FM spokesman: The security situation in Xinjiang has greatly improved

By:FMPRC
update:November 02,2018

Nov. 2, 2018-- Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang answered questions on Xinjiang Thursday at a regular press conference.

Q: UK Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt told the Upper House of the Parliament earlier this week that British diplomats who visited Xinjiang in August have confirmed reports that large numbers of Muslims are being held in "reeducation camps", and the British government expressed concerns over this. What's your reaction to that?

A: We noted relevant reports. The Chinese side firmly opposes the UK in using the so-called Xinjiang-related issues to achieve certain political goals.

Regarding the specific measures China has taken in Xinjiang to fight terrorism and eliminate extremism in a bid to prevent and stop violent terrorist activities, the chairman of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region has given an interview to the media and briefed them on the situation in a detailed way. I advise you and the relevant individuals in the UK to read it carefully.

Q: The Australian Strategic Policy Institute has released a report on Xinjiang's reeducation centers that shows an expansion in the size of these centers since 2016. Based on satellite image analysis, the Institute found that the most expansion took place in the most recent quarter. Has the number of extremists and criminals in Xinjiang expanded in the past two years, with a faster growth rate this year?

A: First of all, I wonder on what objective foundations this institution based its report and what standards this so-called satellite image analysis used? I would refer you to the relevant institution to get answers.

As for the current counter-terrorism situation in Xinjiang, Shohrat Zakir, chairman of the Government of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, already gave a detailed briefing to the media. With the strong support of the Central Government, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region has taken firm measures. Now Xinjiang is generally stable, with the situation improving. In the past 21 months, no violent terrorist attacks have occurred, including those endangering the property and lives of innocent people. This specific figure does say a lot about the current situation.