Introduction
Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in September 2025 marked a defining moment in China’s modernization journey. His trip was not only symbolic of 70 years of Xinjiang’s autonomy but also an assertion of Beijing’s determination to transform the region into a model of unity, prosperity, and global connectivity.
During the visit from September 23 to 25, Xi, who also serves as the General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, addressed the people of Xinjiang with a clear message: build a modern socialist region rooted in harmony, cultural richness, sustainability, and economic growth.
This article explores the historical significance, economic transformation, cultural integration, and global impact of Xi’s Xinjiang visit while analyzing how it shapes China’s role in the international order.
Historical Context: Xinjiang’s Journey Since 1955
The founding of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in 1955 was a turning point in China’s governance model for minority regions. At the time, Xinjiang faced challenges including poverty, underdevelopment, and limited infrastructure.
Over the past seven decades, however, Xinjiang has undergone sweeping changes:
- Population Growth: From 4.78 million in 1953 to 25.85 million in 2020.
- Ethnic Minority Development: Ethnic minority groups increased from 4.45 million to 14.93 million in the same period.
- Economic Boom: GDP rose from negligible levels in the 1950s to over 2 trillion yuan ($281.4 billion) by 2024, growing at an annual rate of 8%.
This transformation set the stage for President Xi’s latest visit, reinforcing the idea that Xinjiang is now a cornerstone of China’s modernization strategy.
Xi Jinping’s Core Message: Building a Modern Xinjiang
During his visit, President Xi outlined a vision of a Xinjiang that embodies:
- Unity and Harmony – All ethnic groups living like “pomegranate seeds,” a metaphor for inseparable solidarity.
- Economic Prosperity – Harnessing Xinjiang’s resources, industries, and strategic location.
- Cultural Advancement – Protecting traditional heritage while integrating modern education and art.
- Environmental Sustainability – Developing without harming the fragile ecosystem.
- Security and Stability – Ensuring that residents can “live and work in peace and contentment.”
This message reflects not only China’s domestic priorities but also its ambition to project Xinjiang as an example to the world.
Local Reactions: Voices of Unity and Progress
The visit inspired people across Xinjiang, highlighting their pride in the region’s transformation.
- Halimulati Rexiti, a Turpan City performer, expressed joy in meeting Xi, emphasizing ethnic unity and cultural pride.
- Ma Lingxiang, a Urumqi community leader, pointed out improvements in medical care, education, and public safety since 2012.
- Tang Peike, a village official, highlighted the need to develop industries that reflect Xinjiang’s unique strengths, helping villagers achieve shared prosperity.
These voices echo the broader narrative of Xi’s leadership: policies that transform everyday life into a story of modernization.
Economic Achievements: Poverty Eradication and Growth
Xinjiang was once one of the poorest regions in China, but by 2020, it successfully eradicated extreme poverty:
- 3.06 million rural residents were lifted out of poverty.
- Infrastructure improvements—including roads, schools, and hospitals—connected remote communities to modern life.
- Strategic investments turned Xinjiang into an emerging hub for energy, agriculture, and technology.
Xi’s visit reinforced these achievements, presenting Xinjiang as proof of China’s claim to have built a “moderately prosperous society in all respects.”
Xinjiang as a Belt and Road Hub
Geographically, Xinjiang is central to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Bordering eight countries, it acts as a gateway between China, Central Asia, and Europe.
- Logistics Corridors: Rail and road links connect Urumqi and Kashgar with Central Asian markets.
- Energy Pipelines: Oil and gas pipelines from Central Asia run through Xinjiang to fuel China’s growth.
- Trade Expansion: Free trade zones in Urumqi and Khorgos are opening Xinjiang to global commerce.
By highlighting Xinjiang’s role in the BRI, Xi positioned the region as a strategic bridge between East and West, ensuring that its development resonates far beyond China’s borders.
Cultural Integration and Tourism Development
One of the most striking aspects of Xinjiang is its cultural diversity. Home to Uygur, Kazakh, Han, Hui, and other ethnic groups, the region offers a tapestry of traditions. Xi’s visit emphasized the importance of preserving this cultural richness while promoting tourism.
- Tourism Vision: Officials pledged to make Xinjiang a world-famous cultural tourism hub, highlighting attractions such as the Tianshan Mountains, Taklamakan Desert, and Silk Road heritage sites.
- Cultural Diplomacy: By promoting Xinjiang internationally, China seeks to project a narrative of multiethnic unity and shared prosperity.
- Soft Power Expansion: Cultural tourism serves not only as an economic driver but also as a tool of global image-building.
Environmental Priorities: Green Development in Xinjiang
Xi’s speeches highlighted the need for ecological balance in Xinjiang. The region’s fragile desert and mountain ecosystems require careful management:
- Renewable energy projects in solar and wind power.
- Afforestation and desertification control programs.
- Balancing industrial growth with sustainability goals.
Xinjiang’s green development strategy ties into China’s global narrative of combating climate change and leading the world in eco-friendly modernization.
Global Reactions and Implications
International observers are closely watching Xinjiang. For supporters, Xi’s visit proves that state-led governance can bring prosperity, unity, and stability. For critics, the visit raises questions about governance models and the balance between development and autonomy.
Nonetheless, Xinjiang’s transformation has undeniable global impact:
- Economic: As a trade hub, Xinjiang strengthens global supply chains.
- Political: It represents China’s model of ethnic integration and governance.
- Cultural: Its heritage and tourism potential draw global interest.
- Strategic: Its location secures China’s western frontier and links Asia to Europe.
Conclusion: Xinjiang as a Model of Modernization
President Xi Jinping’s Xinjiang visit is more than a domestic political event—it is a global message. It signals China’s intent to build a region that symbolizes unity, prosperity, sustainability, and international connectivity.
For Xinjiang residents, it was a moment of pride and renewed determination. For the world, it highlighted how China integrates governance, economic growth, and cultural identity into its modernization model.
As Xinjiang continues to evolve, it stands as both a symbol of China’s rise and a blueprint for global development strategies in diverse, multiethnic regions.
