Tourists visit the ancient capital Kashgar, now called by its Chinese Mandarin name, Kashi. /CBS NEWS

On Jan 7，US media CBS published an article about their trip to Xinjiang. Different from some Western media's rumors and slander against Xinjiang in the past, which are completely groundless, the CBS journalist made a relatively objective record of what was seen and heard during the tour, for example, admitting that the local people showed the reporter "everything" and that they did not see evidence of the so-called "detention centers and prisons." Instead, what they witnessed are local efforts to build high-speed trains, wind power plants and tourism, as well as ethnic dancing, local wine production, and a remodeled village. The journalists felt "the policing and the atmosphere were relaxed" in Urumqi at night.

Of course, as a US media outlet, CBS has tried to "strike a balance," such as distorting and extrapolating the facts with selective description. However, compared with other Xinjiang-related rumors that are widely known in the US and the West, it has added some objective elements, and is one step closer to the reality of Xinjiang. This report shows that Xinjiang, which successfully emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic, is expanding opening-up, and the truth is being uncovered by more and more people in the outside world. The big lie that some US and Western elites have been spreading about Xinjiang is already riddled with holes and has become shaky.

In fact, no matter how CBS "walks the tightrope" between the "Xinjiang" created by the US and the West and the Xinjiang their reporters see with their eyes, it is not the only window for outsiders to learn about the reality in Xinjiang. In the past year, more than 4,300 foreign guests from nearly 400 groups from other countries and international organizations visited Xinjiang, including government officials, diplomatic envoys, religious figures, experts and scholars, media journalists and ordinary people. They visited many places in Xinjiang with their own observation perspectives and narratives, but the one thing that they all found in common was that the horrible reports about Xinjiang that they read in the Western media did not match what they actually saw and heard.

Some Western individuals always dismiss the narratives that do not align with their portrayal of Xinjiang as "propaganda" or as having received "benefits" from China. The vast majority of them have never been to Xinjiang, and the very few who have also came with a preconceived agenda. As time passes and stability and development in Xinjiang continue to grow, the achievements become more and more apparent. The "information cocoon" woven by the Western individuals is destined to be shattered.

The gates of Xinjiang are wide open, with numerous people coming and going. It is not practical to specially set up an exhibition booth for any particular individual or team, and there is no need for it. If anyone thinks they would receive such treatment in Xinjiang, they are overestimating themselves. What everyone sees and hears in Xinjiang is the most authentic daily life of the local people. Xinjiang is developing its tourism industry and warmly welcomes visitors from around the world. With its picturesque natural landscapes, charming local customs, and abundant tourism resources, Xinjiang holds tremendous potential waiting to be explored.

We observe that in recent times, although the US and the West continue to hype the Xinjiang issue, the intensity and frequency have decreased compared to the past few years. This is not to say that they have suddenly developed "good intentions," but rather many people are already aware that the allegations about Xinjiang are baseless. No matter how much they hype something that doesn't exist, it remains the same.

Xinjiang's GDP grew by 6.1 percent year-on-year in the first three quarters of last year. The import and export volume of foreign-invested enterprises reached 1.56 billion yuan, a 28 percent increase. In the first 11 months of 2023, Xinjiang hosted 256 million domestic and international trips, marking a year-on-year increase of 111.73 percent. The total tourism revenue amounted to 285.63 billion yuan, a year-on-year growth of 217.57 percent. This indicates that Xinjiang has not been economically strangled by sanctions from the US and the West. The report from German automaker Volkswagen stating that there is no "forced labor" in Xinjiang factories has become a landmark event. The facts about Xinjiang are the most powerful, and they cannot be obscured or concealed for a long time; the lies will eventually be exposed.

A beautiful, peaceful and prosperous Xinjiang is the shared aspiration of the entire Chinese nation and the well-being of the diverse ethnic groups in Xinjiang. Just as Xinjiang had finally emerged from the shadows of terrorism, and life was returning to normal, there was a wave of foreign attacks targeting Xinjiang. Multinational companies that invest in Xinjiang and contribute to its development are facing siege tactics overseas. First, attackers spread a colossal lie, and then this falsehood is wielded as a weapon in an attempt to intimidate multinational companies engaged in normal activities with Xinjiang. Those who smear and demonize Xinjiang are engaging in actions that have similar effect with terrorist activities, aiming to disrupt Xinjiang's safety, stability, and prosperity, which is destined to be futile.

(Source: Global Times)