Photo taken on July 5, 2021 shows the 12th Press Conference on Xinjiang-related Issues in Beijing. Photo by Xinjiang Daily/ Zhou Peng

Bi Haibo: Good morning, journalists and friends! Welcome to the twelfth press conference on Xinjiang-related issues. Today we are scheduling more time for our conference to invite people from all walks of life in Xinjiang for a deeper communication with our journalists and friends. First of all, we would like to invite Xu Guixiang, the spokesman of the People's Government of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, to introduce the members of the delegation and other the relevant information.

Xu Guixiang: Dear journalists, welcome to the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region press conference on Xinjiang-related Issues.

First of all, I would like to introduce the attendees of today's press conference from Xinjiang. They are: Elijan Anayat, the spokesman of the People's Government of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Saytjan Sawur, victim of 7-5" incident, Zhao Aiqin family member of "7-5" incident, Dong Li, Vice President of Nonferrous Metals Industry Association of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Zhou Xiangjun, Deputy General Manager of Xinjiang Eastern Hope Nonferrous Metals Co., Ltd., Jiang Hongtao, General Manager of Xinjiang GCL New Energy Materials Technology Co., Ltd., Zulbiya Ahmat, employee of Xinjiang GCL New Energy Materials Technology Co., Ltd., and Ablat Alim, employee of Xinjiang Hesheng Silicon Industry (Shanshan)Co., Ltd.

Recently, journalists and friends have raised some questions through different channels, and today's conference will be the main way to answer your questions and introduce the relevant situation. First, I will talk about the human rights issue in Xinjiang.

For a long time, the U.S. and Western anti-China forces have been making unjustified, groundless, bottomless and blatant hype about the so-called Xinjiang issue based on a lot of false information and lies related to Xinjiang, advocating "human rights crisis theory," "ethnic repression theory," "resource deprivation theory," "cultural assimilation theory," "forced labor theory," "religious persecution theory," "inter-generational segregation theory," "genocide theory" and other arguments, waging human rights assault against Xinjiang and "demonizing" and "stigmatizing" its image.

What do the U.S. and Western anti-China forces want when they work so hard to vilify Xinjiang? Do they really care about the human rights situation in Xinjiang? Do they care about the real situation in Xinjiang? Not at all. Their fundamental purpose is to use the so-called Xinjiang issue as a tool, the so-called "protection of human rights" as a pretext, and the so-called "teacher" status as a cover, to make political moves, to practice hegemony, to engage in interference, to destroy the stable development in Xinjiang, to undermine the basic human rights of the people of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang, to bring Xinjiang back to the quagmire of the frequent occurrence of violent and terrorist activities, social unrest, and people's fearful life, and then to meddle in Xinjiang affairs, to interfere in China's internal affairs, and to contain China's development.

What’s the real situation in Xinjiang? People of all ethnic groups living in Xinjiang are most qualified to speak about it. For some time in the past, the "three forces" have been making waves in Xinjiang, seriously endangering the basic human rights of the people of all ethnic groups, including the right to survival and development. To crack down on terrorism in accordance with the law and protect the people of all ethnic groups from terrorist activities is an inevitable choice to maintain social stability and protect human rights in Xinjiang. In recent years, Xinjiang has insisted on not linking counter-terrorism to specific regions, ethnic groups and religions, combining leniency with severity and prevention, education and rescue, combining stability maintenance with improving people's livelihood, actively promoting de-extremism through education and employment promotion. Those measures have eliminated the breeding ground for terrorism, effectively curbed the momentum of the frequent occurrence of terrorist activities, vigorously safeguarding the lives and property of the people of all ethnic groups and gaining the support of the whole society. At present, Xinjiang has maintained long-time stability, the economy has achieved high-quality development, comprehensive economic strength has leapt to a new level, poverty eradication has achieved comprehensive victory, people's lives have improved significantly, ethnic unity has been consolidated, harmony and harmony have been achieved in the religious sphere, and people of all ethnic groups have equally enjoyed stability, security, development and progress, which is the most vivid interpretation of human rights protection.

