Ali Ismayil, Dean of the Faculty of Biology and Geography, Hotan Normal College

The other day, I saw on my phone the news of Pompeo. He smeared Xinjiang claiming that Xinjiang is committing “genocide” and “crimes against humanity” against Uygur Muslims and other ethnic minorities. His remarks are blatant interference in China’s internal affairs, and a serious violation of international law and basic norms governing international relations. I express my strong indignation and firm opposition.

People of all ethnic groups know how happy their life is. I am a leading cadre who was born and raised in Hotan. I have witnessed and benefited from the unprecedented changes and happy life in Hotan after reform and opening up. Sandy, uneven roads have been converted into broad, asphalt roads. Highways connect 14 prefectures and cities in Xinjiang. Farmers used to live in shabby, adobe houses, now they live in safe, affordable houses. It used to cost much to receive medical treatment; now it has become more affordable; plus, we enjoy annual free medical checkup. Farmers don’t have to pay tax for farming; instead, they receive subsidies. People with financial difficulties enjoy subsistence allowances, the elderly receive pension. 15 years of free education has covered southern Xinjiang. Pupils study for free and have free lunch and accommodation. Xinjiang safeguards labors’ rights, assisting them with employment, encouraging them to strive for a better life by hard working. Economy of Xinjiang has been developing steadily. Under current standard, all poverty-stricken people have been lifted out of poverty; all poverty-stricken villages and counties have shaken off poverty, with a decisive victory in poverty relief been achieved. Rural vitalization campaign has started under the 14^th Five Year Plan. The practice has proved that these favorable policies increase people’s senses of gain, happiness and security, letting them look forward to a better future.

Pompeo’s false allegation of “crimes against humanity” by Chinese government is simply nonexistent. What I saw and heard in Hotan is: people improve their overall qualifications, increase employment opportunities and salary, shake off poverty, and live a happy life by learning laws, standard national language and vocational skills. Xinjiang enjoys social stability, its people live and work in peace and contentment.

Pompeo’s allegations of Xinjiang committing “genocide” and “crimes against humanity” are nothing more than a preposterous farce staged by a few anti-China forces like Pompeo himself. His ugly political plot has never and will never succeed on the soil of China.