Xinjiang locals answer questions from reporters

The Information Office of the People's Government of Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region held a news conference on Xinjiang-related issues on Thursday, inviting some local people to answer questions from reporters. The following are the questions and their answers.

Question 1: Some foreign media reports allege ethnic minority workers are "subject to surveillance" and "deprived of personal freedom" at factories. Could some of the workers introduce their workplace environment and conditions?

Answer: I am Tursuntohti Matyusuf from Cele county of Hotan prefecture. I'm 23 years old, currently working at a company in Korla city. I would like to talk something about my work and life there.

In early March 2018, I found a job at a Korla city-based company through a friend of mine and signed a labor contract with it. We are well paid, with the "five social insurances," namely pension, medical, unemployment, workplace injury and maternity (for female employees) insurances, and housing provident fund being covered by the employer. I can get a net pay of 4,000 yuan a month, and another 300-400 yuan for full attendance reward every month. We live in the company's dormitories which are en-suite and fitted with wardrobes, a shower water heater, an air-conditioner and a water dispenser; the company provides us with free toiletries and quilts and bedding. Halal meals are offered in buffet at the Muslim canteen every day, with a variety of dishes for us to choose, including noodles, rice and stir-fried dishes, lamb pilaf, and Xinjiang-style chicken stew.

The management and workmates are all kind to me, treating me like a family member and being generous to help. This really impressed me. For instance, senior workers taught me to master the skills almost hand over hand. Their patient assistance enabled my growth in skills and elevated me to stand out in the model worker contest. The company would prepare a cake for the employee who celebrates his or her birthday, and workmates also give him or her gifts at such happy moment which involves a lot of singing and dancing.

We work eight hours a day at the company and can ask for a leave in case of need. After work, I'd like to video call my family on WeChat, talking about the fun things happened at the company or inviting their comments on my new clothes; sometimes I go shopping or partying with my workmates. In the evening, we often go for a stroll along the Kongque River which runs through Korla, a city with beautiful night views. For the yearly home leave, we can either go on vacation or return home spending the days with my family.

I have earned well since I worked in Korla. I send money home every month and my family is increasingly better-off and can afford a lot more better food, clothes and daily necessities. Our neighbors commend my parents for having a son like me. My parents are happy too, saying I have grown up and become considerate. I cherish my job and will work harder, making more money to give my family an even better life.

Both at work and in life, we have never been monitored, nor has our freedom been restricted. The media outlets which misreported have never visited our company, let alone talking with us. They know nothing about the realities in here, which only explains that their allegations are just fabrications.