The Special Press Conference of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on Refuting the Allegation of “Forced Labor”

（December 13, 2021）

Photo taken on December 13, 2021 shows the special press conference of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on refuting the allegation of “forced labor”in Urumqi, capital of XUAR. Photo by Xinjiang Daily/ Zou Yi

On December 13, 2021, the Special Press Conference of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on Refuting the Allegation of “Forced Labor” was held in Urumqi. One scholar and six representatives from the public were invited to share their views on the voluntary employment, hard work and happy life of people of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang under the support of a series of employment and benefit policies. Their expositions strongly refuted the fallacy of the so-called “forced labor” fabricated by the anti-China forces in the United States and the West.

Hostess: Good morning, fellow media reporters. Welcome to the Special Press Conference of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on Refuting the Allegation of “Forced Labor”. I’m Hu Zhichun, the hostess of this press conference.

Photo taken on December 13, 2021 shows Hu Zhichun, the hostess of the special press conference of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on refuting the allegation of “forced labor”. Photo by Xinjiang Daily/ Zou Yi

For a long time, in Xinjiang, with consistent adherence to the vision of making development people-centered, rapid socioeconomic progress has been made with people’s livelihood construction and investment being continuously increased, and all ethnic groups are enjoying equal development opportunities and working together for the development and construction of Xinjiang. They are enjoying common happy life, and all their rights and interests have been effectively guaranteed.

In recent years, Xinjiang has implemented a series of employment policies and measures to benefit the people. People of all ethnic groups have tried various means and successfully got employment to get satisfactory income. Profound changes have taken place in the production, life and spiritual outlook of the people of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang, especially in southern Xinjiang. People’ “pockets” are continuously bulging with more and more money and their life is increasingly prosperous, which is shown by their happy feelings and brilliant smile. From the meagre food in the past to the nutritious diet at present, from the plain cloth solely for cover and warmth yesterday to the fashionable dress for beauty today, and from the previous donkey-drawn cart as the transportation tool to the present modern car accessible to ordinary families, people of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang have been continuously working hard to create their wonderful life.

Over some time, the anti-China forces in the United States and the West have maliciously distorted the facts, wantonly hyped the so-called “forced labor” in Xinjiang, and suppressed relevant industries and enterprises in Xinjiang. They have seriously violated international law and the basic norms of international relations, going against the principles of market economy and free trade rules, and seriously damaged the global industrial chain, supply chain, value chain and interests of all parties. It is a naked act of power politics and bullying. Their fundamental purpose is to “exterminate industries” in Xinjiang, undermine China’s cooperation in the global value chain, weaken the international competitiveness of Chinese enterprises, and realize their plot of “containing China with Xinjiang-related issues” on a larger scale.

The fact is that China is a founding member and permanent member of the International Labor Organization and has ratified 26 international labor conventions, including 4 core conventions, to name a few, Equal Remuneration Convention, and Convention concerning Discrimination in Respect of Employment and Occupation. China is also a contracting state to international treaties such as the UN International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. China actively absorbs and transforms international labor and human rights standards, effectively protects workers’ rights through legislation, policy formulation and implementation, and opposes forced labor. Governments at all levels in Xinjiang, China have earnestly fulfilled their responsibility of guaranteeing labor and employment right. They are making great effort to achieve full employment and higher quality employment for the people of different regions, ethnic groups and development levels, and push forward the common development and progress for all ethnic groups, which has become a successful practice of international labor and human rights standards in underdeveloped ethnic areas.

Today, we are very pleased to have invited Professor Buwajian Abula, Director of Economic and Social Development Research Center and Deputy Dean of School of Economic Management of Xinjiang Agricultural University to share her views on the so-called “forced labor” in Xinjiang, a slander fabricated by anti-China forces in the United States and the West.

At the same time, we have also invited six representatives from the public to tell their stories. They are Mr.Ailikemujiang Ailaiti, member of Brother Breeding Cooperative of Farmers in Yuli County, Bayingolin Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture, Ms. Alima Xiayihe, a vet from Agricultural Development Center in Xigebi Town, Shawan City, Tacheng Prefecture, Mr. Rexiti Mamuti, head of Minying Medicinal Herbs Planting Cooperative of farmers in Turpan City; Ms. Hallidan Ibrahim, an employee of Wujiang Tianshan Hot Spring International Resort, Fukang City, Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture, Ms. Maidinai Tusongjiang, an employee of a dairy products processing enterprise in Luopu County, Hotan Prefecture, Ms. Ruziwaniguli Aimai’erjiang, an employee of the garment factory in Yutian County, Hotan Prefecture.

