A webinar titled "Xinjiang is a Wonderful Land" was held Wednesday to introduce the real Xinjiang where people of different ethnic groups live and work, enjoying a peaceful and harmonious life.

The online event, jointly held by China's Permanent Mission to the United Nations and the government of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, attracted the participation of permanent representatives to the U.N., local government officials, and people from all walks of life in Xinjiang. 

Zhang Jun, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, said via video link that China has undertaken a series of counter-terrorism and de-radicalization measures in accordance with the law, adding that there has not been a single terrorist attack over the past four years.

"There is now social stability across the entire region and rapid economic development has been achieved. People of all ethnic groups enjoy better lives with their human rights better protected," he said. "A few Western countries have chosen to turn a blind eye to that and have fabricated lies when Xinjiang's development has entered the best period in its history."

Zhang said that these anti-China forces made wanton accusations against China and, applied double standards on Xinjiang-related issues under the pretext of human rights to undermine the local industries and make trouble for China's development.

Shewket Imin, chairman of the Standing Committee of the People's Congress of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, said that in Xinjiang, economic development continues to improve, people's living standards have been significantly raised, and a decisive victory has been achieved in poverty alleviation. "All ethnic groups in Xinjiang fully enjoy the rights to life and development, and their sense of fulfillment, happiness and security has been clearly enhanced."

"Certain countries and anti-China forces hate to see what Xinjiang enjoys today, and smear China in an attempt to deprive the Xinjiang people of their right to a better life." He added that he welcomes more foreign friends to visit the region and see the real situation there, including its socioeconomic development and how local residents are enjoying their life and work.

During the webinar, people from different walks of life in Xinjiang told their personal stories, and a series of video clips reflecting Xinjiang's natural scenery, development achievements and people's lives were played for the audience.

Dilqemer Tursun, a local girl from Xinjing's Luntai county whose legs were severely injured in a terrorist attack in 2014, gave a firsthand account of the attack and shared her experience of overcoming the tragedy.

"I can never forgive the terrorists," she said. "I hope they will never raise their heads and will disappear forever."

Now, Dilqemer puts on a brave face every day, living and working with her family. Her biggest dream for the future is to buy a bigger house for the whole family.

Dilnar Kahar is a graduate trainee from the vocational education and training center of Zepu county in Xinjiang's Kashgar prefecture. She used to be deeply bewitched by extremism, and now works as a guide at the Zepu County Museum.

She said that during her study in the vocational education and training center, all the rights of the female trainees were fully protected. "The teachers were all kind to us and we developed deep friendships with each other."

"The education and training center has allowed me to be reborn. I'm very grateful," she said.

Munir Akram, the permanent representative of Pakistan to the U.N., commended China's exemplary counter-terrorism and de-radicalization efforts, adding that the Chinese government has taken solid steps in promoting Xinjiang's economic and social development, maintaining its peace and stability, and meeting the aspirations of people of all ethnic groups for a better life.

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