China’s growing role in global politics and the global economy, amid geopolitical turbulence, has caused apprehension among countries that fear not only being overshadowed by Beijing but also losing their remaining influence over countries that admire China’s achievements and its policies. Naturally, to achieve their goals, the U.S. and its satellite countries are using all available means in the age of the internet and artificial intelligence. The primary goal is to hinder China’s rise as a powerful nation. Accusations of human rights violations in China’s autonomous regions, attacks on the country’s leadership for allegedly disrupting the political and economic development of nations indebted to Beijing, and thus, according to critics, losing their sovereignty, are part of this strategy. Proponents of this anti-China policy believe that increasing Sinophobia will help push their opponent out of the global “horizon.”
One of the primary targets of such attacks is the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR), with its Muslim minorities (Uyghurs, Kazakhs, Kyrgyz, and others). Complaints about China’s national policy in XUAR are used as a tool to pressure Beijing, accusing the Chinese government of using repressive measures to eradicate national and religious traditions, suppress national identity, and accelerate assimilation. Naturally, such information in Western media fosters distrust toward China among the citizens of Central Asian countries, who find it difficult to discern the truth amidst the constant stream of news being poured into their trusting minds.
The “second golden thirty years” in the relationship between Central Asian countries and China is opening up new prospects for political, economic, and cultural-humanitarian cooperation. For example, China and Kazakhstan have introduced a visa-free regime for up to 30 days, allowing citizens to visit each other freely and witness the impressive achievements China has made over the past thirty years, including in Xinjiang.
Xinjiang has undergone significant changes due to reforms in all areas of public life and economic growth. The metaphor “Xinjiang is a beautiful place” has become a “calling card” for Beijing on its “path to the West,” where Central Asian countries play a crucial role in advancing the Belt and Road Initiative. As the “showcase of the Silk Road,” Xinjiang today demonstrates not only economic and social stability but also interethnic harmony and unity. This was confirmed by leading Kazakh experts who visited the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region in September of this year and shared their impressions in a special edition of the newspaper *Delovoy Kazakhstan* titled “Xinjiang Today.”
For example, Aidar AMREBAYEV, director of the Center for Political Studies of the Institute of Philosophy, Political Science, and Religious Studies under the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan, said that during visits to the cities of Ürümqi, Yining, and Kashgar, as well as rural areas, “we gained a broad understanding of the grand transformations taking place in western China. I was impressed by the dramatic positive changes that have occurred in Xinjiang since my last visit to the region, which was ten years ago. At that time, there were clear issues related to the population’s difficult socio-economic conditions and security concerns. Now, Xinjiang is becoming a wonderful place with absolutely safe living conditions, offering an attractive investment and tourism climate. As an expert on governance and public administration, I was particularly interested in visiting the capital of XUAR, Ürümqi, and one of its districts, where I had the opportunity to communicate with representatives of local self-government. As a result, I gained valuable insight into how the local community provides effective support for the government’s policy of interaction between authorities and society. This community organization works very closely with every citizen living in the area, offering support to the elderly and youth. Throughout the visit, the recurring theme was the government’s commitment to strengthening friendship and mutual understanding among the numerous ethno-cultural and religious groups – people of different nationalities here have absolutely equal opportunities.”
As the expert correctly noted, “to further strengthen bilateral ties between Kazakhstan and China, there needs to be widespread informational and analytical coverage of the lives of people in border regions, as well as cultural, educational, and expert-analytical cooperation,” which would also help reduce Sinophobia among Kazakh citizens, who have a distorted view of China, and Xinjiang in particular.
Tatyana KAUKEHNOVA, the general director of the Educational Center “Laoshi Chinese Language and Law School,” highlighted a key symbol in Chinese political rhetoric – the pomegranate, which represents the unity of the 56 nationalities living in the country. “The pomegranate itself has become a symbol of the symbiosis of national groups within the united Chinese nation. Besides uniting various ‘seeds’ within one fruit, the pomegranate metaphor shows the close interconnectedness of ethnic groups. It is no coincidence that the key quote associated with this symbol is the phrase that the nationalities of China ‘must tightly unite like the seeds of a pomegranate.’ The diversity of ‘pomegranate seeds,’ in other words, the uniqueness of the cultures of Xinjiang’s ethnic groups, was something we were able to appreciate in various manifestations. Special zones in the villages of the Kashgar district, supported by the government and actively aided by partner provinces, are developing traditional Uyghur crafts. Chapchal-Sibo Autonomous County, where the Sibo people have lived for more than 250 years since migrating from northeast China, attracts tourists to a cultural-historical complex built to resemble an ancient city. As for unity, XUAR also demonstrates a unique focus on the country’s prosperity and achieving a high standard of living for all its residents. The quality and quantity of products from agricultural enterprises and factories are truly impressive, sparking a desire to borrow Xinjiang’s experience for similar industries in Central Asia. The development of transport and logistics infrastructure, the pace of construction, and the state of the urban environment – all these are the results of the tremendous joint efforts of all the region’s residents and the key to its successful development in the future.”