Hostess: First of all, please allow me to give the floor to Professor Buwajian Abula, Director of Economic and Social Development Research Center and Deputy Dean of School of Economic Management of Xinjiang Agricultural University.

Photo taken on December 13, 2021 shows Buwajian Abula speaks at the special press conference of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on refuting the allegation of “forced labor”. Photo by Xinjiang Daily/Zou Yi

Buwajian Abula: Hello everyone, I will comment on labor security in Xinjiang.

Firstly, China adheres to the people-centered development philosophy and attaches great importance to labor and employment security.

Labor is the way of human existence. The Constitution of the People’s Republic of China gives citizens the right and obligation to work. To protect labor rights is to safeguard human dignity and human rights. Doing a good job of labor and employment security is important to the basic rights and well-being of workers. China adheres to the people-centered development philosophy, attaching great importance to labor and employment security and vigorously implementing the employment priority strategy and active employment policy, fully respects the wishes of workers, and protects citizens’ labor rights according to law. China actively practices international labor and human rights standards, and strives to enable everyone to create a happy life and realize their own development through decent work.

In accordance with the major national policy on labor and employment, Xinjiang regards the promotion of labor and employment as the largest livelihood project, solidarity project and foundation project. In terms of employment, Xinjiang increases employment through multiple channels and makes every effort to stabilize employment by persisting in the combination of workers’ independent employment, market regulation, government promotion and encouragement of entrepreneurship. Governments at all levels strive to create a good labor and employment environment and conditions for workers of all ethnic groups to find satisfactory jobs and obtain stable income, and ensure workers’ right to voluntary, equal, fair and decent work to the greatest extent. Especially since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, Xinjiang has vigorously implemented the employment project of benefiting people by continuously increasing employment training, actively widening employment channels, and effectively expanding employment capacity. As a result, the income of people of all ethnic groups has been continuously increased, their quality of life has been improved, and their sense of fulfillment, happiness and security has been significantly enhanced. The poverty alleviation policies and measures implemented in Xinjiang, which combine the promotion of talents and ambition and promotion of employment and the income of poverty-stricken families together, have significantly enhanced the awareness of “I want to work” and the struggle spirit of “a better life depends on work” among the people of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang, and achieved the goal of comprehensively lifting the people of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang out of poverty at the same pace with the other provinces of China.

As a Uygur professor who has long been engaged in research on agriculture and rural economy in Xinjiang, I have witnessed the great changes brought about by the implementation of industrial poverty alleviation and employment poverty alleviation in Xinjiang, and the people of all ethnic groups enjoying decent work and living a happy life. From the meagre food in the past to the nutritious diet at present, from the plain cloth solely for cover and warmth yesterday to the fashionable dress for beauty today, and from the previous donkey-drawn cart as the transportation tool to the present modern car accessible to ordinary families, people of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang have witnessed great changes in their life. From rural areas to cities, from fields to workshops, some people have changed their identity from being farmers to being industrial workers. They have learned skills, increased their income, and achieved poverty alleviation and a well off life. From the actual situation observed in my investigation, agricultural enterprises and industrial enterprises in Xinjiang sign labor contracts with workers according to law and establish labor relations protected by law on the premise of workers’ voluntary employment and on the basis of voluntariness, equality, two-way choice and negotiation. Workers of all ethnic groups, in Xinjiang or in other provinces, fully enjoy the rights of labor remuneration, rest and vacation, labor safety and health protection, social insurance and welfare according to law. Their religious beliefs, ethnic customs, languages and other rights and interests are respected and protected according to law.

However, the anti-China forces in the United States and the West are selectively blind to the great efforts made by Xinjiang to protect human rights and promote the employment of people of all ethnic groups, and maliciously hype the so-called “forced labor” under the banner of human rights based on lies and false information. The fundamental purpose of the anti-China forces in the United States and the west is to deprive the people of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang of their legitimate labor rights and their right to pursue a better life through labor and employment, and plunge Xinjiang into poverty, isolation and backwardness, so as to disrupt the overall stability of Xinjiang and realize their conspiracy of “containing China with Xinjiang”.

Secondly, There is no so-called “forced labor” in Xinjiang.

