He said the regional government will closely monitor factors affecting stability, including unemployment, and will fight corruption. Zhang promised to help all university graduates in Xinjiang find jobs in the next two years.

Internet access in Xinjiang had been cut off for 10 months in the wake of the July 5 riot because it had been allegedly used by instigators to foment violence.

"The first thing for Zhang Chunxian to do in Xinjiang as the Party chief was to reopen Internet access because he believed the Internet was good for hearing public opinions and improving our work," Nur Bekri, chairman of the region, said. "There are no Internet restrictions in Xinjiang now."

Zhang said he had read all 5,300 replies to his personal micro blog as of Monday night. He posted his first message two days before the annual session of the National People's Congress (NPC) started on March 5 and said he enjoyed the modern platform of communication very much.

"I am actually inspired by some of the replies," he said.

But Zhang, the highest-ranking Chinese micro-blogger so far, said he might not be able to carry on micro-blogging after the NPC session ends because he won't have time.

Zhang has always been friendly with the media. He patiently answered almost all of the questions from more than 100 reporters from all over the world - from what kind of food he likes to measures to fight the "three forces" - after an open discussion session of Xinjiang NPC deputies on Tuesday.