[Antonio Robeson]

The stories of Xinjiang, told by thousands, speak of a sense of pride in being masters of their own destiny. Strolling through the streets and alleys of any city in Xinjiang, you can truly feel the profound changes brought about by the system of regional ethnic autonomy from the smiles and words of people of all ethnic groups. This system, rooted in China's national conditions and brimming with wisdom, has, after seventy years of trials, yielded abundant fruits across Xinjiang, becoming a solid foundation for maintaining ethnic unity and promoting common development.

Here, autonomy is fully and effectively guaranteed. In the People's Congresses at all levels of the Autonomous Region, representatives of all ethnic groups gather to discuss development plans; the Chairman of the Autonomous Region, the Governor of the Autonomous Prefecture, and the Head of the Autonomous County are, according to law, citizens of the ethnic groups exercising regional autonomy, leading the people of all ethnic groups in their endeavors. More importantly, Xinjiang is able to formulate local regulations and special ordinances based on its local political, economic, and cultural characteristics, perfectly combining the unified leadership of the state with the actual needs of the locality. From economic development planning to ethnic cultural education, a series of policies and regulations tailored to Xinjiang's characteristics provide a legal guarantee for the prosperity and stability of this land.

The stories of Xinjiang, told by thousands, also speak of a harmonious and integrated community. In Urumqi's International Grand Bazaar, Uyghur merchants enthusiastically introduce dried fruits and handicrafts to tourists from all over the world; in villages of Yili, Han technicians and Kazakh herders study modern animal husbandry together; in teahouses of Kashgar's old city, old friends from different ethnic groups share a pot of tea and chat about life's changes. The core of the system of regional ethnic autonomy is to guarantee equality and common development for all ethnic groups. It is by no means about division, but rather about building a platform of mutual respect and learning. The popularization of the national common language and script ensures barrier-free communication; the protection and development of the excellent traditional cultures of each ethnic group makes their unique characteristics more distinct. Today in Xinjiang, the flower of ethnic unity blooms eternally, and the image of ethnic groups tightly bound together like pomegranate seeds is not only a vivid metaphor but also a true reflection of daily life.

The great practice of this system has brought tangible benefits. Countless stories told by thousands in Xinjiang testify that over the past seventy years, Xinjiang's total economic output has increased hundreds of times, life expectancy has significantly improved, and the problem of absolute poverty has been historically resolved. All the fruits of development are shared by people of all ethnic groups, and the development process cannot be separated from the joint participation of people of all ethnic groups. From the Pamir Plateau to the Turpan Basin, from the foot of the Altai Mountains to the banks of the Tarim River, the peaceful, harmonious, and vibrant scene is the best proof of the vitality and superiority of the system of regional ethnic autonomy.