It must be stated that the existence of “forced labor” is not determined by the subjective assumptions of some countries and institutions. The international community has long had a clear definition of this issue. The Forced Labor Convention adopted by the general conference of the International Labour Organization in 1930 defines “forced labor” as “all work or services which is exacted from any person under the menace of any penalty and for which the said person has not offered himself voluntarily”. The labor and employment policies and measures implemented in Xinjiang actively practice international labor and human rights standards and always take the protection of labor rights as one of the basic contents of safeguarding human dignity and human rights. Xinjiang is striving to create a fair and free employment environment which guarantees voluntary employment and all employment rights, and ensure that workers of all ethnic groups enjoy equal employment opportunities and labor rights according to law. Xinjiang is also making great efforts to enable workers of all ethnic groups to obtain decent work. At present, in accordance with the spirit of the Constitution, the labor law and other laws and regulations, and in combination with the actual situation of the region, Xinjiang has formulated local laws and regulations such as Measures of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on the Implementation of the Regulations on Labor Security Supervision and Regulations of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on the Protection of Workers’ Labor Rights and Interests, and effectively guaranteed workers’ equal right to voluntary employment in accordance with the rule of law and the principle of equal protection of citizens’ rights. We have effectively guaranteed the workers’ right to remuneration, rest and vacation, and the workers’ freedom of religious belief and the right to use their own ethnic languages. People of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang work voluntarily in accordance with the labor law and the labor contract law in whatever industry they are employed. They have freedom to choose their labor content and employment place and are free to continue or quit their employment. Workers’ right to voluntary labor is protected according to law, and there is no “forced labor” at all.

Thirdly, Xinjiang actively responds to the decent work initiative of relevant international conventions.

Xinjiang has fully implemented China’s National Plan for Decent Work (2016-2020), which has guaranteed workers of all ethnic groups to work under conditions of freedom, equality, safety and dignity, and effectively promoted decent employment for workers. Governments at all levels in Xinjiang have fully implemented what is stipulated in 26 international labour conventions such as Equal Remuneration Convention, Minimum Age Convention, Convention concerning the Prohibition and Immediate Action for the Elimination of the Worst Forms of Child Labor, and Convention concerning Discrimination in Respect of Employment and Occupation and fulfilled the international obligations of states parties required in international labor conventions such as UN International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, and Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. At the same time, we have actively absorbed and transformed international labor and human rights standards, and opposed forced labor and employment discrimination to effectively guarantee the rights of workers and earnestly fulfill the responsibility of labor and employment security. We have pushed forward full employment and higher quality employment for the people of all ethnic groups in different regions and at different development levels in order to achieve the common development and progress for all ethnic groups. This has met the aspirations of the people of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang to live a better life and is a desirable practice for people to benefit their livelihood and win their support, which has helped lay a solid foundation for the realization of the right to survival and the right to development at a higher level and in a broader sense.

Fourthly, The United States is the country where forced labor really exists.

Historically, the United States wantonly trafficked black slaves and Chinese workers and bullied Indians. In recent years, the United States has deliberately evaded its labor protection responsibilities, resulting in widespread human trafficking, shocking forced labor in the agricultural field, slavery of criminals in private prison, widespread abuse of child labor, repeated violations of the labor rights and interests of women and the disabled, continuous deterioration of discrimination in the employment field, and endless ugly practices such as forced labor and suppression on workers. In addition, the United States, which has always boasted of a sound legal system on labor, has so far ratified only 14 international labor conventions. The United States, having ratified only two of the eight core labor conventions in the world, is the country with the least number of ratification. In particular, the United States has not signed any of the three important legal documents directly related to the issue of forced labor, such as Forced Labor Convention, Supplementary Protocol to the Forced Labor Convention and the Convention on the Abolition of Forced Labour, which coincides with the lasting and bad record of the United States in forced labor and violation of labor rights.

The so-called “forced labor” issue is a lie and fallacy concocted by some anti-China institutions and people in the United States and the West. Their intention is to provoke ethnic dissension, undermine the stability of Xinjiang and mislead international public opinion. We advise the United States not to blindly play with the “double standards of human rights”! Stop engaging in political manipulation on labor issues! Stop lying and exercising hegemony!

Hostess: Thanks to Professor Buwajian Abula for your speech. In recent years, Xinjiang has strengthened the cultivation of rural youth who take lead on the way to the well off life, college students returning hometown for entrepreneurial purpose, rural youth brokers and other groups, focusing on cultivating rural youth who have made outstanding achievements in learning technology, employment in other places, planting and breeding, and increasing income, so as to stimulate the enthusiasm of excellent youth to take root in rural area for development, exert their leading role, and attract more youth to serve for the construction of countryside by starting their own business or employment in rural areas. This can help consolidate the rural grass-roots foundation with the inpouring of youth force. Mr. Elikemujiang Ailaiti is a member of Brother Breeding Cooperative of Farmers in Yuli County, Bayingolin Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture. After graduating from university, he joined the cooperative. Now he has a monthly income of more than 10,000 yuan. His life is more and more prosperous. Now Mr. Ailikemujiang Ailaiti will tell us his story.

