By: Maarij Farooq
Before my journey to Xinjiang, I harbored a mix of curiosity and apprehension, shaped largely by the prevailing narratives in Western media. These stories often painted a grim picture of the region, focusing on allegations of repression and human rights violations, particularly against the Muslim population. As a Pakistani, deeply connected to China through our ironclad friendship, I found myself in a peculiar situation. While the bond between our nations is strong and widely accepted among the Pakistani masses, some of my friends expressed discomfort about my decision to visit Xinjiang.
Their unease stemmed from concerns over the supposed persecution of Muslims, leading them to worry about my safety during the visit. The strength of Western propaganda, especially on social media, had left an indelible mark on their perceptions, and, to some extent, on mine.
However, all these doubts and apprehensions began to dissipate the moment I landed in Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang. The slightly cold weather, accompanied by a brisk breeze, seemed to wash away the negativity that had clouded my thoughts. We were greeted warmly by the airport staff and directed to the Belt and Road Lane, a special setup by China for boarding passengers from countries partnering in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). This gesture made us feel valued and underscored the importance of our presence in this significant region.
Our two days in Urumqi were hectic yet enjoyable, filled with moments that provided profound insights into the region’s history and current situation. It became clear that Xinjiang had endured a great struggle to eradicate terrorism, a battle that saw the involvement of various external forces attempting to disconnect Xinjiang from the broader Muslim world.
At one point, it seemed that Xinjiang might share the fate of many Muslim-majority countries, succumbing to the total extremism that has ravaged parts of the Middle East and beyond. Many lives were lost in this struggle, leaving countless families in mourning, but the resilience of the people of Xinjiang shone through. They did not lose hope but instead stood firmly by the government when it decided to confront terrorism head-on, with the resolve to eradicate it completely.
One of the most enlightening experiences of our visit was the Xinjiang Counter-Terrorism and Counter-Extremism Exhibition. The exhibition was informative, providing clarity on the situation that had been so heavily distorted by external narratives. It offered a window into the reality of the challenges faced by the region and the measures taken by the government to address them. The exhibition made it clear that the steps taken by China were not just reactive but part of a comprehensive strategy to ensure the long-term peace and stability of Xinjiang.
Our visit to the Xinjiang Islamic Institute further deepened my understanding of the region’s religious landscape. Contrary to the widespread belief that Muslims in Xinjiang are persecuted or restricted in their religious practices, what I observed was a vibrant community, freely practicing their faith. The institute itself was a testament to this freedom, with well-maintained facilities, including a hostel for students, equipped with all the necessary resources. The level of care and attention given to these facilities was impressive, and in many respects, superior to those in several Muslim-majority countries. It was a stark contrast to the narrative of repression that had been so forcefully propagated by the West.
The next day, we visited the Shaanxi Mosque, a historical site that further cemented my evolving perception of Xinjiang. Originally built in 1751 and reconstructed in 1958, the mosque is a marvel of traditional Chinese architecture, with its 200-year-old wooden structure constructed without the use of nails. The preservation of this Muslim heritage, with meticulous care and respect, was perhaps the most mesmerizing aspect of the visit.
As a Muslim, any lingering doubts I had about the situation in Xinjiang were now fading away. I was even able to meet and converse with several people in the mosque, without any hesitation or the presence of officials, who told me they were happy in Xinjiang and that President Xi Jinping’s leadership had provided a safe environment for them to practice their religion.
Xinjiang, from my observations, is highly developed, socially secure, culturally diverse, and economically stable—qualities that are the bedrock of any progressive society. The negative propaganda propagated by Western countries, aimed solely at defaming China, is not only misleading but also unfortunate. The rise of China as a global superpower is a reality that the United States and its allies find hard to accept, leading them to employ such cheap tactics. By targeting Xinjiang, they aim to exploit religious sensitivities among Muslims, attempting to sow discord between China and the Muslim world.
However, the progress and stability of Xinjiang tell a different story. No matter what the U.S. tries, they will not succeed in halting China’s rise. The world’s progress is increasingly intertwined with China’s, and it is high time the West accepts this reality.
Throughout my visit, I witnessed firsthand the strength of the Chinese government’s resolve to ensure the prosperity and security of all its people, regardless of their ethnicity or religion. The success of these efforts is evident in the thriving communities across Xinjiang, where people of different backgrounds coexist peacefully, contributing to the region’s development.
The West’s attempts to portray Xinjiang as a region in turmoil, where people live in fear and oppression, could not be further from the truth. Instead, I saw a region where people are proud of their heritage, optimistic about their future, and supportive of their government’s efforts to maintain peace and stability.
My visit to Xinjiang was a journey of discovery, one that dispelled many of the misconceptions I had before setting foot in the region. The Western narrative of Xinjiang as a place of persecution and fear is a gross misrepresentation, one that does a disservice to the people of Xinjiang and to the truth. What I saw was a region that has overcome immense challenges, emerging stronger and more united.
Xinjiang is not just a testament to China’s ability to govern such a vast and diverse country effectively but also a beacon of hope for all those who seek peace and prosperity in a troubled world. The progress of Xinjiang is a powerful reminder that, despite the best efforts of those who wish to see China fail, the truth will always prevail, and the bond between China and the Muslim world will only grow stronger.
The writer is deputy editor-in-chief, Daily Ittehad Media Group & Pakistan Economic Net.
