has built 471 education bases for patriotism at all levels, inspiring officials and the public to love the Party and dedicate themselves to the country by promoting the Desert Poplar Spirit and the XPCC Spirit.

Studying and exploring the inherent values and contemporary relevance of traditional Chinese culture, Xinjiang has established demonstration sites, where shared Chinese cultural symbols and the collective images of the Chinese nation are showcased; and it has organized regular trips to learn and experience traditional Chinese culture, thus further developing the advanced socialist culture and fostering a stronger sense of identity with the Chinese culture among all ethnic groups. To promote modern civilization, it has advanced campaigns to introduce modern values and encourage modern lifestyles with the help of specialized education centers. It has carried out extensive programs to popularize science and raise awareness of the law, to guide the people in adapting to life of modern civilization. Standard spoken and written Chinese is promoted across the region, and used and taught at schools. As a result, the public has developed a stronger awareness and capability to use standard Chinese, which has united hearts and minds for a shared future through a common tongue.

Increased interactions, exchanges and integration among all ethnic groups. Xinjiang coordinates urban and rural construction planning and the allocation of public service resources to advance all-round integration for the people of all ethnic groups physically, culturally, economically, socially, and psychologically, so that all are closely united like the seeds of a pomegranate. It has accelerated the development of people-centered new urbanization, introducing a more rational distribution of city clusters and small, medium and large cities, and building an ethnically integrated society and community. This approach makes full use of the mutually reinforcing effect between urban and industrial development, attracts populations with a flourishing industry, and makes it possible for all ethnic groups to live, study, work, and enjoy life side by side, as they contribute and share benefits together.

Further efforts have been made to carry forward the Foundation Project for young people and expand the patriotic education program that brings Xinjiang youth to other parts of the country on study trips. In 2024, 86,000 elementary and secondary school students traveled to other provinces and cities on such trips. Extensive "hand-in-hand" student activities have been organized between Xinjiang and provinces providing assistance to it, between schools run by the XPCC and regular schools, and between southern and northern Xinjiang. They are intended to create mixed-classes and mixed-dormitories that give students from different ethnic groups the opportunity to study, live, and grow together. Upholding the cultural core of tourism and promoting integration through tourism, Xinjiang strives to heighten the sense of the Chinese nation as one community throughout its high-quality development of the tourist industry. Tourism has become an important facilitator of interactions, exchanges and integration between ethnic groups. The region has also held activities to promote unity, increase understanding, and forge a stronger bond among the people of all ethnic groups.

Greater ethnic unity and progress. With a focus on unity, progress, and common prosperity and development among all ethnic groups, Xinjiang has implemented initiatives to safeguard and develop border areas and advance common prosperity among all ethnic groups. It has incorporated ethnic unity and progress into the regional legislative work and plans for economic and social development, and has promulgated and implemented the Regulations on the Establishment of Model Areas for Ethnic Unity and Progress, alongside the 14th Five-Year Plan for the Establishment of Model Areas for Ethnic Unity and Progress. Model units and individuals have been commended for contributing to ethnic unity and progress, with marked progress in strengthening and developing a new type of socialist ethnic relationship characterized by equality, unity, mutual assistance, and harmony. As of 2024, there were 101 national model areas and units, 14 national education bases, 1,555 model units and 2,690 exemplary individuals at the autonomous region level and above in Xinjiang, including the "People's Guardian" Bayika Kalidibek and the "People's Model" Burmahan Mawluda.

Steady progress in ensuring that religions in China conform to China's realities. Xinjiang is a region where religions have coexisted since ancient times. Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, Catholicism, and Christianity all flourish in the region. Xinjiang fully, accurately, and faithfully implements the Party's policy on freedom of religious belief by respecting people's religious beliefs, administering religious affairs in accordance with the law, allowing religious groups to manage their own affairs independently, and guiding religions to be compatible with socialist society. Following the principle that religions in China should conform to China's realities, the region has strengthened theoretical and political guidance for the religious circle, and has introduced the national flag, the Constitution, laws and regulations, the socialist core values, and fine traditional Chinese culture into venues for religious activities. Efforts have been made to inspire religious figures and believers to identify more closely with the motherland, the Chinese nation, the Chinese culture, the CPC, and socialism with Chinese characteristics.

The autonomous region government supports the religious circle in the study of scripture, and encourages interpretations of religious doctrines and precepts that align with contemporary development and with traditional Chinese culture, thereby enhancing religious people's Chinese cultural identity. To ensure the healthy development of religion in Xinjiang, the region has issued plans on training for religious figures to cultivate talent who are completely versed in both classical religious doctrines and traditional Chinese culture. It has strengthened governance on religious affairs in accordance with the law, and supports the religious circle in countering radicalization and guarding against the infiltration of religious extremism. It guides and supports the religious community to exercise full and strict self-governance, improve self-education, self-management and self-discipline, and lead its believers to contribute to building a great nation and realizing the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

VI. Further Progress in Democracy and the Rule of Law

Whole-process people's democracy is the defining feature of socialist democracy; it is democracy in its most extensive, genuine and effective form. Acting on this key concept, Xinjiang is committed to the unity of CPC's leadership, the people's position as masters of the country, and law-based governance, and guarantees the implementation of the people's congress system, the system of CPC-led multiparty cooperation and political consultation, the system of regional ethnic autonomy, and the system of community-level self-governance. It has made new strides in advancing democracy and the rule of law.