Photo taken on December 13, 2021 shows Ailikemujiang Ailaiti speaks at the special press conference of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on refuting the allegation of “forced labor”. Photo by Xinjiang Daily/Zou Yi

Ailikemujiang Ailaiti: Hello, everyone. My name is Ailikemujiang Ailaiti. I am a Uygur and come from Gulebage Township, Yuli County, Bayingolin Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture. Now I work in Brother Breeding Cooperative of Farmers in Yuli County. I have a happy family of five people, my parents, my brother, my sister and I.

My parents are farmers. In the past, our income mainly came from the fields of more than 40 mu. My parents went out to work in the fields early in the morning and returned late in the evening. They were busy farming in the field all year round in order for us to go to school and have a good job in the future.

Later, we three siblings were admitted to university. My brother and my sister went to Xinjiang University. Now they are living a very happy life. In 2011, I was admitted to the high school class for Xinjiang students in Xiamen. My board and lodging, school uniform and textbooks were provided free of charge by the state. Teachers took care of my life and tutored me with my homework like my parents. In 2015, I was admitted to Hefei University of Technology.

In 2019, after graduating from university, I worked in a science and innovation company in Hefei. When I came back home during Spring Festival, seeing my aging parents and my changing hometown, I chose to stay at my hometown and repay my hometown and parents with my learning and efforts. In March 2020, I joined Brother Breeding Cooperative of Farmers in Yuli County. The cooperative was established in 2011, and adhering to the production and operation mode of “cooperative + farmers + breeding base”, actively explored new ways for the development of breeding industry. Over the years of development, it has led a large number of farmers around to increase their income and get a well off life. Our business has also expanded from the original single breeding of only cattle and sheep to the segmentation, wholesale and retail of beef and mutton.

In May 2020, the cooperative started its e-commerce business. I was appointed as the Secretary General of the cooperative and the manager of the online sales department, mainly responsible for the finance and e-commerce business of the cooperative. In order to better develop the cooperative, I am studying cattle and sheep breeding, and leaning accounting and e-commerce as well. This year, I successfully passed the accounting qualification examination.

Now, the cooperative is developing well on its way. The e-commerce business alone has sales of 60,000 or 70,000 yuan per month. In addition to handling the financial work of the cooperative, I deal with online orders every day. When I see the smiling face of farmers at the moment they took cash from me and customers’ satisfactory feedback, I am full of vigor and sense of achievement. Today I have brought a video clip with me, please enjoy it.

No pain, no gain. Now I have an monthly income of more than 10,000 yuan, and the life of my family is getting better and better.

Ignoring the truth, the anti-China forces in the United States and the West falsely accused Xinjiang of “forced labor”. They are lying. We pay our diligence for a happy life and have got a harmonious and happy life with our own hands. There is no so-called “forced labor” at all. Why should the anti-China forces in the United States and the West fabricate lies against us? The people with ulterior motives, please shut up. Stop slandering Xinjiang, and don’t disturb our happy life again.

Hostess: Thanks to Mr. Ailikemujiang Ailaiti. Over some time, anti-China forces in the United States and the West have been selectively blind to the great efforts made by Xinjiang to promote the employment of people of all ethnic groups, maliciously hyped the so-called “forced labor” , and wantonly tarnished the image of Xinjiang China. The people of all ethnic groups living here have the most say in whether the people of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang have a good life. Ms. Alima Xiayihe is a vet from Agricultural Development Center in Xigebi Town, Shawan City, Tacheng Prefecture. She works with herdsmen all year round and knows the work and living conditions of people of all ethnic groups very well. Now Ms. Alima Xiayihe will tell her story.

Photo taken on December 13, 2021 shows Alima Xiayihe speaks at the special press conference of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on refuting the allegation of “forced labor”. Photo by Xinjiang Daily/Zou Yi

Alima Xiayihe: Hello, my name is Alima Xiayihe. I’m from Ahede’er Village, Xigebi Town, Shawan city. Now I am a senior vet in the Agricultural Development Center of Xigobi Town, Shawan City.

I have a happy family. My husband is an epidemic prevention worker. Today he is also present at the conference. We have a smart daughter. She is in grade six this year and has good performance at school. Our family has a monthly income of more than 10,000 yuan. During the holidays, our family go out to travel. We live a very full and happy life. Today I have brought a video clip with me. Please have a look.

