Ilham Tohti, Associate Professor at the Faculty of Science, Hotan Normal College

Pompeo said, Xinjiang committed “crimes against humanity” and “genocide”, which is completely a lie, blatant interference in China’s internal affairs, and serious violation of international law and basic norms governing international relations. I strongly reject his so-called “determination”.

No one can distort and undermine the reality of prosperity in Xinjiang. People of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang can prove that Xinjiang has made numerous achievements in many fields and its people embrace each other tightly like seeds in pomegranate, working together, creating beautiful and happy life for all in this gorgeous land. However, Pompeo’s remarks were groundless lies and a 100% slander. He slandered people of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang. I refute his lies with strong evidence.

I am a teacher at the Hotan Normal College. I remember very well that I studied for free from elementary school till college without spending a penny; plus, each month I received stipends. Without the care of the CPC and state, I could hardly finish elementary school, not to mention achieving today’s happy life. After graduation, I stayed at the same college to teach. Thanks to the CPC, from an orphan I have become a college teacher and I am very proud of myself whenever I think of this. Under the care of the CPC and the state, our life is getting better: I used to live in a 50 square meter apartment in 1980s, but now I live in the one with 150 square meters; my monthly salary used to be several hundred RMB yuan, but now I earn more than 10000 yuan a month; I used to ride a bike that was worth of several hundred yuan, but now I drive a private car worth of several hundred thousand. Thanks to the CPC, my career is also getting improved: I went to other universities in inland China twice and learned cutting edge cultural knowledge and scientific research methodology, and also broadened my horizon. In our college, staff and students from different ethnic groups get along with each other very well, they help each other and study from one another; personally, I have also been given assistance from them in my study and work. This is how I have become a college professor from a college graduate. Under the strong leadership of the CPC and government, livelihood has been improving in Xinjiang consistently. Both my children are college graduates: my son works in Beijing, my daughter works in Hotan. They both are leading a happy life.

My ancestors were farmers who lived in Yurungqash Town, Hotan City. Every time when I go back to the village to visit the fellow villagers, I can see unprecedented changes. The old adobe houses were replaced by newly built safe houses; kids now enjoy 15 years of free education; sandy roads were replaced by cement and asphalt roads with road lights; urbanization is implemented in rural areas. Green economy makes our life even better. Many households now own private cars. People’s living standards are improving, making foundation for future sustainable development. Every village is equipped with water, electricity, gas, telecommunications, Internet, education and health care facilities. Under the fostering of the CPC and the state, every young excels at vocational skills, working hard for a better life. After the full scale development in rural areas, villagers’ living standard has improved significantly and you can see them beaming with satisfaction on their faces. I believe their future will be only better.

Xinjiang’s development in recent years is prominent. Hotan is also making quick progress in education. The CPC and the state have increased their investment in Xinjiang’s education. Being a native Xinjiang teacher, I have witnessed the earthshaking achievements in Xinjiang under the leadership of the CPC. Our college size is enlarging, teaching facilities are improving; every classroom is equipped with multimedia devices and new desks and chairs; the quality of teaching staff has also bettered; some of them hold PhD and Master’s degrees; every year we are allocated research fees; our students can benefit from scholarships and stipends. People of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang are leading the best ever life that they never had before. I think the reality in Xinjiang is the best refutation of Pompeo’s lies.

The facts of Xinjiang’s development can prove that Pompeo’s ugly behavior and ill intention will never succeed. No matter how he lied, cheated, fabricated, he couldn’t undermine stability in Xinjiang, nor could he disrupt people’s will to have a happy life.