People's Daily stresses ethnic unity for Xinjiang

The People's Daily, the flagship newspaper of the Communist Party of China (CPC), hailed contributions by people of all ethnic groups to Xinjiang's stability and development in an editorial to be published Wednesday.

China is about to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the founding of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on Oct. 1.

The article noted the region's prominent improvements in road, railway, aviation infrastructure, as well as education and quality of life, citing that the economic volume of Xinjiang soared to 920 billion yuan (144.6 billion U.S. dollars) last year from only 1.2 billion yuan in 1955.

Praising a "new type of socialist ethnic relations" in the region characterized by equality, unity, mutual assistance and harmony, the article said that Xinjiang's achievements showcased the common prosperity and development of people of all ethnic groups in China, and also symbolized the success of the regional autonomy system.

"History has proven that only by following the leadership of the Communist Party of China, firmly walking the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics and supporting the regional autonomy system can Xinjiang achieve today's development and tomorrow's stability and prosperity," it said.

The article called for lawful methods to govern the region, regional stability and long-term development plans, stressing ethnic unity and stemming religious extreme thoughts as key aspects in the management of Xinjiang.

"Guiding people of all ethnic groups to help ensure national unity, ethnic solidarity and social stability is the key to building a beautiful Xinjiang," it said. Endi