Xinjiang is an autonomous region of China, with a predominantly Muslim population. From 1934 to 1974, it was part of East Turkestan, but it came under Chinese control thereafter. The region’s influences are a blend of Turkish and Chinese cultures, with significant ties to countries like Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Mongolia. Xinjiang plays a crucial role in the Pakistan-China Economic Corridor, highlighting its importance in regional economics and connectivity.
This region is the center of attention for the entire world due to its geographical significance. This is the fundamental reason why the United States has been and continues to propagate against China by exploiting the plight of Muslims, portraying them in a negative light. Muslim issues are being presented in a biased manner by European and Indian media, adding to the tensions between China and the Muslim world.
We know about these issues, but before investigating into the authenticity of these claims, it’s essential to understand why this region holds such significant importance. The geographical significance stems from its strategic location, serving as a crossroads between various regions, including Central Asia, South Asia, and the Middle East. As for the attention given to education and development in the region, it’s crucial to acknowledge the government’s efforts, but it’s also essential to evaluate the situation objectively. Understanding the geography of this region is indeed crucial for the broader understanding of the Muslim community’s dynamics and the geopolitical landscape.
This region, approximately 40 rivers flow, and it holds around 25% of the world’s petroleum reserves, with 28% of natural gas extracted from this area. Additionally, significant deposits of gold, silver, uranium, and other minerals are found here. According to estimates, about 40% of the world’s production comes from this region. Rich in natural resources and scenic beauty, this area has become the focus of international print and electronic media attention. It’s predominantly inhabited by Muslims and has been developed strategically to leverage its natural wealth.Islam is a religion of peace and brotherhood, and China’s closest friend, Pakistan, is an Islamic country. This is why some terrorist elements continuously attempt to disrupt the relations between the two countries by resorting to terrorism under the guise of Islam.
In 2001, when the United States initiated its war on terror in Afghanistan, other regional players also intensified their counterterrorism efforts. During that time, the United States and India made every possible effort to sabotage the relationship between China and Pakistan. It was a period when the relations between both countries were under significant strain due to negative influences from external forces.
However, both countries managed to preserve the true spirit of their relationship despite the challenges, and the Muslim population here, similar to Pakistan, Afghanistan, and other Muslim-majority countries in the region, shares common values. However, there are also individuals who are contributing to the deteriorating environment.
In September 2001, former President General Pervez Musharraf visited this region, marking the first time a Pakistani leader addressed the Muslim population of China directly. President Musharraf emphasized the importance of spreading peace as Muslims, stating that Islam is a religion of peace and does not condone any form of terrorism.
Our religion, Islam, teaches us the lesson of peace. The position of the Pakistani government, whether it’s in 201 or 2020, is crystal clear: Pakistan will not become a cause for any issues China faces, nor will it align with any force that opposes China. The stance of all religious groups in Pakistan is also evident they understand China’s internal affairs and will support them. The fundamental reason behind this is that Xinjiang has created a new paradigm in Pak-China friendship.
The propaganda by European and Indian media against China is a calculated conspiracy because American and Indian lobbies do not want stable relations between China and Islamic countries. Even Pakistan’s access to warm waters through China poses a significant challenge for these vested interests.
This region holds immense importance for Pakistan-China relations, serving as a gateway for the Islamic world. With initiatives like CPEC and BRI, it is poised to become an economic hub in the future. Consequently, the United States often directs its attention towards China. Despite negative portrayals in newspapers, the reality is quite the opposite. The Chinese government is actively engaged in uplifting this region. It is providing assistance for development, focusing on education, and combatting terrorism. The Chinese government’s efforts aim to improve the quality of life for the people here and to eradicate terrorism from the region.
People here are being provided with all the basic necessities by the government to achieve their goals. Education, healthcare, and other essential facilities are being provided to the people here, equivalent to other provinces of China. Many initiatives are being taken against terrorism, with Pakistan playing a central role. More than a hundred innocent lives have been sacrificed in this war. Similarly, the region of China has also been affected by terrorism. The Chinese government is paying special attention to the development and reconstruction of this area.
Terrorism is a historical phenomenon that began in the 1940s and has continued until today. From 1990 to 2016, the policy of international terrorism has severely affected China’s security due to the activities of extremist groups. Whether through bombings, killings, or sabotage, these attacks have caused significant harm. Numerous police officers have been killed in these attacks. The world knows that terrorism is an international issue, and efforts are being made globally to combat it.
China’s government is focusing on education in this region to ensure that people acquire as much education as possible and play their role in the development of the country like others. This region in China is the center of CPEC, through which it will see significant development in the coming times, turning it into a modern city like Shanghai. The distance from this region to Gwadar will be covered in just 15 days.
Gwadar, a warm-water port, provides China access to 60 to 70 countries. The journey from Xinjiang to Gwadar, which was once a dream, has now begun, and it is expected to be completed by 2030. Representatives have been appointed to oversee this project. During my visits to China in 2018 and 2019, I met some Xinjiang Muslim students. They were quite hopeful about the initiatives of the Chinese government.
Meeting with them made me realize that China is determined and diligent in realizing the bright future aspirations of Muslim communities just like any other Chinese citizen. Meanwhile, it raises questions why the injustices perpetrated by the Indian army in Kashmir do not draw the same attention from those who raise voices against the alleged mistreatment of Muslims in China. This highlights how America’s Islamophobia policies post-9/11 have shaped perceptions. A comparison between Chinese and American approaches towards Muslim populations can be drawn from here. On one hand, China is striving for transformation through revolutionary projects in Muslim-majority regions, while on the other hand, America seems perpetually inclined towards a propaganda policy.
The province of Xinjiang shares a border with Pakistan, and Pakistan’s region of Gilgit-Baltistan is adjacent to it. Trade of dry fruits is common between them, and there is also an exchange of delegations of Muslim communities. This indicates that America is displeased with China’s progress and success, and it targets China by making issues out of small matters. However, in China, Muslims are not only enjoying their religious freedom but are also benefiting from educational and economic development.