Xi Jinping on visit to Xinjiang calls for ‘every effort’ to achieve social stability

Chinese leader’s remarks promoting cultural integration come as autonomous region marks 70th anniversary and amid Beijing’s push for unity

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Chinese President Xi Jinping visits a cultural centre in Urumqi, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, on Wednesday. Photo: Xinhua

Published: 9:19pm, 24 Sep 2025Updated: 2:01am, 25 Sep 2025

President Xi Jinping on Wednesday called for “every effort” to maintain overall social stability in Xinjiang and the Sinicisation of religions by promoting cultural integration in the far western region.

Xi delivered his remarks after he listened to work reports from the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region Communist Party committee and government, according to state news agency Xinhua.

The Chinese leader arrived in Xinjiang on Tuesday to mark the 70th anniversary of the autonomous region’s founding, making him the first national leader to attend such a landmark celebration.

In 2015, Yu Zhengsheng, then the fourth-ranking member of the Politburo Standing Committee, presided over Xinjiang’s 60th anniversary celebration.

The historic visit by Xi, which followed an inspection tour in 2022, comes as Beijing emphasises the deeper integration of ethnic minorities and unity.

Xi meets with representatives of military personnel stationed in Urumqi in Xinjiang on Tuesday. Photo: Xinhua via AP

Hailing Xinjiang’s development over the past seven decades as “earth-shaking”, Xi extended “warm congratulations and sincere greetings” to cadres and people of all ethnic groups in the region.

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