An integral part of Chinese culture

Xinjiang has been an important hub of economic and cultural exchanges between the East and West, and a place where many civilizations and religions have intermingled since ancient times. The ethnic cultures of the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, nurtured in the lap of Chinese civilization, have strengthened exchanges with the culture of the Central Plains over thousands of years. As a result, a unique culture has developed in Xinjiang.

But during the past years, the "three evil forces" of terrorism, separatism and extremism, have exaggerated the cultural differences between Xinjiang and the rest of China with the motive of breaking this cultural bond.

History shows all ethnic cultures in Xinjiang have their roots in Chinese civilization and thus constitute an integral part of Chinese culture. The origins of Xinjiang's ethnic cultures are not the same as that of Islamic culture. For instance, long before the Uygurs converted to Islam, the Uygur culture had taken root and developed as part of Chinese culture.

So all ethnic groups in Xinjiang must abandon their attempts to "de-Sinicize" their cultures and, instead, respect history and strengthen their Chinese cultural identity.

Separatist forces exaggerate the differences between Xinjiang's ethnic cultures and Chinese culture, because they want to negate the fact that Uygur culture is a part of Chinese culture.

Since the unification of Xinjiang during the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 24), Chinese has been used as one of the official languages in the region, which has not only facilitated the cultural exchanges and integration between Xinjiang and the Central Plains, but also promoted the development of various ethnic cultures.

The "three evil forces" also assert that no other religion was practiced in Xinjiang, so as to propagate religious extremism. Therefore, we must adhere to the Marxist view on religion, understand the history of religious development in Xinjiang, and implement the policies and guidelines for religious work, in order to promote harmonious coexistence of all religions in Xinjiang.

Also, the authorities should fully implement the policy on the freedom of religious belief, ensure all people are equal before law, and combat religious extremism. The violence the "three evil forces" unleashed in Xinjiang had jeopardized social stability and the peaceful coexistence of different religions.

Only when Xinjiang's religious development is in accordance with the core socialist values and Chinese culture can the region's long-term goal of social stability and prosperity be achieved.

The author is a researcher with Xinjiang Academy of Social Sciences.