By Zhang Bei

CGTN documentary “Darkness over Urumqi: The July 5 Riots” was released recently. Fifteen years have passed since the severe violence and terrorist attack, yet Xinjiang, at China's forefront of combating terrorism, remains unwavering in its vigilance and efforts to combat violence and terrorism. The commitment to confront the three forces of terrorism, separatism and extremism is steadfast. Confronting the painful memories of the past strengthens our resolve and courage for the future.

The documentary, with objective and factual evidence as well as in-depth analysis, reveals the causes and consequences of this severe act of violence and terrorism. Whoever it is, be it eyewitnesses to the violent terrorist incident, guardians of this city, perpetrators involved in the event, or scholars specializing in research both domestically and internationally, they clearly point out that the incident occurred under the manipulation and promotion of three forces and anti-China forces.

What’s worth mentioning is that after the severe incident of violence and terrorism, the "World Uyghur Congress" that had incited it was actively engaged in smearing in the international arena of public opinion in an attempt to exploit the blood and loss of lives of the innocent people and further its political agenda. Its reprehensible tactics are universally condemned. The insidious strategies and malicious tactics employed by this evil organization and the forces behind it necessitate our constant awareness and vigilance.

The so-called "World Uyghur Congress" is a coalition of a dozen of overseas "East Turkistan" organizations, some of which were on the list of terrorist organizations released by the Chinese government as early as 2003. The disreputable "organization" frequently parades under the banner of "human rights" to deceive the international community, and openly accepts funding from the U.S. National Endowment for Democracy, an organization notorious for instigating color revolutions in other countries.

Lawrence Wilkerson, chief of staff to former U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell, stated in public, "Well, the CIA would want to destabilize China, and that would be the best way to do it, to foment unrest and join with those Uygurs (in Xinjiang) in pushing the Han Chinese in Beijing from internal places rather than external." It is no surprise that the "World Uyghur Congress" and anti-China forces in the West have been in collusion. Such nefarious actions have been unabated, as they propagate claims of alleged "genocide" and "forced labor" in Xinjiang, with the ultimate goal of dragging people of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang into poverty and backwardness, thereby advancing their scheme of "containing China through disrupting Xinjiang."

"The July 5 Riots shall never happen again. Really. Never ever again." The heartfelt words of a survivor of the July 5 Riots in the documentary are softly spoken, but the hope and trust they carry are as profound as Mount Tai. Responding to the longing of people of all ethnic groups for safety and stability in earnest, China’s Xinjiang has been actively combating terrorism and extremism in accordance with the law in recent years, effectively safeguarding national security, public safety, as well as protecting people's lives and property.

No dark cloud can ever prevent the sun from shining! Guided by the Communist Party of China's strategy in governing Xinjiang in a new era, Xinjiang today enjoys a period of peaceful and prosperous development and witnesses the best time in its history. To coordinate development and security, openness and stability, Xinjiang vigorously develops "nine major industrial clusters" and enhances economic modernization. China (Xinjiang) Pilot Free Trade Zone is constructed with high standards so that it becomes a "golden channel" between Asia and Europe and a bridgehead for China's westward opening up. Public services such as education and healthcare are improved to enhance the well-being of people from all ethnic groups. Urumqi, the city with memories of pain and suffering, is reborn from ashes and confidently opens its arms to welcome guests from around the world.

Lies and conspiracies cannot deceive justice and reason. The three forces of terrorism, separatism and extremism and the forces behind them cannot sever the blood ties of the Chinese nation. At present, the three forces and their influence still exist, and they are still colluding with anti-China forces to stir up trouble. We still face a severe and complex situation in combating terrorism and extremism in Xinjiang. The people of Xinjiang are well aware of how hard-won today's stable and harmonious situation is, and they also know that a stable, united, prosperous, and harmonious Xinjiang is the most powerful counterattack against the three forces and the forces behind them.

At a new historical starting point, people of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang are united in painting a new picture of a beautiful Xinjiang and building China into a modern socialist country in all respects together with the entire nation. Facts speak louder than words. Justice lies in the hearts of people. No force can ever stop Xinjiang from marching forward.

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