As a technical worker at the grass-roots level, I spend most of my time in villages dealing with cattle and sheep. I still remember that autumn when I first worked as a vet. In order to prevent sheep from contracting diseases, I would give sheep a medical bath. I was particularly surprised to see that sheep could jump into the medicine bath pool orderly without human intervention. At that time, I just started my job and did not have much work experience and practical ability. I followed the old vets and asked them for advice with humility. I admired them very much because they could see what was wrong with livestock and poultry at a single glance. I made up my mind that I would study hard to be a great vet.

I have been working for more than 20 years at the grass-roots level. I have developed myself from a little girl who didn’t know how to give an injection to a sheep into a vet who can perform minor surgery on cattle and sheep. I worked very hard and was promoted from a junior worker to a senior vet and my salary doubled with my promotion. In the process of my growth, I have realized the social value of the epidemic prevention worker. I am very proud to be a vet!

Epidemic prevention work is usually done on animals and poultry outdoors. Especially during the vaccination of livestock in spring and autumn, we often live at homes of farmers or herdsmen. We are warmly welcomed by them. We drink milk tea and chat together. In addition to giving medical treatment to livestock, we also publicize to the herdsmen the knowledge that they should particularly know in the daily grazing, such as how to raise high-quality cattle and sheep, how to improve the breed of cattle and sheep, etc.

Through the efforts of us technicians, the breeds of livestock in pastoral areas are getting better and better, the mortality rated is low, and diseases can be prevented in advance. With the income rising year by year, people are enjoying an increasingly happy life. They live in spacious and bright houses, and eat green and healthy food with satisfactory work and harmonious family. They are grateful for the wonderful life they have today. Now people live a happy life with contentment.

I have learned that the anti-China forces in the United States and the West say that there is “forced labor” in Xinjiang. I am particularly angry. You can’t manage your own affairs well, but slander Xinjiang instead. You just hate to see us living a good life and want to plunge us into poverty and backwardness. We will continue to work hard to expose your ugly faces with a happier life.

Hostess: Thanks to Ms. Alima Xiayihe for your sharing. The people of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang enjoy the equal right to economic development. The people of all ethnic groups work together and forge ahead, increasing their income through entrepreneurship and employment according to their respective advantages, and move steadily towards the goal of common prosperity. Mr. Rexiti Mamuti is the head of Minying Medicinal Herbs Planting Cooperative of farmers in Turpan City. By planting Cistanche Salsa, he has got a well off life and won a well-known name “Cistanche Salsa brother” as well. With his lead, villagers around him also get well off together and live a good life. Now, Mr. Rexiti will tell his story.

Photo taken on December 13, 2021 shows Rexiti Mamuti speaks at the special press conference of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on refuting the allegation of “forced labor”. Photo by Xinjiang Daily/Zou Yi

Rexiti Mamuti: Hello, everyone. My name is Rexiti Mamuti. I’m from Qiatekale Township, Gaochang District, Turpan City. Now I’m the person in charge of Minying Medicinal Herbs Planting Cooperative of farmers in Turpan City and Cistanche Salsa production base.

My village, a remote farm, has a soil of high salinity which is not conducive to crop growth. I used to grow cotton and grapes for a living. Because the soil was alkaline and lack of water, the crops did not grow well. I couldn’t earn much money with working hard all the year.

I had been looking for ways to improve my life and give my family a better life. In 2013, I met Yiming Aibibu, a grower of Cistanche Salsa in Kuitun, who was a tutor for me in growing Cistanche Salsa. In a chat with him, I got a certain understanding of Cistanche Salsa. Cistanche Salsa is a kind of traditional Chinese medical herb. It is a plant parasitic on the root of saxaul, which has low requirements for soil and water. It is known as “desert ginseng”. After field investigation, it was found that the geographical environment and soil quality of our village were suitable for planting Cistanche Salsa. With the strong support of the village committee, I got an opportunity to learn the skills of planting Cistanche Salsa in Kuitun.

In 2015, the government of Gaochang district implemented the conversion of farmland to forest in Ayikule Village, Qigaibulake Village and Qiongkan’erzi Village around Aiding Lake, called on farmers to plant saxaul to build shelter forest. Villagers who planted saxaul could enjoy the subsidy for conversion of farmland to forest in accordance with the policy. While everyone was hesitating and waiting on, I took the initiative and jointly contracted 500 mu of wasteland with my brothers and friends to plant saxaul for shelter belt with Cistanche Salsa interplanted in them. It was an unimaginable event at that time and caused a sensation in the whole village. At that time, some villagers thought I had great courage, but many more showed doubt to its profitable prospect.

