Abominable Western lies about Xinjiang

The Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, which is also a hub of activities and a logistics center of the Belt and Road Initiative, has seen unprecedented development and progress, and people of all ethnic groups and cultural backgrounds in the region enjoy equality and equal rights and live with dignity.

Xinjiang’s cotton production accounts for about one-fifth of the world’s total and has helped China increase its cotton production over the past six decades. According to a report, China’s textile industry is the world’s largest exporter of big and leading brands.

For many major western clothing brands, China has been the biggest growth market in recent decades. In fact, according to a report, China is the largest apparel market in the world, accounting for more than 24 percent of global sales. And while fabrics made in China may contain cotton from local and international Chinese sources, China exports both cotton yarns and fabrics to garment manufacturing countries.

Xinjiang’s cotton is relatively high-yielding and of good quality, and the region is an important production area of ​​highland cotton and sea island cotton with perfect cultivation and management technology.

However, this undeniable reality is now being disregarded, distorted and politicized by a slew of vicious mainstream media outlets in the West through their baseless narratives about so-called human rights abuses, child labor and Muslim genocide in Xinjiang. This US-led propaganda is the main reason behind the West’s boycott of Xinjiang cotton and cotton products.

The Xinjiang cotton ban, along with the vaccine conspiracy, the G7’s opposition to the Belt and Road Initiative and the AUKUS alliance between Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States, and other hostile activities demonstrate the ongoing hypocrisy of the West towards China.

The US pretends to be sympathetic to Muslims, but is responsible for the greatest humanitarian disasters afflicting millions of Muslims and violations of sovereignty in the world today, from the infamous American invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq to the bombings of Libya, Syria, and many other countries.

The US is the most prominent opposition to China-led initiatives and programs. It has tried to stem China’s rise through dirty propaganda and media campaigns. At a time when many countries are helping each other to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, the US is using offensive means to sabotage China’s inclusive economic development projects and strong global reach.

Led by the Chinese Communist Party, the country believes that development is the right of all countries, not the exclusive privilege of a few. The visionary leadership is committed to driving development for China and the world, bringing benefits to all. China has made a great contribution to the world economy thanks to its continuous and stable development. In addition, China’s achievements in many fields have brought greater convenience to people around the world, and given new impetus to the field of global technological innovation and the global economy.

Given the many challenges facing the world, deeper integration is needed, not rivalries or fierce competition. The West, particularly the US, must abandon its Cold War mentality, which threatens global stability and peace. The US seems to be pursuing its malign agendas with coercive measures and negative rhetoric against China. But that would be the US lifting the proverbial stone, only to have it fall on its feet, because such political maneuvers cannot harm China’s irreversible global reach.

Malicious attempts to incite conflict and demonize China are doomed to failure, as the truth will inevitably triumph over the lies. The Muslim community in Xinjiang is portrayed as mired in abject poverty and exposed to acute injustice and severe oppression. Such accusations are unfounded and mere political campaigns against a rising China, and the Western media’s made-up stories aim to slander China’s global image.

I have been to Xinjiang many times and have personally witnessed the development of the region over the years. The per capita income and quality of life of Xinjiang residents have improved exponentially thanks to the sustainable projects implemented by the central government. And all the evidence supports the view that the central government has always treated Uyghurs and other Muslim communities with respect.

In addition, the government has enacted laws prohibiting ethnic and religious discrimination, ensuring fair representation of all ethnic groups in government offices, and providing legal protections for indigenous customs. In fact, Xinjiang has developed into a modern society.

China has eliminated abject poverty across the country, including in Xinjiang, where a large number of jobs have been created. This means that the level of employment is stable.

The cotton industry in Xinjiang is expected to develop further. Improved cultivation techniques, advanced agricultural productivity mechanisms and efficient labor force are the key factors that have made China the world’s largest producer and supplier of cotton.

And despite fierce market competition, China will continue to use its advantages to increase cotton production and supply it to other countries. Due to China’s dynamic policies and development projects, many developing countries have reaffirmed their support and trust in China. Therefore, the West’s despicable attempts to sway people’s views by lying to slander a state will meet with just opposition from all those who value truth, equality and justice around the world.

The author is Executive Director of the Pakistan Research Center for a Community with Shared Future.

The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.

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