Huerxidan Arken, Clerk at Department of Social Science, Xinjiang University

On January 19, 2021, the day before he left office, Pompeo still delivered the Xinjiang-related fallacy, falsely claiming that China committed “genocide” and “crimes against humanity” against Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities in Xinjiang. Pompeo’s Xinjiang-related fabrications have thoroughly exposed the nature of his unscrupulous politician, seriously distorted the truth, and seriously hurt the feelings of the people of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang. This is the madness of “doomsday clown”. I despise and spit on it!

Rumors end in truth, and lies are defeated by facts. I was born in an ordinary Uyghur family. Recalling my way of learning, I met many teachers and classmates of Han nationality from primary school to graduate school. They never looked at me with colored glasses. I was never excluded, alienated or isolated. On the contrary, teachers of Han nationality paid more attention to my growth, gave me more patience and help than students of Han nationality, and also provided me with many opportunities and platforms for my growth. When we communicated with each other, we helped each other, tolerated and loved each other. For example, we had different eating habits. When we went out for dinner, they were more particular about choosing restaurants and ordering dishes, and they respected me very much. There is a Chinese saying reading “A close neighbor is better than a distant relative”. When it comes to neighbors, we have to mention Mr. Zhou and his family, who are good friends of my mom and dad. They have been neighbors for more than 20 years. Sometimes they feel that they are not relatives, but more like relatives as they discuss and decide on all the things at home, such as buying oil, rice, salt, soy sauce, vinegar and tea together, and countermeasures on important things. On festivals, such as Spring Festival, Dragon Boat Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival our family go to Mr. Zhou’s home for celebration. When it comes to the Id al fitr and Eid al-Adha, Mr. Zhou’s family come to our family for celebration. Since I became a clerk in the department, I have been able to fully feel the concern and trust of Han leaders and colleagues.

My story is common and ordinary, but it’s true. Things like this happen not only to me, but also to many Uyghur and Han people in Xinjiang and all over the country. Countless small stories will reflect truth. It’s not up to others to tell us how Uyghur people live in Xinjiang. We have the firsthand experience and the best say.

Up to now, there have been no violent terrorist cases in Xinjiang for more than four years, the social security situation has improved significantly, people of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang live and work in peace and contentment, and people’s sense of attainment, happiness and security has increased significantly.

When I read Pompeo’s so-called “designation”, I feel absurd and angry. Living in Xinjiang, we don’t know what he’s talking about. We only know that the living standards of people of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang are getting better and better, the political rights have been fully protected, the freedom of religious belief has been respected and safeguarded, and people’s sense of pride has become stronger and stronger. Justice lies in the heart. Pompeo is bound to end up hurting himself.