In the process of planting Cistanche Salsa, village officials paid many visits to me to interpret the policy for us. In 2018, I earned 700,000 yuan from Cistanche Salsa planting, and became the famous “Cistanche Salsa brother”. Now we have planted 800 mu of Cistanche Salsa, and our income is rising on.

Saxaul with interplanted Cistanche Salsa can not only prevent wind and sand, improve the ecological environment, but also increase farmers’ income. I was always thinking about that I should not only work out a well off life for myself, but also should help other villagers get well off life together! So we not only share the skills of planting Cistanche Salsa with other villagers, but also recruit villagers to do odd jobs in our Cistanche Salsa processing plant and Cistanche Salsa field to make money. Those who do well can earn about 5,000 yuan a month. Today I have brought a video clip with me. Please enjoy it.

The anti-China forces in the United States and the West falsely accuse Xinjiang of the so-called “forced labor”. It is sheer nonsense. We earn money with our own diligent hands and live a happy life on our own land. Should it be forced by others? Your hype that confuses the right and wrong has ulterior motives. Your purpose is to hinder the development of Xinjiang, destroy the social stability in Xinjiang and endanger our good life! The anti-China forces in the United States and the West, hold your tongue and stop lying. We people of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang are living a good life. We don’t need your hypocritical care.

Hostess: Thanks to Mr. Rexiti Mamuti for your speech. Xinjiang persists in promoting labor employment as the largest livelihood project, and combines workers’ independent employment, market regulation, government promotion and encouragement of entrepreneurship together to vigorously implement the employment priority strategy and active employment policy. Besides, Xinjiang actively carries out training to enhance working quality and skill, and strives to improve workers’ employment ability. Ms. Hallidan Ibrahim is an employee of Wujiang Tianshan Hot Spring International Resort, Fukang City, Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture. Through continuous learning, she has engaged in a variety of jobs. Her income is growing and her life is becoming increasingly happier. Now, Ms. Hallidan Ibrahim will share her story.

Photo taken on December 13, 2021 shows Hallidan Ibrahim speaks at the special press conference of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on refuting the allegation of “forced labor”. Photo by Xinjiang Daily/Zou Yi

Hallidan Ibrahim: Hello, my name is Hallidan Ibrahim. I am a Uygur, an employee of Wujiang Tianshan Hot Spring International Resort working at reception desk. I’m glad to share my story with you.

In 2018, through my friend’s introduction, I came to work in Wujiang Tianshan hot spring international resort, which is neighboring to Heavenly Lake（Tianchi Lake）, a world natural heritage site and a national 5A scenic spot. Many tourists come here to experience the characteristic health spa.

In winter, tourists can experience the cold and warm at the same time with their hair and eyebrows frosted but their body being warmed in the spring. Moreover, the hot spring here is unique. The water is rich in selenium, which is very beneficial to health. The environment of the hotel is very good with complete catering, leisure and entertainment facilities.

When I first arrived here, I was just an ordinary cashier and knew nothing about the operation of the equipment. I began to learn computer operation from my colleagues and learned how to print bills and other work. I gradually mastered the skills of receiving various kinds of customers. Now I’m in charge of the reception at the front desk.

My monthly income is more than 4,000 yuan. During holidays with many tourists, I can get more than 6,000 yuan including commission. Since I entered the company, the company has purchased social security for us and arranged free physical examination for us every year, so that we have nothing to worry about.

My husband is also working hard with me in Fukang. He is a barbecue chef in the restaurant. Our monthly salary is steadily more than 8,000 yuan. We have a lovely daughter. She is 4 years old and is enjoying free education in a kindergarten in Fukang kindergarten. Our family is very happy. Today I have brought a video with me. Please watch it.

There is a saying that knowledge changes destiny and diligence creates wealth. Through continuous hard study, I have made constant changes, got a decent job which has provided me with satisfactory income and happy life.

Over the years, many relatives and friends around me have also learned employment skills and found satisfactory jobs with the help of the government’s employment policy to benefit the people. Some of them have even realized their entrepreneurial dreams and become bosses.

I was very angry when I heard that the anti-China forces in the United States and the West slandered Xinjiang with the so-called “forced labor”. This is sheer nonsense. The so-called “forced labor” is basically a groundless falsification concocted by the anti-China forces in the United States and the West. It is a conspiracy to plunge Xinjiang into poverty and backwardness! In Xinjiang, people of all ethnic groups make money with their own diligent hands, and no one has ever been forced at all. A lie repeated a thousand times is still a lie. Our real life will eventually lay it bare.

