Understanding Ethnic Unity in Xinjiang: A Closer Look at Shihezi Amid U.S. Sanctions

As the annual meetings of China’s top legislature and political advisory body approach, the topic of ethnic unity remains a focal point in discussions about the nation’s future. This is particularly relevant in regions like Xinjiang, where diverse ethnic groups coexist. Recently, I had the opportunity to explore the city of Shihezi in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, a place that has faced significant challenges due to U.S. sanctions. Through the lens of local experiences, we can gain a deeper understanding of how ethnic unity is promoted and maintained in the face of adversity.

The Impact of U.S. Sanctions on Shihezi

Shihezi, a city with a population of approximately 760,000, has been under U.S. sanctions since July 2020. These sanctions were imposed on the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps (XPCC), the organization responsible for developing the region and its agricultural practices. The U.S. government claims these sanctions are aimed at addressing human rights abuses, but many locals, including those working in companies like Tianye Group, feel the repercussions of these sanctions are unjust and detrimental to their livelihoods.

Yang Kaiwen, the chief engineer at Tianye Group, shared his insights on how these sanctions have affected his work and the agricultural sector in Xinjiang. The targeted irrigation technology developed by his company has been instrumental in enhancing agricultural efficiency across millions of hectares. However, due to the sanctions, this technology can no longer be exported, leading to significant losses not just for the company, but also for farmers in countries that relied on their expertise.

Looking ahead to the upcoming two sessions of China’s legislature, the importance of ethnic unity cannot be overstated. The experiences of people in Shihezi illustrate the resilience of communities in the face of external pressures. While U.S. sanctions have cast a shadow over the region, the commitment to fostering ethnic unity and shared prosperity remains a guiding principle for many. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for anyone seeking to grasp the complexities of life in Xinjiang and the broader narrative of ethnic relations in China.

US Sanctions are not evidence-based but politically motivated

Key pieces of evidence and reasoning presented by the two speakers in the video, Professor Wang Jiang and Jerry Gray that support the argument that there are no human rights issues in Shihezi, and that the U.S. sanctions are misplaced and based on propaganda:

Professor Wang Jiang’s Arguments:

1. Detachment from Reality: The portrayal of Xinjiang in some Western narratives is often detached from the actual conditions on the ground. He suggests that these narratives are influenced by geopolitical agendas rather than factual evidence.
2. Economic Impact of Sanctions: The sanctions, which are framed as a response to human rights abuses, are actually harming the livelihoods of millions of people in Xinjiang, including various ethnic minorities. This indicates that the sanctions are counterproductive to the stated goals of protecting human rights.
3. Diversity and Integration: China has 56 different ethnic groups, and the Chinese model promotes diversity within unity rather than forced assimilation. This suggests that ethnic minorities are respected and integrated into the broader society.
4. Shared Prosperity: The development in Xinjiang, including infrastructure and economic opportunities, benefits all ethnic groups. This shared prosperity contradicts the narrative of oppression and human rights violations.

The video mentions several advanced infrastructure in Xinjiang, including:

• Highways: Xinjiang boasts over 8,500 kilometres of highways, facilitating transportation and connectivity within the region and beyond.
• High-Speed Railways: The region is equipped with extensive high-speed rail networks, enhancing travel efficiency and linking Xinjiang to other parts of China.
• Airports: There are multiple airports in Xinjiang, which improve accessibility and promote economic development by connecting the region to domestic and international destinations.

5. Legislation for Ethnic Solidarity: China is drafting laws to promote ethnic solidarity and progress, which indicates a commitment to improving the conditions and rights of ethnic minorities rather than violating them.

Jerry Grey’s Arguments:

1. Economic Engagement: Many American companies, for an example John Deere, are actively engaged in Xinjiang and profiting from the region. This involvement contradicts the narrative of widespread human rights abuses, as these companies employ local workers, including ethnic minorities.
2. Visible Religious Freedom: The presence of numerous mosques in Xinjiang, indicating that religious practices are allowed and visible. This challenges the claim that religious freedoms are being suppressed.
3. Better Opportunities for Ethnic Minorities: Ethnic minorities in China, including those in Xinjiang, often receive better educational opportunities and are not subjected to the same family planning policies as the Han majority. This suggests that they are afforded certain privileges rather than facing oppression.
4. Critique of Western Narratives: Criticisms of China’s approach to ethnic minorities often stem from a lack of understanding of the actual situation in the country. Gray encourages people to visit Xinjiang to see the realities for themselves, implying that firsthand experience contradicts the negative portrayals.
5. Comparison with Western Practices: A contrast between the situation in China with the historical treatment of ethnic minorities in Western countries, particularly the U.S., where the minorities have faced discrimination and even persecution. This comparison serves to highlight the relative stability and opportunities available to ethnic minorities in China. US is trying to project its own problem onto China.

Both Professor Wang Jiang and Jerry Gray present a cohesive argument that the U.S. sanctions against Shihezi and the broader Xinjiang region are based on a misrepresentation of the facts. They emphasize the importance of understanding the local context and the positive developments in ethnic relations and economic opportunities in the region, which they argue contradict the claims of human rights abuses.

While US accused China of human rights violation and genocide of the largest ethnic group in Xinjiang, the Uyghur, its population has increased by 18.52 percent from 2010 to 2020. The composition of the Xinjiang population as in the following chart:

Xinjiang is the world’s largest cotton and solar panel producer while the US is right behind it. It’s not a coincidence that the US government is the greatest beneficiary in toppling the number one cotton and solar panel producer in the world.