The anti-China forces in the United States and the West are aggressively attacking Xinjiang. What is their own human rights situation? It’s shameful that although they claim to be "human rights model", "human rights beacon", "human rights defender" and "human rights judge", looking at their history and reality, it is a complete tragedy. As we all know, Canada has a history of plundering indigenous lands, killing indigenous people, eliminating local cultures, and killing more than 10,000 children in aboriginal boarding schools, which is appalling; the United States has a history of brutal genocide of 4.7 million indigenous Indians, brutal slavery, and cover-up of the Tulsa massacre. Today, tens of thousands of Freudians still cannot breathe, Asian Americans suffer from "Asianophobia", systematic racism and white supremacy are still widespread; the British colonization process--burning and looting, besieging local indigenous inhabitants, the history of British colonization is a heinous history of blood and tears. The world's first concentration camp in South Africa bears the shameful brand of the British Empire; Australia has been strongly condemned by the international community for the mass killings of local indigenous populations throughout its history and later for the callous shooting of innocent civilians on the battlefield in Afghanistan; Some countries in the European Union committed serious war crimes and crimes against humanity when they went on a killing spree against indigenous people in some African countries back in the early 20th century. People all over the world have seen that the face of so-called "human rights model" has been disfigured, the "human rights beacon" has collapsed, the "human rights defender" has been exposed, and the "human rights judge" has been reduced to a laughing stock. In history, the Eight-Power Allied Forces formed by the United States and Western powers invaded China, burning, killing, looting and committing all kinds of evil, bringing unprecedented disasters to China and the Chinese people at that time. Such people have no qualifications and no face to point their fingers and interfere in Xinjiang!

“A just cause enjoys abundant support while an unjust cause finds little support”. A few days ago, at the 47th session of the UN Human Rights Council, more than 90 countries supported China's legitimate position on issues related to border and other issues in joint statements, individual statements and letters, which is an act of justice, a voice of righteousness and a trend of following the current. We will work with all the bright forces in the world to resolutely oppose any anti-China forces spreading "political viruses", resolutely oppose the practice of "double standards" and resolutely oppose interference in the internal affairs of other countries. The pernicious acts of the anti-China forces in the United States and the West violate the norms of international relations, undermine international human rights cooperation and violate the conscience of human society. They are doomed to fail!

Photo taken on July 5, 2021 shows the 12th Press Conference on Xinjiang-related Issues in Beijing. Photo by Xinjiang Daily/ Zhou Peng

Bi Haibo: Questions from Xinhua News Agency please.

Xinhua News Agency reporter: 12 years ago on this day, the "7-5" incident occurred in Urumqi city, shocked the people in China and foreign countries, what are the considerations of this press conference held here today?

Xu Guixiang: This question will be answered by Mr.Elijan Anayat.

Photo taken on July 5, 2021 shows Elijan Anayat, spokesman of People’s Government of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region answers questions at the 12th Press Conference on Xinjiang-related Issues in Beijing. Photo by Xinjiang Daily/ Zhou Peng

Elijan Anayat: Xinjiang is the frontline of China's anti-terrorism efforts. According to incomplete statistics, from 1990 to the end of 2016, the "three forces" inside and outside the country have carried out thousands of violent terrorist cases (incidents) in Xinjiang and other places, wildly maiming ordinary people, bringing great harm to social stability in Xinjiang. Twelve years ago today, on July 5, 2009, the "East Turkistan" forces inside and outside the country, in concert with other forces, organized and carried out the serious violent crime of smashing, robbing and burning in Urumqi, which shocked China and abroad. Thousands of terrorists acted simultaneously in many places in the city, killing people, attacking government agencies, public security and armed police, residences, stores, public transportation facilities, etc., 197 people died, more than 1,700 people injured, 331 stores and 1,325 cars were smashed or burned. municipal public facilities were destroyed.

Next, please watch a video reflecting the real situation of the "7·5" incident.

Elijan Anayat: Terrorism has seriously undermined the basic human rights of all ethnic groups, including the right to survival and development, and has spelled heavy disasters to many families.

Here, please watch a video, introducing the "7-5" incident victim's family Fu Haixia.

Elijan Anayat: Here, please watch a video reflecting the situation of Liu Jie, a victim of the "7·5" incident.

Elijan Anayat: Today, we also invited two victims of the "7·5" incident to the scene to give us detailed account of the incident.

First of all, I would like to invite Saytjan Sawur, a victim of the "7·5" incident, to tell us about the situation.

Photo taken on July 5, 2021 shows Saytjan Sawur speaks at the 12th Press conference on Xinjiang-related Issues in Beijing. Photo by Xinjiang Daily/ Zhou Peng

Saytjan Sawur: Hello, my name is Saytjan Sawur, a community police officer. On July 5, 2009, 13 colleagues and I were patrolling the Urumqi International Grand Bazaar. At around 20:00 p.m., just as my colleagues and I were patrolling and directing tourists at the entrance of the Bazaar, we were suddenly attacked by a mob of hundreds of people. The mob chased innocent people along the road and smashed and burned stores along the street with great arrogance. Just as the mob attempted to rush the alleyway next to the Alxir Communication Plaza,while comforting the crowds, my colleagues and I build a line of defense with our body to protect the thousands of tourists stranded at the Grand Bazaar. The mob swarmed on us and scattered the body wall I had drawn up with my colleagues. A group of thugs surrounded me in the middle, hit me hard with stones and bricks, and said they would beat me to death, and I was bleeding at once.