Remarkable achievements in developing whole-process people's democracy. By practicing democracy throughout the whole process of elections, consultations, decision-making, administration, and oversight, Xinjiang has continued to improve the institutional framework for whole-process people's democracy.

The people's congress system serves as a fundamental institutional pillar of whole-process people's democracy. As of 2024, a total of 74,412 people were serving as deputies to people's congresses at all levels in Xinjiang. Among them, 78.69 percent were from the grassroots level, and 69.21 percent were from ethnic minority groups. This composition demonstrates that the people of Xinjiang enjoy an equal status in political affairs, irrespective of ethnic or social background.

Consultative democracy is an important form of whole-process people's democracy in practice. As of 2024, Xinjiang had 16,121 members serving on its CPPCC committees at all levels, with 49.06 percent of non-CPC members and 46.13 percent of members from ethnic minority groups. These figures underscore the broad representation and political inclusiveness of the CPPCC system.

Primary-level democracy is a key manifestation of whole-process people's democracy. The system of community-level self-governance has been established for all villages and communities across Xinjiang. Over 85 percent of the matters for decision-making at grassroots self-governance organizations come from public proposals, demonstrating the authenticity of primary-level democracy and its extensive coverage and effectiveness.

The united front is a powerful force in advancing whole-process people's democracy. Xinjiang coordinates efforts to unite members of non-CPC political parties, prominent individuals without party affiliation, non-CPC intellectuals, and businesspeople working in the non-public sector, building extensive consensus.

Democratic oversight is an integral component of whole-process people's democracy. People's congresses at all levels in Xinjiang and their standing committees are continuing to improve their scrutiny of the people's governments, supervision commissions, people's courts, and people's procuratorates at the same level in performing their statutory duties. CPPCC committees at all levels in Xinjiang exercise consultative supervision by expressing views, making criticisms, and giving advice to ensure the legitimate rights and interests of the people of all ethnic groups are protected and realized.

Evident strengths of the system of regional ethnic autonomy. By upholding national unity while practicing regional autonomy, and by leveraging regional features while highlighting its multiethnic composition, Xinjiang fully protects the right of all ethnic groups to jointly administer state affairs as masters of the country.

Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region has autonomous areas at all three levels — regional, prefectural, and county level. It has five autonomous prefectures and six autonomous counties, all of which enjoy extensive autonomy as prescribed by law. On all standing committees of people's congresses of ethnic autonomous areas, there are citizens from the ethnic groups exercising autonomy holding the office of chair or vice chair. The chair of the autonomous region, the governors of autonomous prefectures, and the heads of autonomous counties are all citizens from the local ethnic groups exercising regional autonomy.

The people of all ethnic groups have equal legal status, enjoying the right to vote and stand for election, as endowed by the Constitution and the law. They enjoy freedom of religious belief, and have the rights to participate in the administration of state affairs, to receive education, to use and develop their own spoken and written languages, and to preserve and protect the fine traditional culture of their own groups.

Xinjiang respects and protects ethnic minorities' right to learn and use their own spoken and written languages, takes a sound approach to protecting the spoken and written languages of all ethnic groups, and encourages them to learn languages from each other.

Important advancements in the rule of law. To fully implement the CPC Central Committee's decisions and plans on law-based governance, Xinjiang has actively promoted the rule of law within the government and across society. It respects human rights and ensures its protection throughout the process of legislation, law enforcement, judicature, and law observance, so that the people can see justice served in every law, every enforcement action, and every judicial ruling.

Xinjiang exercises its local legislative powers in accordance with the law. By the end of 2024, the People's Congress of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and its Standing Committee had formulated, revised and approved 874 local regulations, resolutions and decisions with regulatory functions or on major issues, and special ordinances. Among them, currently in effect are 175 local regulations and 56 resolutions and decisions with regulatory functions or on major issues. They have laid a solid legal foundation for maintaining local social stability and lasting peace and security.

Xinjiang actively promotes democratic legislation. It has established two grassroots legislative outreach offices at the national level, 23 at the autonomous region level, and 112 at the city level, to extensively solicit public opinions and suggestions on legislative work.

Xinjiang strives to build a law-based government. Over 500,000 pieces of information on law enforcement were made known to the public by the administrative law enforcement departments at all levels, and law enforcement supervision and inspection were conducted on more than 2,100 occasions.

Continuous efforts have been made to strengthen community-level legal systems. Judicial offices have been established for townships and urban sub-districts, and people's mediation committees have been set up for villages and communities, both of which serve as legal counsels for ordinary people. A public legal service system is now in place to cover both urban and rural populations.

Law-based governance of foreign-related affairs has been elevated to a new level. The Standing Committee of the People's Congress of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region has revised the regulations on border administration and released the Regulations on China (Xinjiang) Pilot Free Trade Zone, to build Xinjiang into a core area of the Silk Road Economic Belt.

