Region Fights Back Against US Crackdowns, Defends Economic and Human Rights

Xinjiang Defends Against US Crackdowns

The Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region is taking a stand against repeated crackdowns by the United States on local businesses. Chairman Erkin Tuniyaz, head of the regional government, declared that Xinjiang will firmly defend the rights of its enterprises to operate and of its people to work and pursue a better life.

"We will stand our ground on issues related to Xinjiang in accordance with the law," Tuniyaz said. "We will expand our means for countering foreign sanctions and enhance policy support for enterprises affected by US sanctions, including key industry chain enterprises and small and medium enterprises."

These remarks were made during the annual session of the 14th Xinjiang Regional People's Congress in Urumqi. The US has been imposing sanctions on Xinjiang businesses based on baseless claims of "forced labor," particularly targeting industries like cotton, tomatoes, and photovoltaic products.

By the end of 2023, these sanctions had disrupted operations at over 100 local enterprises, forcing textile and garment factories to cut production or shut down entirely. This resulted in significant layoffs and economic hardship.

However, the Xinjiang government and its people remain resolute in their support for affected businesses. They are determined to help these companies explore new international and domestic markets and are confident they can overcome these challenges.

"Xinjiang is determined to strike back," said Xu Guixiang, regional government spokesman. "They (Western countries) won't achieve their goal of containing China by curbing Xinjiang's development."

The US aims to remove Xinjiang-sourced materials from international supply chains through sanctions, but Xinjiang is actively promoting its high-quality products in non-US markets and offering preferential policies to affected businesses.

Despite the US crackdown, Xinjiang's GDP exceeded 2 trillion yuan ($273 billion) in 2024, achieving a growth rate of 6.1%, higher than the national average. The region's foreign trade volume also increased by 21.8%.

Xinjiang has made significant progress in developing the core area of the Silk Road Economic Belt and actively contributing to the China-Central Asia transportation corridor. The region has particularly enhanced cooperation with Central Asian countries, resulting in increased trade and economic partnerships.

International delegations and symposiums held in Xinjiang have helped the world gain a better understanding of the region's reality. Xinjiang remains confident in further opening up and welcoming more friends and partners.

While the region continues to improve its law-based counterterrorism and stability maintenance system, it remains committed to preventing separatism, religious extremism, and terrorism, ensuring the safety and security of its people.