Hostess: Thanks to Ms. Hallidan Ibrahim. For a long time, Xinjiang has focused on developing advantageous industries and created a large number of jobs. Xinjiang has the natural resources to develop the dairy industry and the tradition of raising dairy cattle. The milk source has a good reputation of “being natural, green, safe, and nutritious with excellent quality”, and the characteristics of dairy products are prominent. Ms. Maidinai Tusongjiang is an employee of a dairy products processing enterprise in Luopu County, Hotan Prefecture. She started a Wechat business in her spare time. With her continuously rising income, her quality of life is improving. Now Ms. Maidinai Tusongjiang will share with us her story.

Photo taken on December 13, 2021 shows Maidinai Tusongjiang speaks at the special press conference of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on refuting the allegation of “forced labor”. Photo by Xinjiang Daily/Zou Yi

Maidinai Tusongjiang: Hello, my name is Maidinai Tusongjiang. I’m from Luopu County, Hotan Prefecture. Now I’m an employee of a dairy processing enterprise.

I was born in a farmer’s family. When I was a child, the financial conditions of my family were not good. My parents told me to study hard and be a knowledgeable and educated person.

After graduating from college, my boyfriend and I returned to Luopu County and got a job through recruitment in this dairy company. On the first day of my internship, I was attracted by the company’s working environment. The company was very large, magnificent and equipped with all kinds of facilities. At that time, I was determined to work hard and become a member of the company.

Our company was established in 2017, covering an area of more than 200 mu. It is a modern enterprise with high level of automation in dairy production and processing. The company adopts the integration of dairy cattle breeding, dairy production and processing and sales of diary products. At present, it is the largest dairy processing enterprise in the local area. Today I have brought a video clip with me. Please enjoy it.

During my internship, I was mainly responsible for the work of the office. The leaders and colleagues of the company cared about me very much. With their help, I quickly adapted myself to my work, understood the operation of the company, and could complete report forms, drafting reports and other work independently.

My earnest work and efforts was recognized by the company. After the internship, the company signed a labor contract with me and paid for my social insurance including endowment insurance, medical insurance , unemployment insurance, industrial injury insurance and other insurances. Food and accommodation in the company are free, and there are many kinds of meals in the canteen. The dormitory is clean and tidy, with complete facilities. There is hot water in the washroom all year round. The company also has a trade union. On holidays, the trade union organize some games and parties such as tug of war, basketball games, singing and dancing etc. to enhance the friendship among employees. We work 8 hours a day. After work, I often go out dining or shopping with my colleagues. I sometimes go to the movies with my boyfriend. During the weekend, we also drive to the nearby scenic spots for fun, shopping in the city or tasting delicious food.

I have a full life and I am getting along with my colleagues very well. With my professional ability having been greatly improved, my salary has risen to 3,500 yuan per month. My boyfriend has also grew from an ordinary employee to a section chief, and his salary has reached 4,000 yuan per month.

In my spare time, I also started a Wechat business and got my driver’s license. In the future, I want to earn more money. I will buy a car and take my parents to the nearby scenic spots for fun on weekends. I believe our life will be happier in the future.

The anti-China forces in the United States and the West falsely accuse Xinjiang of the so-called “forced labor”. This is sheer nonsense and distortion of facts. We rely on our hard-working hands to earn money and live a happy life. How come there is “forced labor”? The anti-China forces in the United States and the West, please shut up and don’t disturb our wonderful life again!

Hostess: Thanks to Ms. Maidinai Tusongjiang. Xinjiang fully guarantees the basic rights of the people of all ethnic groups, such as the right to work and the right to development. The people of all ethnic groups work voluntarily, choose jobs independently and start businesses freely. There is no so-called “forced labor”. Ms. Ruziwaniguli Aimai’erjiang is an employee of the garment factory in Yutian County, Hotan Prefecture. After graduating from University, she voluntarily chose to work in this enterprise. Now Ms. Ruziwaniguli Aimai’erjiang will tell her story.

Photo taken on December 13, 2021 shows Ruziwaniguli Aimai’erjiang speaks at the special press conference of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on refuting the allegation of “forced labor”. Photo by Xinjiang Daily/Zou Yi

Ruziwaniguli Aimai’erjiang: Hello, everyone. My name is Ruziwaniguli Aimai’erjiang. I am now an employee of a garment factory in Yutian County. Today I have brought a video clip with me. Please watch it.