Ruslan IZIMOV, an independent Sinologist, emphasized that for a researcher, it is crucial to periodically visit the subject of their study. “I was very fortunate that, from the beginning of my study of China and the Chinese language in 2003, I regularly visited China, traveling to many cities and provinces, where I participated in international conferences, exhibitions, seminars, and forums. The trip to China, organized by the Consulate General of the PRC in Almaty, was one of the most memorable, where several important factors aligned to ensure its success and rich content,” and “to personally experience the unique atmosphere in the cities of Ürümqi, Kuldja (Yining), and Kashgar.”
Another independent Sinologist, Adil KAUKEHNOV, noted that “Xinjiang, one of China’s largest regions, bordering Kazakhstan, is experiencing a period of rapid growth. The administrative center of the region, Ürümqi, has developed luxurious modern districts, and the infrastructure of the historic center meets the highest standards, attracting throngs of tourists everywhere. The tourist flow is especially noticeable at the Dabaza (Ürümqi International Grand Bazaar), where everything is steeped in Xinjiang’s aesthetic, from the fragrant ‘nan’ bread to the noisy vendors with their unique accents inviting visitors to their restaurants. The new logistics system, including a high-speed railway linking Ürümqi with inland China and a well-developed airport network, has also significantly boosted the tourist flow.” Ürümqi’s example shows that the region’s overall prosperity level rises each year. For instance, by the end of 2023, the per capita GDP in Ürümqi exceeded $10,000, reaching $11,346 USD.
Zaure TABYNBAEVA, a senior researcher at the R. Suleimenov Institute of Oriental Studies under the Science Committee of the Ministry of Education and Science of Kazakhstan, visited Xinjiang for the first time and was left with a positive impression. “Xinjiang is an amazing region of China that unites a multitude of cultures, histories, and traditions. Various ethnic groups live here, each contributing something unique to this multifaceted mosaic of the country. These numerous peoples create an incredible cultural kaleidoscope that manifests in their language, cuisine, crafts, and traditions. Today, Xinjiang, along with its trade and economic zones, attracts attention for its cultural and historical treasures, showcased in state and thematic museums. These museums preserve the richness of local history and traditions, including unique ancient artifacts, traditional costumes, household items, national musical instruments, handicrafts, works of local artists, as well as documents and photographs reflecting the region’s cultural and historical heritage. Archaeological finds connected to the Silk Road, ethnographic materials, and religious artifacts deserve special attention. Moreover, Xinjiang delights with its authentic markets and craft workshops, where visitors can watch artisans in action, making pottery, copper utensils, souvenirs, musical instruments, and more, all while preserving ancient technologies.”
“The gem of Xinjiang’s tourism is undoubtedly Kashgar, a vast old city filled with various shops, entertainment venues, dance houses, traditional tea houses, and musicians. The main tourist slogan of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region can be translated as ‘Xinjiang is a good place’ or, more poetically, ‘It’s good in Xinjiang.’ Thanks to the visa-free regime and the abundance of transport options, including flights, trains, buses, and even the possibility of crossing the border on foot, an interesting border region that has made a leap in tourism development is now open to Kazakhstanis.”