Greater protection of human rights. Respecting and protecting human rights is a constitutional principle in China. Comprehensive progress in human rights is an ongoing quest of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang and all Chinese people. The CPC Central Committee with Xi Jinping at its core has integrated this principle into the Party's guidelines for governing Xinjiang in the new era, and made vigorous and solid efforts to protect the basic rights of the people of all ethnic groups in the region.

Adopting a people-centered view of human rights, Xinjiang has made the improvement of people's lives the ultimate goal of all its work. It has maintained social harmony and stability in accordance with the law, accelerated the pace of high-quality development, ensured and improved living standards, developed and consolidated ethnic unity, protected the freedom of religious belief by law, and attached importance to the protection and preservation of the fine traditional culture of all ethnic groups. The rights to subsistence and development of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang are effectively guaranteed, and their political, economic, social, cultural, environmental and other rights are fully realized.

Unprecedented progress has been made in Xinjiang's human rights cause, owing to multiple factors. The Chinese socialist system offers a strong institutional guarantee, China's high-quality economic and social development lays a solid material foundation, and sustained social stability has created favorable conditions for its development.

VII. High-Quality Development and High-Standard Opening Up

In the pursuit of Chinese modernization and common prosperity, none of the nation's 56 ethnic groups should be left behind. Xinjiang has fully, accurately and faithfully applied the new development philosophy and actively contributed to and been integrated with the new development dynamic. The region continues to drive deeper all-round reform and wider high-standard opening up. The foundation for Xinjiang's stable economic and social development has been strengthened, the momentum for growth has been accelerated, and the new development quality and efficiency have been substantially enhanced. Overall, Xinjiang has made solid progress in advancing Chinese modernization.

Sustainable, sound and rapid economic development. By focusing on its strategic positioning in the nation's overall development, and upholding the integrity of innovative, coordinated, green, open and shared development, Xinjiang has been fully committed to high-quality development, seeing significant improvement in its overall economic strength and historic leaps in multiple indicators. The region's GDP increased from about RMB749.95 billion in 2012 to more than RMB2.05 trillion in 2024, exceeding the threshold of RMB2 trillion for the first time with an annual growth rate of 7 percent at constant prices. Its per capita nominal GDP increased 2.3 times from RMB33,495 in 2012 to RMB78,660 in 2024. The revenue in the general public budget jumped from nearly RMB90.9 billion in 2012 to nearly RMB240.97 billion in 2024, representing an average annual growth of more than RMB10 billion.

Continuous efforts have been made to optimize Xinjiang's industrial structure. In 2012, the shares of the primary, secondary and tertiary industries were 16.1 percent, 44.3 percent, and 39.6 percent respectively, and in 2024, the figures were 12.5 percent, 39.6 percent, and 47.9 percent. The interconnected and complementary development between the Urumqi-Karamay-Changji Area, northern Xinjiang, eastern Xinjiang, and southern Xinjiang is now fully coordinated. Measures to accelerate new urbanization and advance the regional economic planning and spatial planning for high-quality development have been put in place. The proportion of permanent urban residents in Xinjiang rose from 44.22 percent in 2012 to 60.36 percent in 2024, up by 16.14 percentage points.

Improved infrastructure. To optimize infrastructure layout, structure, functions, and system integration, Xinjiang has made overall planning for the construction of 10 networks covering railways, highways, aviation, power, natural gas, logistics and computing. Transportation has been largely improved in the region. The operating mileage of railways totaled 9,202 km as of 2024 — up from 4,914 km in 2012. This network now reaches all prefectures, as well as over 80 percent of county-level administrative regions. The highway network has also grown, from 165,900 km in 2012 to 230,000 km in 2024. All prefectures in Xinjiang are now accessible by highway, as are more than 90 percent of administrative regions at county level. The number of civil air routes in Xinjiang now totals 595, of which 25 are international routes, connecting to 17 countries and regions. A network of air routes covering entire Xinjiang and radiating to the east and west has now basically formed. The first, second, and third channels consistently transmit locally generated electricity to other parts of the country, with 750 kV transmission lines extending more than 12,000 km and delivering in excess of 100 billion kWh of electricity to 22 provinces and equivalent administrative units for five consecutive years. Information highway is also taking shape, with optical cables now extending 1.78 million km. All of its counties are connected with 1000M fiber optic networks, towns with 5G networks, and villages with broadband networks.

Cluster effect of the modern industrial system. Focusing on national strategic needs, and leveraging its natural resources and industrial capabilities, Xinjiang has accelerated efforts to develop a modern industrial system with its own unique advantages. The region is also rapidly emerging as a national base for high-quality agricultural and livestock products. In 2024, grain yield per unit area reached 7872.75 kg/ha, the highest in the country. The total food output surged from nearly 15.18 million tonnes in 2012 to 23.3 million tonnes in 2024, up 53.6 percent. Xinjiang's cotton output of about 5.69 million tonnes accounted for 92.3 percent of the national total in 2024, maintaining its position as the country's top producer for the 32nd consecutive year. The mechanization rate in plowing, planting, and harvesting has reached 97 percent. Xinjiang is accelerating efforts to build itself into a strategic base of the nation's energy resources. In 2024, the oil and gas production equivalent reached 66.64 million tonnes, and the raw coal output stood at 543 million tonnes. Installed capacity of electricity hit 192.7 million kW in 2024, of which capacity from new energy sources surpassed 100 million kW. The Urumqi-Changji-Shihezi photovoltaic cluster was put on the list of national advanced manufacturing clusters.

