Some countries and individuals have recently started to stir up the so-called "Xinjiang issue" again, in an attempt to slander China's efforts in counter-terrorism and de-radicalization, and to sow discord between China and the Islamic world, a Chinese diplomat has said.
In a signed article published by Saudi newspaper Arab News on Thursday, Zhu Xinglong, counselor at the Chinese Embassy in Saudi Arabia, said that in today's world, security is the foundation of development, and development is a pathway to security as well.
By introducing the development achievements of human rights cause and counter-terrorism in China's northwestern Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, the article refutes the baseless hype by certain countries of the so-called "Xinjiang issue," and highlights China's willingness to cooperate with Islamic countries to build a community with a shared future for humanity.
The international community must come together to combat those terrorists who betray their countries and beliefs, said Zhu, adding that unfortunately, some countries apply double standards on counter-terrorism.
They identify terrorism with specific countries and religions, while turning a blind eye to other countries' efforts and achievements in safeguarding security and combating terrorism and extremism, Zhu noted.
China is a country of ethnic and religious diversity, in which all religions are treated equally and coexist in harmony, Zhu said, noting that members of all ethnic groups are insistent on their demands that terrorism be punished and that their lives and property be protected.
The establishment of vocational education and training centers in Xinjiang is a concrete step taken by China to implement the international community's counter-terrorism and de-radicalization initiatives, including the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and the Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism, he added.
Xinjiang, he noted, has not seen a single violent terrorist attack for three consecutive years, which shows that the de-radicalization and preventive counter-terrorism measures have achieved tangible results and greatly improved people's sense of security and happiness.
He added that China advocates international cooperation to ensure that development is effective in removing breeding grounds for terrorism and radical ideologies.
The Chinese government has always regarded Islamic countries as close partners in promoting common development and safeguarding peace and stability, Zhu said.
China is willing to work with Islamic countries to build a world of lasting peace, universal security and common prosperity, he added.