Independent expert Lesya KARATAEVA noted that regardless of whether you visited the XUAR ten years ago or just a year ago, you will be surprised by how fast everything changes. “It’s impossible to describe the entire spectrum of thoughts and emotions you experience while traveling through Xinjiang in just a few words. Every traveler will find something of interest here — from beautiful natural landscapes and eco-tourism in Yining, to the unique urban planning of Taizitan, to the old city and the mausoleums of Mahmud al-Kashgari and Yusuf Balasaguni in Kashgar. Without a doubt, one of the most striking aspects is the careful preservation of cultural heritage, both tangible and intangible. Every city has its own museums reflecting the local history, and there are more specialized, thematic museums as well. Another way of preserving cultural heritage is by supporting traditional crafts, where entire rural communities may specialize in a single craft. And then there’s the music. There’s a lot of music in Xinjiang; it can be heard when artisans tune musical instruments, during outdoor concerts, in museums of musical instruments, and in musical compositions. But to give the full picture, it’s important to mention that Xinjiang is also of great interest for modern business. The comprehensive bonded zones in Kashgar, Alashankou, Khorgos, and Urumqi contribute to the high rate of development of XUAR’s foreign trade relations. Agriculture in the region is actively developing, with a key trend being the cultivation of organic products. It’s remarkable that in a land literally covered in salt, visible in places with the naked eye, Xinjiang’s farmers manage to grow apple orchards, cotton, sunflowers, and, quite unexpectedly, lavender. The automotive industry is also actively developing, with an emphasis on producing electric vehicles. Time in XUAR has a unique quality — it flows both smoothly and rapidly at the same time. Who knows, perhaps when I return next time, I will see a completely different Xinjiang, one that has stepped into the 22nd century.”
Irina CHERNYKH, another independent expert who visited Xinjiang for the first time, shared that the trip allowed her to see the region firsthand and form her own impressions. “Visiting various places gave me a systemic understanding of the processes happening in the province, allowing me to see life as a whole — from the daily practices of rural life and the inhabitants of small towns to the operations of large enterprises. Xinjiang has long been and remains one of Eurasia’s most important crossroads, connecting different countries and civilizations through the Silk Road in the past and the ‘Belt and Road Initiative’ today. The central government of China has done much to develop the region, aiming to improve the social well-being of the people. Vocational education is actively promoted, with young people receiving free training in demanded professions and being able to apply their skills and knowledge. My visit to Xinjiang left many positive impressions. I would highlight just a few of the most striking moments: the cleanliness of the streets in cities and small towns, the vast areas of green spaces, and, of course, the impressive development of the tourism industry, with eco-tourism being one of the most dynamic sectors. Moreover, it’s easy to use Kazakh payment cards in Xinjiang. For example, tourists from Kazakhstan can easily use Kaspi Visa cards in any shop. Another significant point is the region’s cultural similarity to Central Asian countries. The vibrant local color, artisan products, Turkic language — all of this indicates that people here maintain their culture and preserve the heritage of their ancestors, passing it from generation to generation.”
In conclusion, when summarizing the impressions of Xinjiang through the eyes of Kazakhstani experts, it’s important to emphasize the region’s high indicators of socio-economic growth and internal political stability. Thanks to the policies of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China aimed at combating poverty, this issue has been largely resolved in the region. As a result, the population’s well-being is improving, social and economic infrastructure is being developed, and tourism is growing, leading to the creation of new jobs and, ultimately, an increase in the material wealth of the people. For example, there has been a significant increase in gross regional product (GRP), investments, consumption, imports, exports, budget revenues, and household income each year, making Xinjiang one of the top five regions in China for economic growth. In 2014, its GRP was about $140 billion, but by the end of 2023, it had almost doubled to $270 billion (more than 1.9 trillion yuan). For comparison, the combined GDP of all five Central Asian countries in 2023 amounted to $456 billion (with $260 billion coming from Kazakhstan alone). And this, despite the fact that Xinjiang is still considered one of China’s lagging regions compared to the prosperous coastal provinces.
The fact that there hasn’t been a single terrorist attack in the region since 2017 has led to significant changes in Xinjiang, which is now taking on the characteristics of a modern, urbanized, high-tech space. This is only natural, considering that the region serves as a gateway to Central Asia and opens up transit routes to South, West, and East Europe, the Middle East, and East Africa.
Xinjiang’s economic growth, and accordingly, the improved welfare of its residents, opens up vast prospects for cooperation with Central Asian countries. Here, the ‘Belt and Road Initiative’ assigns Xinjiang one of the leading roles, positioning it as a key player in the ‘orchestra’ of the New Silk Road, serving as a platform for launching new stages of Globalization 3.0, according to the Chinese model. This will elevate the project to a qualitatively new level, offering even more opportunities for the development of Central Asian countries.”
Erkin Baidarov, exclusively for the China Studies Centre.