Xinjiang fosters its new quality productive forces in light of local conditions. A talent development fund of RMB10 billion was set up to promote the integrated development and reform of education, talent, and science and technology. The Xinjiang Research Institute of Huairou Laboratory has been put into operation, and the National Innovation Center for Wind Power Generation has been officially launched. Exceeding 10,000 m, the Tarim Oilfield's ultra-deep drilling is now the deepest in Asia. The Xinjiang-to-Chongqing Computing Resource Transfer project was listed as the pilot project for coordinated development of computing and power, and the region's first intelligent computing center has been established and put into use. The Urumqi-Changji-Shihezi national innovation demonstration zone is continuing to improve its leading role, while other five new high-tech industrial development zones have made substantial progress. The region continues to improve its support for high-quality enterprises, developing 11 single-product champion enterprises in the manufacturing sector, 52 exemplary specialized enterprises that use advanced technologies to produce unique and innovative products, and 2,742 high-tech enterprises as of the end of 2024.

Solid green and low-carbon development. Xinjiang upholds the principle that lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets, and takes a holistic and systematic approach to the conservation and improvement of mountains, rivers, forests, farmlands, lakes, grasslands and deserts, constantly strengthening its capabilities in safeguarding eco-environmental security. The region has made significant progress in improving air quality. In 2024, the proportion of days with good air quality was 78.1 percent in cities at or above the prefectural level. Water management has also improved, as the region moves towards a more efficient and rational use of its water resources. In 2024, the proportion of surface water at Grade III (good water quality) or above reached 95.9 percent. The water supply program in the Tarim River Basin has significantly raised the groundwater level of the lower reaches, thereby promoting the region's coordinated economic and social development with its population, resources, and the eco-environment. Large-scale greening programs have been rolled out in a well-planned manner, including developing shelterbelt networks in northwest, north and northeast China, which has seen the forest coverage rate increase from 4.24 percent in 2012 to 5.07 percent in 2024. Oases area has expanded by 56.6 percent over the past three decades. The battle against desertification on the fringes of the Taklimakan Desert has been stepped up, with the desert now entirely encircled with a sand-blocking green belt stretching 3,046 km — the longest in the world. Xinjiang's accelerated green transformation can also be seen in the region's active efforts to achieve peak carbon emissions and carbon neutrality, with carbon dioxide emissions per unit of GDP continuing to drop.

A core area of the Silk Road Economic Belt. Xinjiang has consciously integrated its regional opening up strategy into the country's overall plan of opening up to the west. Focusing on the construction of "One Port, Two Zones, Five Centers, and One Port Economic Belt", it aims to build a golden channel across the Eurasian continent and a gateway for opening up to the west. Consequently, it has accelerated the development of broader channels for opening up. Xinjiang has established 19 ports, including the Kunjirap Port, which is open all year round. There are 119 bilateral transport routes and 10 multilateral road freight routes. A total of 16,400 freight trains traveled through Xinjiang on the China-Europe Railway Express in 2024, marking the fifth consecutive year that the number of trains on the line had exceeded 10,000. The number of Xinjiang's economic and trade partners also increased significantly from a small handful in the 1950s to 196 countries and regions in 2012, and to 211 in 2024. Trade volume has also expanded, with the total import and export value surging from RMB158.96 billion in 2012 to RMB434.16 billion in 2024, surpassing RMB200 billion, RMB300 billion, and RMB400 billion in 2022, 2023 and 2024 respectively. The platform for opening up has improved further. China (Xinjiang) Pilot Free Trade Zone was approved and set up in October, 2023. Over the following year, more than 9,000 enterprises moved into the Zone, whose total import and export value accounted for over 30 percent of the region's total. The region has also prioritized the construction of the Tacheng Pilot Zone for Development and Opening Up, the Horgos Economic Development Zone and the Kashi Economic Development Zone.

VIII. Significant Progress in Cultural Development

Culture nurtures the mind and cultivates lofty aspirations. In studying and carrying out Xi Jinping Thought on Culture, Xinjiang has bolstered stronger cultural confidence, strengthened cultural identity and bonds, and developed the Chinese culture, including its diverse ethnic cultures, with greater momentum and more robust measures. The region has continued its systematic protection of cultural heritage, boosted cultural creativity, and promoted the prosperous development of socialist culture, to better meet the new aspirations of the people of all ethnic groups for enriched intellectual and cultural lives.

