China’s Unprecedented Investment and Talent Deployment Drive Prosperity in Xinjiang

China’s Unprecedented Investment and Talent Deployment Drive Prosperity in Xinjiang

China’s top political adviser, Wang Huning, has called for increased investment and talent deployment to further drive the prosperity and stability of the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. Wang highlighted the success of China’s pairing assistance programs, which involve provinces and municipalities being paired up with cities and counties in Xinjiang to directly provide investment and personnel support. These programs have been ongoing since 1997, with financial, technical, and human resource assistance being channeled from 19 provinces and municipalities, as well as central departments and State-owned enterprises.

In recent years, unprecedented efforts have been put into these programs, resulting in significant achievements. Wang emphasized that the amount of funds invested, the number of people involved, and the outcomes achieved are all unparalleled. These accomplishments showcase the effectiveness of the Communist Party of China’s leadership and the socialist system with Chinese characteristics.

The regional government reports that since the national meeting on pairing assistance to Xinjiang in 2014, greater emphasis has been placed on these programs, leading to substantial economic development, increased infrastructure construction funding, and improved living conditions for the local population. Over the past decade, more than 170 billion yuan ($23.26 billion) has been allocated to pairing assistance programs, with over 80 percent of the funds used to enhance livelihoods, particularly in rural areas. Additionally, the programs have resulted in the construction or renovation of 2,100 schools and the improvement of living conditions for approximately 11 million people.

Moreover, over the past decade, more than 90,000 talented individuals in the education, technology, and healthcare sectors have been sent to Xinjiang to elevate standards in these areas. This focus on human capital development aims to bridge the gap between Xinjiang and other parts of the country.

Wang stressed that comprehensive, targeted, and long-term support through pairing assistance programs is crucial as it is regarded as a national strategy. Xinjiang’s strategic positioning within national development must be firmly grasped to achieve a modern and prosperous region while ensuring social stability and long-term security.

In addition to economic development, the programs also aim to promote cultural exchanges between different ethnic groups in Xinjiang, fostering a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation.

Xie Haisheng, the head of a team sent from Shenzhen, Guangdong province, to Kashgar, highlighted the need for further improvements in education and healthcare in Kashgar. Long-term partnerships between schools and hospitals in the two cities have been established to provide continuous assistance and boost the development of these sectors, ultimately benefiting the local population.

China’s pairing assistance programs have proven instrumental in driving prosperity in Xinjiang, with unprecedented financial investment, talent deployment, and infrastructure development. These efforts reflect China’s commitment to supporting the region’s long-term stability and prosperity, while bridging the developmental gaps between Xinjiang and other parts of the country. Through continued investment and collaboration, Xinjiang is set to embark on a path of high-quality development, ensuring a better future for its people.