On 28th Dec., Ambassador Xiao Qian met with President of Muhammadiyah (the second largest Muslim group in Indonesia) Nashir and exchanged views with President Nashir on Xinjiang related-issues. Muhammadiyah secretary general Dr. H. Abdul Mu'ti and several chairmen were also in the meeting.
Ambassador Xiao said, currently Xinjiang enjoys stable political, economic and social status. People of different ethnic backgrounds, including Uyghurs, fully enjoy freedom of religious belief. In the meantime, terrorism, extremism and secessionism are not eradicated yet, posing threats to China's unity and territorial integrity, as well as the security and stability of local communities. Therefore, the government of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region has taken a series of de-extremism measures, including offering free vocational education and training programs, to help those who are vulnerable to the influence of extremist idea learn skills and earn a better life.
Ambassador Xiao said, issues related to Xinjiang concerns China's unity and territorial integrity. China has been a sincere friend to the Muslim world. China and Indonesia have had mutual understanding and support on issues concerning each other's territorial integrity, sovereignty and core interests as well as the fight against extremism and terrorism. Recently some western countries and media have been making wrong accusations and hyping up issues related to Xinjiang. Such actions are political-oriented. The Chinese side has been strengthening communication with different sectors of the Indonesian society through various channels. Indonesian Ambassador to China Djauhari Oratmangun is visiting Xinjiang now. His itinerary includes visiting vocational education and training schools. We hope the above-mentioned efforts will help Indonesian people to gain comprehensive and objective picture of Xinjiang, and understand and support China's policy and measures.
General Chairman Nashir thanked Ambassador Xiao for introducing the real situation in Xinjiang. Nashir said, issues related to Xinjiang are China's domestic affairs. Muhammadiyah wishes to express understanding and respect. Muhammadiyah welcomes the arrangements by the Chinese side for Ambassador Djauhari to visit Xinjiang. It is hoped that Ambassador Djauhari's trip will help Indonesian people know more about the reality in Xinjiang. Muhammadiyah is willing to strengthen cooperation withe Chinese side and contribute to the development of China-Indonesia relations.
After their meeting, Ambassador Xiao and General Chairman Nashir briefed the press about their meeting and answered questions.