Cultural heritage under effective protection. Adhering to the principle of prioritizing protection, promoting sound utilization, and minimizing interference, Xinjiang has improved its comprehensive preservation of cultural heritage. It has formulated plans for the protection of regional cultural heritage, and released local regulations such as Regulations on the Protection of the Ancient City of Kashi and Regulations on the Protection of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Manas, as part of its continuing efforts to strengthen legal guarantees for preserving cultural heritage. By 2024, Xinjiang had housed 195 institutions of cultural heritage protection at all levels, 150 registered museums, and 9,545 verified and registered immovable cultural relics, among which 6 were world cultural heritage sites, 133 were key cultural relics sites under national-level protection, and 779 were cultural relics sites under the protection of the autonomous region. The region also boasts 3 intangible cultural heritage items on the list of the UNESCO, 141 items on the national representative list, and 567 items on the list of the autonomous region. Xinjiang has coordinated the protection of cultural heritage and the development of urban and rural areas, provided effective protection and sound management for historic and cultural cities, towns and villages, traditional villages, and streets and districts with historical and cultural significance, and ensured their rational utilization. The region has promoted the preservation and exhibition of key ruins and sites reflecting past central authorities' viable governance of Xinjiang. For instance, the ruins of the Western Regions Frontier Command, Ulanbay Ancient City, Beiting City, and the Ili Commandery have been well preserved and put into good use. Also, the construction of the National Archeological Park of the Site of Beiting City, Museum of the Western Regions Frontier Command, and Silk Road and Great Wall Culture Museum has been completed. The archeological research of Xinjiang falls under the broader "Archeological Finds in China" project. Xinjiang has implemented projects such as the protection and utilization of religious ruins on the rim of the Tarim Basin, built the Qiuci Museum and the Qiuci Wei and Jin Ancient Tomb Site Museum, and promoted the protection of the Kizil Grottoes, Subashi Buddhist Temple Ruins, Loulan Ancient City Ruins, and the Nestorian monastery site on the west side of Turpan City. Xinjiang's Tongtiandong Cave, Keyakekuduke Watchtower site, and Mo'er Temple ruins have all featured on China's "top 10 archeological discoveries of the year" list.

Flourishing cultural and artistic creation. Focusing on producing excellent cultural and artistic works, Xinjiang has improved its mechanism for serving, guiding and organizing literary and artistic creation, resulting in a continuous emergence of excellent works. In terms of literary creations, it has launched the Tianshan Literature Award, and many Xinjiang-themed literary works have received nationwide acclaim, including Ben Ba, winner of the Mao Dun Literature Prize; Distant Sunflower Fields and The Western Great Wall, winners of the Lu Xun Literature Prize; and The Flowers Are Always This Red, winner of the national Steed Awards for Ethnic Literature. In the performing arts, songs such as The Shepherds of Koktokay and Apple Fragrance have familiarized the whole country with melodies from Xinjiang; dance dramas such as Five Stars Rise in the East and Zhang Qian have powerfully reflected the nation's history and spirit; dances such as Markit Under the Sunshine and Grandpa's Samawar have been honored with the Lotus Award, China's highest honor in dance; and the performer of the Shaanxi opera Burning Incense received the prestigious China Theater Plum Blossom Awards. In film and television, Xinjiang-themed films have won the Best Works Award for seven consecutive years, including the highly acclaimed Fade Away Pastoral; the children's film The Little Horsewhip was a winner at the China Movie Awards; the TV drama To the Wonder gained viral recognition and was broadcast in several other countries; and the documentary film Fabric of Lives received substantial praise from audiences. Additionally, the brilliant performance at the Kashi sub-venue of the Central Television Station's 2024 Spring Festival Gala captivated viewers around the world.

Continuous improvement of the system of public cultural services. Xinjiang has promoted consistent and equal access to public cultural services and channeled quality cultural resources to the community level, protecting the people's cultural rights and interests and improving their quality of life. By the end of 2024, Xinjiang had established 111 public libraries, 118 cultural centers, 1,126 cultural facilities in towns, townships and sub-districts, and 11,783 village cultural centers, providing 695.86 sq m of public cultural facilities per 10,000 people. The autonomous region now boasts 88,800 sports venues, and has established a comprehensive, five-tier public cultural service network spanning the village, township, county, prefecture, and the autonomous region levels. Believing that culture should serve the interests of the people, Xinjiang has made great efforts to ensure every village and household has access to radio and television programs, with coverage rates now reaching 99.26 and 99.37 percent, respectively. The people of all ethnic groups now have easy access to rich cultural products in their neighborhoods. From 2012 to 2024, nearly 1.37 million movie screenings were held for free in nearly 9,000 venues in rural villages or communities and covered all administrative villages. The region has held the China Xinjiang Folk Art Season, Conference on Reading, and village Spring Festival galas that also reached all villages and communities. Additionally, the establishment of the pomegranate seed art troupes has expanded access to literature and the arts in rural areas through regular performances that benefit local residents.

