Many Egyptian friends must have a good memory of the gala show made by Xinjiang Opera House two years ago. The artists presented the Chinese folk songs and dances here in Egypt.
Singing and dancing is just one of the ethnic features in Xinjiang. Xinjiang used to be an important passage for the well-known Silk Road. As one of the 5 Ethnic Minority Regions in China, its territory accounts for one sixth among China’s vast land. China has 56 ethnic groups in total. In Xinjiang, people from 47 ethnic groups live there, the largest being Uyghurs, who account for 46%, followed by Hans and many others such as Kazaks and Huis. Xinjing is a multi-religion region, Islam being the major one which plays an important role towards people’s life. Millions of Muslims live there and there are a total of 24,000 mosques. Regional autonomy of ethnic groups is carried out and freedom of religious belief is under preservation of law.
Xinjiang is an adorable and fascinating land where different ethnic groups have lived harmoniously for centuries. Over such a fairyland broke out the Urumqi Riot on July 5, shocking the whole world. Thousands of rioters holding weapons rushed into the streets. They attacked passers-by, smashed stores, set fire to vehicles and killed anyone within sight. So far, approximately 200 people were killed and more than 1700 injured, most of them were Hans.
Undoubtedly, this is a highly violent crime. As the family members of the victims are still immersed in pains, it is quite extraordinary that some of the anti-China forces, human rights groups and even western media regard the rioting as “ethnic conflict”、“violent oppression” and “ethnic cleansing”. It is far more unimaginable that some unfriendly guys seize this opportunity to defame China’s ethnic and religious policies in an attempt to instigate relations between China and Islamic nations.
The truth is beyond doubt and lies can not cover up facts. It is a generally recognized principle that event reporting should be based upon facts. False information and even rumors will not only confuse and mislead the public, but will go beyond the journalism ethics as well.
Urumqi Riot is neither an ethnic conflict nor a religion issue. Facts have fully proved that these are premeditated and organized crimes of violence directed and instigated by separatists abroad and organized and carried out by separatists inside the country. Rebiya Kadeer, the ethnic separatist heading The World Uyghur Congress (an overseas East Turkestan organization), is the real criminal who incited troublemakers through internet and mobile sms. They intended to undermine ethnic unity, social harmony and stability. Actually, the rioting ran counter to the spirit of Islam. People who love peace from all over the world are firmly against violence.
To maintain social stability, the local government in Xinjiang took a series of measures in accordance with law and brought the situation under control. At present, the public order and social life has returned to normal.
People of various ethnic groups there will continue to live and work in unity, harmony and contentment. Xinjiang is a fairyland, ever and forever.
*Article by Gong Yufeng (head of press office and spokesman,Chinese Embassy in Egypt) to Egyptian Mail on July 28th