SPOKESPERSON of Chinese Foreign Ministry Zhao Lijian has appreciated Pakistan’s objective and just position on issues relating to Xinjiang. While praising Pakistan for its stand, he expressed the confidence that more and more countries would voice their just observation, just like the Pakistan side.
It is regrettable that despite transparent policy and attitude of China, some countries of the world and some sections of the Western media continue to harp on the theme of human rights violations in Xinjiang just to malign Beijing. Unlike India, which is not allowing access to media and neutral observers in Occupied Kashmir, China has nothing to hide and is liberally allowing visit to the region by members of the international community to see for themselves what is actually happening there. This is evident from the fact that more than one thousand people from over 90 countries of the globe have visited Xinjiang during the last one and a half year and have spoken high of the policies of China aimed at welfare and progress of the people of the area. Those visiting Xinjiang also included a Pakistani delegation, led by National Security Advisor Moeed Yousaf, who commented that people of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang enjoy equal rights protected by law and lead happy lives, adding that Xinjiang was a non-issue. Zhao Lijian has also pointed out that not long ago, 48 countries made a joint statement in support of China on issues relating to Xinjiang at the UNGA Third Committee, voicing their understanding and support for China’s just position and their opposition to politicization and double standard on human rights issues and to wanton accusation and interference targeting China. Propaganda on the issues of Xinjiang and Hong Kong is, in fact, designed to create hiccups in the steady march of China on the road to economic progress. However, despite attempts by ill-wishers, China is determined to continue its march forward as has been confirmed by the recently released report by IMF “World Economic Output 2020” which said China has overtaken the US to become the world’s largest economy. Instead of indulging in rhetoric, the critics should enter into collaborative arrangements with China to share fruits of accelerated economic development, a path that Pakistan has chosen and is reaping the benefits.