Accelerated development of cultural and tourist industries. Xinjiang encourages the positive interplay between culture and tourism, and continues to advance the deeper integration of the two sectors. This enables tourists to embrace not only Xinjiang's breathtaking landscapes, but also its profound culture. To advance this deeper integration, the region has worked out a development plan for cultural and tourist industry clusters, the worth of which could reach RMB1 trillion and more. In its efforts to promote the development of sports tourism, sports training and competition, Xinjiang has hosted the Taklimakan Rally, Tour of Salimu Lake Road Cycling Race, and Freeride World Tour. The industrial cluster effect is becoming increasingly apparent in the region. Resources are now being channeled into developing the winter sports tourism sector, with 72 skiing venues and five national ski resorts established across the region by the end of 2024. Xinjiang now stands among the top in the country's winter tourism. Road trips and special interest tours are immensely popular here, with the Xinjiang section of the G219 national highway, the S101 provincial highway, the Dushanzi-Kuqa highway, the Altay-Hemu highway, and the highway around the Bosten Lake all becoming viral travel destinations among tourists, giving rise to new forms of tourism products in the region. The number of tourists to Xinjiang has increased from 48.6 million in 2012 to 302 million in 2024, a 6.21-fold increase, and the total revenues from tourism in Xinjiang were RMB359.5 billion in 2024.

IX. Continuous Improvement in People's Wellbeing

Living a life of contentment is the ultimate human right, and a happy life for the people is the ultimate goal of development in Xinjiang. Committed to a people-centered approach, Xinjiang pursues development to improve its people's wellbeing, benefit local society, and strengthen unity. To this end, the regional government works tirelessly to solve the most pressing and immediate concerns of the people of all ethnic groups. Every year, more than 70 percent of Xinjiang's general public budget is allocated to safeguard and improve people's wellbeing, to ensure that development benefits the people of all ethnic groups in a fair way.

A complete victory in the fight against poverty. Xinjiang was once one of the areas with the highest incidence and intensity of poverty in all of China. After the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012, the region prioritized the fight against poverty, pooling the best of its resources and adopting targeted measures to end poverty through hard work and perseverance.

By the end of 2020, over 3.06 million of Xinjiang's impoverished rural population, its 3,666 impoverished villages, and 35 impoverished counties had all emerged from poverty. Once the specter of absolute poverty that had haunted Xinjiang for millennia was finally eradicated, the region was able to complete the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects, along with the rest of the country. The infrastructure in areas that have escaped poverty has been significantly improved. All towns and townships, as well as administrative villages where conditions permit, now have access to paved roads, bus services, and three-phase power. Dilapidated houses in rural areas have become a thing of the past and the days of drinking bitter and saline water are forever gone.

In 2021, the first year after achieving complete victory against absolute poverty, the per capita disposable income of residents in once impoverished rural areas rose to RMB14,477, a 2.8-fold increase from RMB5,090 in 2012, with an average annual growth rate of 12.3 percent. The numbers of family cars, washing machines, refrigerators, and computers per 100 households had risen by 14.6, 51.6, 49.5 and 5.1 respectively, compared with figures in 2012, reflecting the broader improvements in people's quality of life.

Xinjiang has embarked on a new journey after eradicating absolute poverty. It has consolidated and expanded its achievements in poverty elimination, promoted all-round rural revitalization, and enabled the people of all ethnic groups to live a more fulfilling and promising life.

Steady growth in employment. Xinjiang implements the employment-first strategy and tries its best to achieve high-quality full employment. Employment rates are continuing to improve, with the region's employed population rising from 12.46 million in 2012 to 13.91 million in 2024, up 11.64 percent. The employment structure has also witnessed continued improvement. In 2024, the proportion of people working in the primary, secondary and tertiary sectors stood at 31.34 percent, 14.45 percent, and 54.21 percent respectively. The hiring capacity of urban areas has continued to increase, with the number of people working in cities reaching 8.18 million in 2024, accounting for 58.8 percent of the total employed population.

People's income has increased. In 2024, the per capita disposable income of urban and rural residents reached RMB42,820 and RMB19,427, an increase of RMB23,801 and RMB12,551 respectively, compared with 2012 figures. Better employment has created a better life for all of the region's people. By improving the employment policy system and the mechanism for protecting labor rights and interests, Xinjiang has safeguarded workers' legitimate rights and interests, ensured employment for those with the ability to work, and enabled the people of all ethnic groups to look for the jobs that suit them best and work in decent conditions.

Comprehensive development of education. Prioritizing the development of education, Xinjiang has moved faster to build a high-quality education system, and worked to ensure that educational development offers greater benefits to the people of all ethnic groups in a fair way.

In 2024, the gross enrollment rate of preschool education in Xinjiang reached 102.72 percent, the completion rate of the nine-year compulsory education was over 99 percent, and the gross enrollment rate of senior high schools was 97.74 percent, all above the national average. Educational investment has continued to expand. Since 2012, fiscal expenditure from the central government on education in Xinjiang has reached RMB1.1 trillion, among which RMB47.9 billion have been used to improve conditions of elementary and secondary schools. These efforts have helped to promote the quality and balanced development of compulsory education.