In June 2018, after graduating from University, I chose to go back to my hometown for development. I saw on the Internet that a garment factory in Yutian County was recruiting workers. The company was not far from my home. The salary and conditions were very good, so I submitted a resume. A few days later, I received an interview notice from the company. After I passed the interview, the company signed a labor contract with me.

Our company is a large modern enterprise of garment production and sales, mainly engaged in the manufacturing and sales of down clothing, labor protection clothing and all kinds of textiles.

When I first entered the company, I was very excited to see new factory buildings and various advanced equipment in the company. The workers in the factory were busy at their respective posts. Because I know the basic operation of computer, the company assigned me to the personnel department. When I encounter difficulties, leaders and colleagues will offer to help me. I remember the leader of the company once arranged for me to draft a report. Because I was not quite familiar with relevant information about our company and its work flow, I made some mistakes. I feel particularly guilty. Brother Lu, the head of our department, comforted me, saying that in the future I would do my work better and better if I worked more carefully and seriously and communicated more with others. Gradually, my work efficiency has been greatly improved and mistakes in my work has dropped greatly.

The company has particularly good welfare and fringe benefits, and has bought social insurance for us. We work 8 hours a day. The company also provides us with delicious lunch for free. We can choose dishes freely according to our preferences. We can rest normally on weekends and holidays. On holidays, the company organizes various cultural and recreational activities. We sing, dance, have dinner and chat together. This happy life seems to send me back to my college life. What a wonderful life. Now I have been integrated into this big family and made a lot of friends. I feel I have a full life every day.

Over the years, I have witnessed the development and changes taking place in my hometown. Now in Yutian County there is convenient transportation. The roads in the villages have been paved. Villagers have achieved stable employment and lived in safe houses funded by the housing project. Our life is prosperous. The old house in my family has also been renovated and decorated. We have also bought a new LCD TV and washing machine. Our life is getting increasingly happy. In the future, I want to earn more money. I’ll be my own boss and open my own clothing store. At leisure time I’ll take my parents around the nearby cities.

The anti-China forces in the United States and the West slander Xinjiang with the so-called “forced labor”. I think it is very ridiculous because it is nonsense and completely inconsistent with the facts. We work hard in order to live a better life. We don’t need to “be forced” by others. The anti-China forces in the United States and the West, stop your unwarranted accusations and wanton smear against our grand and beautiful Xinjiang! We don’t want you to tell us what to do in our life. Your attempt to ruin our good life today will be in vain. You can never succeed in destroying stability and harmony in Xinjiang! Your conspiracy will never succeed!

Hostess: Thanks to Ms. Ruziwaniguli Aimai’erjiangyou. For a long time, Xinjiang has been steadily promoting entrepreneurship to encourage employment. Starting from cultivating and expanding entrepreneurial subjects, Xinjiang has been supporting entrepreneurs to run restaurants, barber shops and other business to achieve employment, so as to enable workers with entrepreneurial will to realize their dream of entrepreneurship and employment. Ms. Tajisha Yali is the boss of Ailaiyin Restaurant in Bole City. She has established her own enterprise through her unremitting efforts. She has earned more money and at the same time created 90 job for others. Her employees have a good income every month. Now let’s enjoy a video clip on Ms. Tajisha Yali’s entrepreneurial story .

Hostess: just now, through the speech of an expert and the stories shared by several representatives, we have seen the true picture of people of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang creating a better life through their decent work.

In recent years, Xinjiang has given priority to employment, expanded employment through multiple measures and channels, and promoted decent and stable employment. This is a practice that respects and protects the human rights of the people of all ethnic groups most effectively and extensively. The employment policies adopted by Xinjiang are reasonable and in compliance with laws and regulations. They are in full conformity with the aspirations of the people of all ethnic groups to pursue a happy life, the important principle of “The state respects and protects human rights” stipulated in the Constitution, and the prevailing norms and concepts of human rights in the international community.

People of vision know that the hype of “forced labor” in Xinjiang by anti-China forces in the United States and the west is just a means and gimmick in an attempt to curb China’s development. Countless historical facts and events have repeatedly proved that forced labor is not only the blood tears in the history of black slaves, but also the nightmare of American immigrants in modern society. If the United States really cares about forced labor, it should stop spreading lies, stop double standard on labor issues, and turn its hypocrisy towards workers in other countries into its sincerity to improve the well-being of its own workers as soon as possible.

Hostess: That’s the end of today’s press conference. Thank you.