Gulnal Ubli, an official from Xinjiang agricultural machinery bureau, said during the conference that some foreign media and members of the ETIM slandered Xinjiang by maliciously claiming persecution and detention of Uygur intellectuals, including herself.
"These reports are nonsense!" she said, adding that many scholars that have been rumored as being "detained" are living normal lives.
"We have not been mistreated or detained. We are still working on our positions and did not lose our rights and freedom. I want to stress that China is a country ruled by law… all Chinese citizens, including the Uygur people, will face no custody if they do not violate laws," said Gulnal.
However, there is a very small group of so-called "intellectuals" who incite terrorism and extremism, attempt to split the country, stir hatred among different ethnic groups and assist terrorists.
"They are the enemy of the people and must be lawfully punished," Gulnal said.
Alijian Tohti from Kashi shared glimpses of his time in the training center. He stressed the living condition in the center was good and they had free accommodation. Their rituals and eating habits were respected and they had opportunities to attend many interesting classes.
Alijian said he went on to work in a company after graduating from the center and is now satisfied with his current income.
Almujiang Abuduaini is a trainee in the Hotan training center. After being influenced by extremism, he barred his wife from going to work, stopped his children's schooling, and did not consult doctors or visit the hospital when they were sick.
Almujiang said, he has changed a lot after joining the training center. He now cares more about his family members and with the help of the residential community, he opened a small shop selling items of daily necessities.
"I can earn more than 10,000 yuan a month and I hired a helper from a poverty-stricken family. Our life is getting better and I love my family and will provide good education to my children," he said.
Officials from the regional government also unveiled the achievements of Xinjiang's work on countering terrorism and de-radicalization. Not even a single violent attack occurred in Xinjiang in over three years, which was the foremost accomplishment.
The stability and harmony of society have brought an opportunity for economic development. The GDP of Xinjiang in 2018 surpassed 1.2 trillion yuan and the per capita disposable income of urban and rural residents was 32,764 yuan and 11,975 yuan respectively. The GDP in 2019 is expected to reach 1.378 trillion yuan.
In 2019, Xinjiang received 213 million trips, garnering a tourism revenue of more than 360 billion yuan.
More transparent and confident
Despite some Western media's relentless attempts at slandering Xinjiang, more conscious people have reacted positively to Xinjiang's current achievements, Xinjiang regional officials said.
"The truth may be delayed but it will never be denied," said Guli, noting that a US news website, Grayzone released a report on December 12, 2019 which disclosed that the figure of "1 million Uygur detention" in Xinjiang was in fact sourced from a Washington-based nongovernmental organization, the Network of Chinese-Human Righters Defenders.
Based on interviews with only eight Uygurs in an area with a population of 20 million, CHRD "extrapolated estimates" that "at least 10 percent of villagers… are being detained in re-education detention camps, and 20 percent are being forced to attend day/evening re-education camps in the villages or townships," according to the Grayzone article.
"Lies cannot cover the truth. Slandering Xinjiang will finally be torn down… Xinjiang's work on countering terrorism and de-radicalization is above board. The great efforts made by people and officials of all ethnic groups on realizing long-term stability in Xinjiang should get a fair and square evaluation from the international community," said the spokesperson.
Analysts believe with the development of Xinjiang, the region has become more open and confident and it welcomes more visitors to espy the reality with their eyes.
Xinjiang has invited more than 1,000 people from 90 countries and regions to visit the region, said officials during Friday's press conference, adding that Xinjiang's anti-terrorism measures are in accordance with UN regulations on countering terrorism and firmly safeguards human rights.
