World

Xi Jinping in Xinjiang: What China’s President Demands Amidst Human Rights Scrutiny and Economic Challenges

Xi Jinping visited Xinjiang, urging stability and economic growth amid human rights scrutiny.

September 24, 2025, 11:50 AM

Chinese President Xi Jinping stands with an EU flag behind him

Chinese President Xi Jinping, dressed in a dark suit, stands with an EU flag and ceremonial guards in the background at Villa Madama in Rome, Italy, on March 23, 2019. By Shutterstock.com / Alessia Pierdomenico.

Executive Summary

Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Xinjiang for the region’s 70th anniversary, directing officials to prioritize social stability, counter-terrorism, and guide ethnic groups to cultivate a “correct view” of the country and culture amidst international scrutiny.

President Xi urged officials to foster economic growth through competitive industrial clusters and tech innovation, acknowledging that U.S. sanctions over alleged forced Uyghur labor have negatively impacted the local economy and employment.

The visit occurs under significant international scrutiny regarding alleged human rights abuses against ethnic Uyghurs, with the U.S. asserting the existence of internment camps, while Beijing denies abuses and claims its “vocational education centers” closed in 2019.

The Story So Far

President Xi Jinping’s visit to Xinjiang occurs amidst significant international scrutiny and U.S. sanctions over alleged human rights abuses against ethnic Uyghurs, including claims of forced labor and a prolonged security crackdown that Beijing denies, asserting its “vocational education centers” were for counter-terrorism. This context explains Xi’s directives to prioritize social stability, foster economic growth, and guide residents towards a “correct view” of the country, aiming to counter external pressures and bolster the region’s role in China’s “dual circulation” policy.

Why This Matters

President Xi’s visit underscores Beijing’s unwavering commitment to maintaining social stability and ideological control in Xinjiang through continued security measures, while simultaneously pushing for economic development and the region’s greater integration into China’s “dual circulation” strategy. This dual focus suggests China’s resolve to assert its sovereignty and foster internal growth in Xinjiang, despite persistent international scrutiny and sanctions over alleged human rights abuses against ethnic Uyghurs, which have already impacted the local economy and unemployment.

Who Thinks What?

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Beijing emphasize prioritizing social stability, fostering economic growth through industrial clusters and innovation, building a robust defense against terrorism, and guiding residents to cultivate a “correct view” of the country, denying any human rights abuses and stating “vocational education centers” were closed in 2019.

U.S. authorities assert that Beijing established internment camps to detain Uyghurs and other Turkic Muslim minorities in Xinjiang, alleging forced labor, which led to U.S. sanctions on Xinjiang officials and entities.

Xinjiang officials acknowledge that U.S. sanctions have negatively impacted the local economy, contributing to unemployment in the region.

Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Urumqi, Xinjiang, on Tuesday to attend celebrations for the 70th anniversary of the region’s founding, urging local officials to maintain social stability and foster economic growth amidst international scrutiny over alleged human rights abuses against ethnic Uyghurs.

Directives on Stability and Ideology

During his visit, President Xi instructed local cadres to prioritize overall social stability in Xinjiang. He emphasized the necessity of building a robust defense against terrorism and guiding residents of all ethnic groups to cultivate a “correct view” of the country, history, ethnicity, culture, and religion.

This directive follows a prolonged security crackdown in the northwestern region, which has largely targeted ethnic Uyghurs and other Turkic Muslim minorities.

Economic Development Amidst Sanctions

President Xi also called upon officials to cultivate competitive industrial clusters and strengthen science and technological innovation to drive economic growth. This push for economic development comes after U.S. sanctions were imposed on Xinjiang officials and entities due to allegations of forced Uyghur labor.

Xinjiang officials have acknowledged that these U.S. sanctions have negatively impacted the local economy, contributing to unemployment in the region.

International Scrutiny and Beijing’s Stance

U.S. authorities assert that Beijing established internment camps to detain Uyghurs and other Turkic Muslim minorities within Xinjiang. Beijing, however, denies any abuses, stating that its “vocational education centers” were closed in 2019.

High-Level Delegation and Strategic Focus

President Xi was accompanied by high-ranking officials, including Wang Huning and Cai Qi, underscoring the significance of the visit. He articulated that Xinjiang should play a more prominent role in promoting domestic and international “dual circulation,” a Chinese policy aimed at strengthening domestic self-sufficiency.

Upon his arrival, President Xi was greeted by crowds of dancing Uyghurs and children waving flags. He is scheduled to attend a commemoration ceremony on Thursday as part of the anniversary celebrations.