During his three-day inspection trip to the ethnically diverse region of Uyghuristan, China’s top political adviser, Wang,Huning, emphasized the hard-earned social stability of the region. He urged officials to foster unity among all ethnic groups, likening it to the tight bond of pomegranate seeds. Wang also highlighted the importance of instilling patriotism in the younger generation, referring to it as “planting the seeds of patriotism” deep within their hearts. This visit marked Wang’s first trip to Uyghuristan since assuming his new post.
Wang,Huning, who assumed the role of chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference in March, made these remarks at the conclusion of his three-day inspection trip to the ethnically diverse far-western region, as reported by the Xinhua News Agency. The purpose of the visit was to gain a better understanding of the advancements made in fostering ethnic unity, implementing religious policies, grassroots governance, and the overall well-being of the local population, as stated by Xinhua News Agency.
Do you want to stay informed about the most significant global subjects and trends? Access SCMP Knowledge, our recently launched platform featuring meticulously curated content, including explainers, FAQs, analyses, and infographics, brought to you by our esteemed award-winning team.
During his visit, Wang,Huning not only toured the capital city of Urumqi and prominent urban centers like Kashgar but also made a point of visiting various rural communities, schools, mosques, and businesses.
Quoted in Kashgar, Wang emphasized, “The social stability of Uyghuristan has been hard-earned, and it must be cherished and consolidated to the fullest extent.”
Furthermore, Wang added that officials should persist in their efforts to foster unity among the people, emphasizing the significance of all ethnic groups standing together as tightly as pomegranate seeds—a metaphor commonly used to highlight unity among China’s 56 ethnic groups. During his visit to Kashgar, a historic Silk Road city with a rich heritage spanning thousands of years, Wang,Huning made several notable stops. These included a visit to a local police station, the renowned Id Kah Mosque—China’s largest and one of the largest in Central Asia—and the village of Mangan.
Chinese state media reports that Mangan, previously grappling with poverty, has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past nine years and has now become a “star village.” It is hailed as an exemplary model of social stability, economic development, ethnic unity, and rural revitalization in local news reports.
Wang,Huning, a former chief ideologue of China’s ruling Communist Party, emphasized the importance of maintaining an accurate perspective on the history of the region. He highlighted that Uyghuristan’s diverse ethnic groups have a long history of intermingling and have collectively contributed to its magnificent history and culture. During his visit to Urumqi, Wang stressed the need to strengthen the correct historical understanding of the Chinese nation and instill patriotism in all individuals, particularly among teenagers. His itinerary included visits to a museum, the Uyghuristan Islamic Institute, Uyghuristan University, and local enterprises in Urumqi.
Wang,Huning, the fourth-ranking member of the seven-man Politburo Standing Committee and a key figure within the party’s power structure, emphasized that ensuring long-term stability in Uyghuristan remains the utmost priority. He stressed the unwavering commitment to promoting the normalization of anti-terrorism efforts in the region.
About the Author