A student financial assistance system covering all stages of education for every student from disadvantaged families has been established, with the amount of assistance increasing from RMB2.039 billion in 2012 to RMB9.306 billion in 2024. Students in Aksu, Kashi, and Hotan prefectures and the Kizilsu Kirgiz Autonomous Prefecture in southern Xinjiang receive free education for 15 years, from preschool to senior high school.

Xinjiang has continued to optimize the configuration and structure of higher education. By 2024, the region had 63 institutions of higher learning, 24 more than 2012, and all five prefectures and autonomous prefectures in southern Xinjiang housed universities offering undergraduate programs, a historic breakthrough. The region has further expanded the scale of vocational education, with the number of students in vocational schools growing by 60.69 percent between 2012 and 2024 to reach 575,000. Through the establishment of a modern vocational education system, Xinjiang has cultivated a large number of highly skilled workers.

Improved and optimized health service system. Xinjiang continues to improve its policies on promoting public health and has significantly increased its protection of people's health. By 2024, Xinjiang had over 19,000 medical institutions of various types at all levels and 314,600 staff in the healthcare system. The number of beds in medical institutions per thousand people in 2024 was 7.85, the number of licensed and assistant doctors was 3.19, and the number of registered nurses was 4.12.

The service system has continued to improve. Xinjiang has established a total of 55 national-level key clinical specialties, 358 key clinical specialties and 54 specialty alliances at the autonomous region level, and 74 telemedicine coordination networks, all of which ensure that the people of all ethnic groups have access to affordable and effective medical services. It has worked to increase the availability of quality medical resources and ensure such resources are channeled towards the community level. The proportion of Xinjiang's closely integrated medical and health consortia at the county level has reached 86.05 percent, with all town and township health centers and village clinics in the region operating up to standards. Local patients can now obtain treatment for everyday health issues at the community level, for common illnesses in counties and prefectures, and for serious diseases within the autonomous region.

Xinjiang has worked to build an international medical center and make it a signature and demonstration medical project in the core area of the Silk Road Economic Belt. It has sped up the development of three regional medical centers at the national level and four regional medical centers at the autonomous region level, and worked to fulfill their designated roles to ensure all people have access to medical services of higher quality.

The region's ability to safeguard public health has seen significant improvement. Disease prevention and control centers and health monitoring institutions in 14 prefectures, autonomous prefectures and cities, and 96 counties, county-level cities, and districts in Xinjiang have been restructured to improve the system for disease prevention and control. The development of the health sector has helped improve people's health, with the average life expectancy in the region increasing from 30 years in 1949 to 77 years in 2024.

An upgraded social security net. Xinjiang has continued to improve the multitiered social security system that covers the entire population in the urban and rural areas, see that it is fair, unified, reliable, well-regulated and sustainable, and speed up the formation of a strong safety net to ensure people's wellbeing.

By the end of 2024, the number of people under the basic old-age pension scheme and the basic medical insurance system in Xinjiang stood at 16.91 million and 23.67 million respectively, each accounting for over 95 percent of Xinjiang's total population in their category. The number of people under the unemployment insurance and work-related injury insurance exceeded 4.19 million and 5.43 million, respectively, in the same period. While improving its social security system across the board, Xinjiang has worked to upgrade its services to ensure that the fruits of reform and development can benefit more people in a fair way.

Xinjiang has established and improved the dynamic growth mechanism for social assistance standards and the price-linked adjustment mechanism for social assistance and social security standards. Since 2012, Xinjiang has increased the subsistence allowance 13 consecutive times to meet the people's basic living needs.

X. Greater Synergy for Xinjiang's Development

China's great achievements in the new era have been forged through the hard work of the Party and the people. The historic success in all undertakings in Xinjiang and all the epoch-making changes are fundamentally attributed to the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Xi Jinping at its core. It is the result of unconditional assistance from all parts of the country and the hard work of the people of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang.

The Party and the country's solid support — the foundation for Xinjiang's development. The CPC's firm leadership is the greatest political strength for Xinjiang to overcome all challenges and press forward on the path of Chinese modernization. The CPC Central Committee with Xi Jinping at its core has given utmost attention to Xinjiang's development by setting the Party's guidelines for governing Xinjiang in the new era, delineating Xinjiang's five strategic roles in national development, and issuing policy measures for improving people's wellbeing, strengthening social cohesion, and promoting high-quality economic and social development in the region. The Party central leadership has ensured that fundamental principles are upheld in the work related to Xinjiang while breaking new ground.

Under the unified leadership of the CPC Central Committee, the whole Party and the entire nation have adopted a unified approach to national development through overall planning and coordinated action. In the case of Xinjiang, the country has put in place mechanisms under which central departments provide policy support and guidance, provincial and municipal governments cooperate and provide assistance, and Xinjiang's government plays a principal role. These mechanisms have created great synergy for the autonomous region's development.

The central government provides special support for Xinjiang in terms of funds, projects, preferential policies, industry support, and investments. Since 2012, it has allocated more than RMB4 trillion in transfer payments to Xinjiang, including nearly RMB543.48 billion in 2024 alone.

The firm leadership of the Party Central Committee and its solid support provide fundamental guidance for Xinjiang-related work in the new era, giving it a strong impetus.

