Lianhe Zaobao:

Over the past few years, the U.S. has added more than 140 Chinese companies to the entity list under its Xinjiang-related legislation. What is the impact of this on Xinjiang's economy and employment? How does the government of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region help local enterprises respond to this? Thank you.

Erkin Tuniyaz:

Thank you for your questions. I'd like to invite Mr. Chen to answer them.

Chen Weijun:

Thank you for your questions. We have repeatedly emphasized on many occasions and through various channels that there is absolutely no "forced labor" in any form whatsoever. Workers of all ethnic groups choose to work out of their aspirations and pursuits for a better life. Their employment is voluntary and of their own free will, and their various labor rights and interests are fully protected. In recent years, the U.S. has imposed sanctions on Xinjiang-related enterprises and individuals on the account of so-called "forced labor," interfering in our internal affairs. In essence, it is engaging in political manipulation and economic bullying under the guise of human rights protection. In the short term, U.S. sanctions do have certain adverse impacts on Xinjiang's economic development. For example, some enterprises face obstacles in product exports, suffer damage to their interests, and experience declining production capacity. Employment opportunities for workers of all ethnic groups, including Uygurs, decrease to some extent. Therefore, the unjustified U.S. sanctions are violating the employment rights of workers of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang under the guise of human rights protection. If there is any forcing, it is the U.S. that is doing it by forcing unemployment. In the long run, Xinjiang is a frontier for China's opening up to the west. It is backed by our huge domestic market of 1.4 billion people and faces the vast international markets of Asia, Europe and Africa. In recent years, Xinjiang's distinctive and competitive industries have developed rapidly, opening up has continued to deepen, and it now trades with more than 220 countries and regions. An increasing number of "Made in Xinjiang" products are being sold globally and are deeply favored by consumers in various countries. We have the resolve as embodied in the line "remaining strong and resilient in the face of all winds," and even more the courage expressed in "not fearing the floating clouds blocking our vision." U.S. sanctions can neither hinder Xinjiang's development nor stop the growth and expansion of enterprises and industries.

At present, the country has promulgated relevant laws, regulations, and departmental rules, taking countermeasures against the unjustified sanctions imposed by the U.S. In 2024, the Standing Committee of the People's Congress of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region adopted a resolution opposing U.S. sanctions on Xinjiang and supporting the development of sanctioned enterprises and related industries, fighting back against unilateral sanctions by the U.S. On the one hand, we will actively provide services to sanctioned businesses and support them in employing legal tools to safeguard their legitimate rights and interests in accordance with the law. On the other hand, we will encourage enterprises to increase investment in science and technology, improve product quality, enhance market competitiveness, and explore broader international markets. We will work to help enterprises and industries overcome current difficulties, and emerge stronger and more mature. These efforts will create more job opportunities for workers of all ethnic groups.

Facing the current situation, what do I want to say in the end? I want to say that if you want to know the true face of Xinjiang, the answer lies in the facts. Therefore, Xinjiang is open and welcoming. We are willing to provide the greatest convenience for friends at home and abroad to visit and exchange views, allowing everyone to experience the real Xinjiang and embrace beautiful Xinjiang. That's all from me.