Party chief debunks Xinjiang genocide claim

▶ Forum shows openness, foreign delegates condemn West’s interference in region

The Party chief of Northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region defended China’s policy and debunked accusations of “forced labor” and “genocide” in the region at a virtual event, while representatives from foreign political parties at the event condemned some Western countries for using human rights as a cover to interfere in other countries’ domestic affairs.

The Monday event, themed “A Better Life for All,” focused on how the Communist Party of China ( CPC) regional committee of Xinjiang implements various policies to allow local residents to enjoy better lives.

More than 300 foreign guests from 200 political parties, international organizations, media outlets and think tanks from 80 countries and regions attended the event.

Chen Quanguo, secretary of the CPC Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Regional Committee, shared six stories to show Xinjiang’s economic development, improvements in local residents’ livelihood, ethnic unity, protection of religions and the battle against COVID- 19 in the region.

What Xinjiang has done is just and transparent and aims to improve the lives of its residents. The claims of “forced labor,” “genocide,” or “camps” are total slander and calling white black, said Chen.

Song Tao, head of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee ( IDCPC), said at the event that under the guidance of the CPC, China’s Xinjiang has made great achievements in recent years and got rid of poverty at the end of 2020.

“But some countries and a small group of people don’t want to see the good situation in Xinjiang… under the guise of human rights, they are attacking China’s policies in Xinjiang and trying to sow discord between China and Islamic states,” Song said.

Many party leaders who attended the event via video link shared their views of Xinjiang’s economic development and achievements in poverty alleviation, and refuted rumors of “forced labor” and “genocide” of ethnic groups.

Chinese officials said the briefing, held at the beginning of the year marking the 100th anniversary of the founding of the CPC and the first year for implementing the country’s 14th Five- Year Plan ( 2021- 25), demonstrates the openness and confidence of Xinjiang.

Tep Ngorn, a member of Central Standing Committee of Cambodian People’s Party and 2nd Vice President of the Senate, said that some countries with malicious purposes are defaming the CPC’s image by hyping Xinjiang related topics, a move that is despicable and should be firmly opposed.

A Turkish politician said that “forced labor” and “genocide” are conspiracies made by the US and the West for political purposes. “We condemn the deeds of interfering with other countries’ domestic affairs and we Turkish people stand with the Chinese people.”

"From 2010- 2018, the Uygur population in Xinjiang grew by 2.5 million, or 25.04%, which is higher than Xinjiang’s overall population growth rate ( 13.99%)," Chen said