Notable improvements in paired assistance to Xinjiang. Paired assistance is a strategic policy measure to maintain lasting stability, peace and security in Xinjiang. Central Party and government departments, state-owned enterprises directly administered by the central government, and designated provinces and municipalities provide paired assistance to Xinjiang on a comprehensive, targeted and long-term basis. These assistance efforts include dispatching officials and professionals, implementing projects in specific industries, advancing sci-tech and education development, providing medical and health services, and promoting culture and tourism.

Since the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012, the central government has allocated over RMB200 billion in paired assistance funds for Xinjiang, secured RMB3 trillion in investments for economic cooperation projects, and introduced more than 15,000 enterprises into the region, helping Xinjiang onto a path of high-quality development.

Paired assistance to Xinjiang prioritizes safeguarding and improving people's wellbeing. During the 14th Five-year Plan period (2021-2025), 89.2 percent of assistance funds for Xinjiang were earmarked for projects related to the people's wellbeing, and 91.3 percent of funds served grassroots needs, improving the welfare of the people from all ethnic groups.

Under this mechanism, large groups of officials from other parts of the country have been selected and dispatched to work in Xinjiang, and Xinjiang's grassroots officials have received training in more developed places that provide assistance, thereby increasing communication and exchanges between them. Cultural exchanges have been organized to boost communication between people from various ethnic groups in and outside Xinjiang, at multiple levels and in diverse forms. Officials and professionals stationed in Xinjiang have provided effective assistance with selfless devotion, and strengthened the bond between people in Xinjiang and in other parts of the country, helping build a strong synergy for realizing the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation.

Civil-military integration — new impetus for Xinjiang's development. The Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps serves as a major strategic force for realizing Xinjiang's development goals. Upholding the policy of coordination between civilian and military sectors, the autonomous region and the Corps have aligned themselves in designing strategic plans, formulating overarching plans, dovetailing special plans, and coordinating local plans. This integrated approach aims to foster development by leveraging complementary strengths and building close-knit communities.

Xinjiang has improved the mechanisms for civil-military integration through innovative practices. The civilian and military sectors have jointly implemented a group of key infrastructure projects, including three 10 million-kW new energy bases in Hami City, the Zhundong Economic-Technological Development Park, and around the Tarim Basin. They have worked together to promote high-quality development of platforms for opening up, such as pilot free trade zones, comprehensive bonded areas, pilot zones for development and opening up, and economic and technological development zones.

The civilian and military sectors in Xinjiang have promoted resource sharing and service integration. Twenty higher education institutions, 40 secondary vocational schools, and 590 kindergartens, elementary schools and secondary schools have been respectively paired up for mutual assistance, while a total of 196 medical partnerships have been established.

Civil-military integration in Xinjiang is going wider and deeper, contributing to common development through unity and mutual assistance and by leveraging complementary strengths.

Building a beautiful home through hard work. Today's Xinjiang is characterized by social stability and harmony, ethnic unity and progress, and a strong development momentum. It is a region of cultural prosperity and religious harmony where the people enjoy peace and contentment in life and work. The vast lands on both sides of the Tianshan Mountains are enjoying peace and pulsating with vigor and energy.

Under the firm leadership of the CPC Central Committee, and with the strong support of the entire nation, the more than 26 million people in Xinjiang are working hard to achieve greater progress, bearing in mind the Party's hopes in them. Following the Party's guidelines for governing Xinjiang in the new era in full, to the letter, and in all fields, they uphold the overall goal of stability, peace and security, and focus their work on fostering a stronger sense of the Chinese nation as one community. They have fulfilled their principal role and contributed substantial efforts in advancing Xinjiang's development, an endeavor of fundamental, indispensable and long-term significance to China's overall development.

With unprecedented initiative and a strong motivation to create history, they are adding Xinjiang's chapters to the annals of Chinese modernization with unparalleled confidence, striving to turn into reality the grand blueprint for Xinjiang drawn up by the Party Central Committee with Xi Jinping at its core.

Conclusion

In the mighty tides of history, we must temper our will and character to prepare for new journeys and surmount new obstacles that come before us.

The great achievements in pursuing reform, development and stability in Xinjiang in the new era are, fundamentally, attributed to the leadership by General Secretary Xi Jinping as the core of both the CPC Central Committee and the entire Party, to the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, and to the full, accurate and faithful implementation of the Party's guidelines for governing Xinjiang in the new era.

Following the guidelines, we have made a historic leap in the system and capacity for governing border areas, and have found the right way of ensuring both development and security in these areas, driving forward the Xinjiang practice in China's modernization, and achieving the overall goal of social stability and lasting peace and security in the region.

However distant as it may seem, a dream can be achieved as long as we pursue it; however lofty as it may appear, a goal is attainable as long as we work for it. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Looking ahead, in the grand endeavors on either side of the Tianshan Mountains and on the great journey of China's modernization, the Party's guidelines for governing Xinjiang in the new era will undoubtedly demonstrate its enduring effectiveness while continually developing and being enriched. Following their guidance, Xinjiang will embark on an increasingly broad development path and embrace an even brighter future.