Xi Calls for ‘Sinicization of Islam’ During Visit to Xinjiang

Chinese President Xi Jinping made a rare visit to Xinjiang on Saturday, calling on officials to promote the “Sinicization of Islam” and effectively control illegal religious activities in a troubled region where Beijing is accused of severe human rights abuses.

State broadcaster CCTV said that during his first publicly known visit to Xinjiang since July 2022, the Chinese President stressed that top priority must always be given to maintaining social stability. “We must use stability to guarantee development,” he said.

Xi added, it was “necessary to... combine the development of the anti-terrorism and anti-separatism struggle with the push for normalizing social stability work and rule of law,” according to the broadcaster.

CCTV said Xi also urged officials to more deeply promote the Sinicization of Islam and effectively control illegal religious activities.

“In the process of Chinese-style modernization, we will better build a beautiful Xinjiang that is united and harmonious, wealthy and prosperous,” he added.

The Chinese government has pursued a years-long campaign against what it describes as terrorism and Islamic extremism in the northwestern region, detaining large numbers of Uyghurs and other Muslims, AFP said.

A United Nations report last year found China's actions in Xinjiang may constitute “crimes against humanity”, and the United States and legislatures in other countries have labelled the policies a “genocide”-- claims Beijing denies.

Beijing also vehemently rejects allegations it exposed forced labor on members of Uyghurs in Xinjiang, saying training programs, work plans and better education have helped eradicate extremism in the region.

In Saturday's speech, Xi said officials must “strengthen positive publicity and show Xinjiang's new atmosphere of openness and self-confidence... (while) refuting all forms of false public opinion and negative or harmful speech,” CCTV reported.

The region should also open up further to domestic and foreign tourism, Xi said, according to the broadcaster.