A delegation composed of scholars and media professionals from eight countries in the Middle East and Asia have recently toured Xinjiang. From visiting museums and local communities to modern enterprises, members of the delegation praised the trip for letting them witness a Xinjiang that blends tradition and modernity, with openness and inclusivity. Gong Ming reports.
Beginning their journey on April 7 in Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, the delegation explored local museums and urban planning centers gaining insights into the region’s rich historical and cultural heritage as well as its modern urban development. Immersing themselves in local communities and traditional bazaars, they experienced the vibrant cultural life of the people here first-hand.
NAJLA ALZAROONI Senior Researcher, UAE Trends Research and Advisory Center “I was a little bit afraid visiting Xinjiang given that news we read outside from China. But coming here and seeing that the place here is very secure, it’s not less developed and secure than other parts of China. I think it’s the very key correction I had from the first few days of being here in Xinjiang.”
The delegation also visited the Xinjiang branch of Guangzhou Automobile Group Motor Corporation, and said they were impressed by the company’s focus on new energy vehicles. They toured the automated production line and witnessed the modernization of the factory, praising the young team and overall design.
ALIREZA KHODA GHOLIPOUR Deputy Director of Asian Study Office Iran Foreign Affairs Ministry “I didn’t expect that this part of China being this developed. This is a very good sign. Technologies and industries are not only concentrated in some parts of China. It seems that in provinces like Xinjiang, there are more facilities for the young generation to be absorbed in this kind of industry.”
The delegation then headed to Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture and toured Khorgos, a bustling border city between China and Kazakhstan, home to international duty-free shopping malls selling a wide range of goods. They witnessed significant Chinese investment in border infrastructure, a key driver of local economic growth. One scholar from Turkey optimistically noted the commercial development of the border city, and the international opportunities it provides.
MEHMET UGUR EKINCI Researcher, Foundation for Political, Economic and Social Research, Turkey “I saw this Khorgas while we were coming here, it looks like a very new and modern place. In Xinjiang, the manufacturing is also increasing quite epically. I see that the silk road is rebound, the increase of free trade between countries on the silk road will increase prosperity worldwide.”
GONG MING Khorgas, Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture “After five days of on-site visits, the modernization of Xinjiang has amazed many foreign scholars and experts visiting this place for the first time. Many have said that with border cities like Khorgos playing a more significant role and leveraging their advantages, we will witness a more open and economically prosperous Xinjiang. Gong Ming, CGTN, Khorgas.” (PR)
