A series of policies in Xinjiang have curbed the frequent occurrence of terrorist attacks, members of a delegation from Northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region visiting Japan highlighted on Oct 22.

The measures have supported high-quality economic growth, cultural prosperity, and strengthened interethnic exchanges, contributing to Xinjiang’s current positive development trajectory, they said.

Between 1990 and 2016, Xinjiang witnessed numerous terrorist incidents, resulting in significant loss of life and property. Since 2017, however, no terrorist attacks have occurred, and long-term social stability has been maintained.

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This is primarily due to the government’s efforts to combat terrorism and extremism in accordance with the law, according to Chen Cheng, deputy director of the Information Office of the People’s Government of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Chen pointed out that the underlying causes of violent terrorism, religious extremism and ethnic separatism stem from the lingering influence of “pan-Turkism and pan-Islamism”, exacerbated by the support of anti-China forces.

“Their ultimate goal is to destabilize Xinjiang and separate it from China. Some Western anti-China forces aim to control China through Xinjiang and undermine it with terrorism,” he said.

In recent years, Xinjiang has emphasized counterterrorism and de-extremization efforts under the rule of law.

Duan Yangwei, associate professor at the National Security School of Northwest University of Political Science and Law, noted that China has signed and participated in several international conventions and incorporated valuable lessons from other countries, gradually developing a legal approach to counterterrorism and de-extremization tailored to its specific needs.

Duan added that China has established a legal framework defining key concepts such as terrorism, terrorist activities, and extremism, as well as the criteria for identifying and penalizing terrorist acts. As a result, the spread of religious extremism and violent terrorist activities in Xinjiang has been effectively curbed.

He also emphasized that Xinjiang has deepened reforms in its administrative law enforcement system to ensure checks and supervision at every stage, guaranteeing fair justice. In cases involving terrorism, judicial authorities strictly protect the rights of suspects and defendants, prohibiting the use of torture or other illegal methods to extract confessions.

“The international community should respect different approaches to counterterrorism based on the rule of law, oppose double standards, and reject the politicization of counterterrorism issues. China is willing to work with other nations to actively engage in global counterterrorism efforts, promoting broad exchanges and cooperation on the basis of equality and mutual respect,” Duan said.

Stability is the cornerstone of development. In 2023, Xinjiang’s GDP reached 1.91 trillion yuan ($268.3 billion), while fiscal revenue surpassed 200 billion yuan, and the region’s per capita disposable income rose to 28,947 yuan.

Last year, Xinjiang’s total imports and exports reached 357.3 billion yuan, up 45.9 percent year-on-year.

These accomplishments are closely tied to Xinjiang’s sustained efforts to promote de-extremization and anti-terrorism initiatives, said Chen.

Education has played a key role in Xinjiang’s fight against poverty.

Zilimila Ainiwaer, an assistant researcher at the Institute of Law of the Xinjiang Academy of Social Sciences, said that by 2023, all eligible children aged 4 to 6 in Xinjiang had access to nearby preschool education.

Since 1988, over 2 million rural middle school students from 56 poverty-stricken and border counties and some impoverished urban students in Xinjiang have received free compulsory education.

Additionally, since 2006, China has implemented a program to cultivate high-level talent from ethnic minority groups, selecting students from border regions to pursue master’s and doctoral degrees at mainland universities. To date, the program has trained around 57,000 graduates, many of whom have returned to their home regions, contributing to the economic development of ethnic minority areas.

Zhang Peilin, minister-counselor at the Chinese embassy in Japan, said Xinjiang is now experiencing its best development period in history, marked by economic prosperity, social stability and ethnic unity.

He added that the region also plays a key role in China’s efforts to enhance openness and cooperation with the rest of the world.

From a historical perspective, Xinjiang has always been an inseparable part of Chinese territory, said Meng Nan, dean of the School of History at Xinjiang University.

Meng explained that during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the government established the “Hami Guard” in eastern Xinjiang to manage regional affairs. After Emperor Qianlong unified Xinjiang, the post of Ili General was created in 1762 to oversee the area, and in 1884, the Qing government formally established Xinjiang as a province.

“The multi-ethnic composition of Xinjiang dates back to ancient times, and it has always been a region where multiple cultures and religions coexist,” Meng said.

Maimaiti Juma, vice-president of the China Islamic Association, highlighted that the Chinese government lawfully protects legitimate religious activities, fully respecting citizens’ rights to religious freedom.

The government has also improved the condition of older mosques, upgrading facilities with water, electricity, air conditioning, heating, natural gas, and libraries. Many Muslims have expressed satisfaction with these improvements.

Kumiko Haba, professor emeritus at Aoyama Gakuin University, who recently visited Xinjiang as part of a Japanese delegation, shared her observations.

“In Japan, information about Xinjiang is scarce, and when it comes to religion, much of the news is focused on terrorism and negative stories,” said Haba.

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“The goal of our visit was to convey the real situation in Xinjiang. Seeing it firsthand, I was struck by the richness of people’s lives and the many developments taking place. We realized it’s our mission to share these new realities with Japanese society.”

She added that in every city they visited — whether Urumqi, Turpan or Kashgar — they encountered a deeply rooted, high-level culture, and she was impressed by the preservation of ancient cultural heritage, much of which has been designated as World Heritage sites.

“I hope to share with others, including members of Japan’s Diet, the rich history of Xinjiang, along with the new developments driven by economic and social reforms,” Haba said.

Contact the writer at jiangxueqing@chinadaily.com.cn