At that time, there was a short thug throwing a brick towards my chest, I endured severe grabbed the brick in his hand, and forcefully pushed him out. I ran towards the Grand Bazaar while shouting to the surrounding crowd, "Everyone run, run inside the Grand Bazaar." When I ran inside the Grand Bazaar with more than a hundred people, the mob also broke in, and I led the crowd to run inside the Grand Bazaar Tour Tower. When the masses ran into the tower, I used my body to block the door of the tower, to prevent the mob from rushing in. The mob pushed the door of tower, failed to open it and rushed in other directions. After holding on for ten minutes, I passed out due to excessive bleeding and physical exhaustion. Later, I was sent to the hospital and received emergency treatment.

Twelve years have passed, and the pain left by the thugs has not disappeared. They are the enemies of the masses of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang, and they are also the enemies of our Uygur people. We Uygur have an old saying: "Even if peas jump high, they can't break an iron pot". Those bad people are so evil that they will never end up well. Now in Xinjiang, everything is fine and we are living in peace, and we cherish our life today very much.

Elijan Anayat: Next, please give the floor to Zhao Aiqin, a family member of the victim of the "7-5" incident to tell us her experience.

Elijan Anayat: The heinous cases of violent crimes created by terrorist forces, one after another, are full of blood. These violent terrorist and religious extremist acts have brought profound disasters to the people of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang. Some innocent lives perished in an instant, and the lives of the living were changed as a result, with their memories forever stuck in that sinful and dark moment. These violent and terrorist activities that violate citizens' human rights, endanger public security, undermine national unity and split the country must be severely combated in accordance with the law to ensure that people live happily in a peaceful and harmonious society.

Bi Haibo: Questions from Radio Television Hong Kong please.

RTHK reporter: After the 7·5 incident, Xinjiang has stepped up its anti-terrorism and de-extremism efforts, but some foreign media and think tanks say that there are "massive human rights violations" in the process of anti-terrorism and de-extremism in Xinjiang. What is your response to this? "12 years after the 7·5 incident, what are the lessons learned?

Xu Guixiang: This question will be answered by Mr.Elijan Anayat.

Elijan Anayat: In the face of the serious and complex anti-terrorism situation and the urgent demand from the masses of all ethnic groups to combat violent terrorist crimes and protect life and property, Xinjiang holds high the banner of socialist rule of law, draws on experience and practices of the international community in counter-terrorism, actively practices the principles and spirit of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and the UN Plan of Action for the Prevention of Violent Extremism, and insists on "combating in combination with preventing ". Based on facts and using laws as yardstick, we not only crack down on violent terrorist crimes, but also pay attention to tackling crimes at its source, carry out de-extremism work through establishing education and training centers and other means in accordance with the law. The soil that breeds terrorism and religious extremism are removed to the greatest extent possible, and the basic rights of citizens are protected from infringement to the greatest extent possible. At present, there have been no violent terrorist cases in Xinjiang for more than four consecutive years. Criminal cases and public security cases, including dangerous cases and public order incidents, have dropped significantly, extremist penetration has been effectively curbed. Public security has improved significantly, and people are living in peace and tranquility. Practice has proved that human rights can only be protected by ensuring safety, and human rights cannot be protected without counter-terrorism. Combating terrorist activities in accordance with the law and safeguarding the lives and property of people of all ethnic groups is the most fundamental requirement of human rights.

To ensure that human rights are safeguarded in the fight against terrorism and to avoid human rights violations as a result of counter-terrorism. On the one hand, Xinjiang has stepped up anti-terrorism legislation to ensure that counter-terrorism is conducted on the track of the rule of law. For example, the Regulations on Religious Affairs of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, the Measures for the Implementation of the Anti-Terrorism Law of the People's Republic of China in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, and the Regulations on De-extremism in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region have been introduced. On the other hand, it has resolutely prevented restricting the basic rights of the people of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang as a result of counter-terrorism. Xinjiang guarantees the people's wide range of rights and freedoms and ensures normal social life in accordance with the law. For example, in setting up education and training centers in accordance with the law for the sake of de-extremism career, the basic principles of the Chinese Constitution and laws on respecting and safeguarding human rights are strictly implemented; the trainees' human dignity is fully guaranteed against infringement; humiliation and abuse of trainees in any form is strictly prohibited; the trainees' personal freedom and freedom of communication are fully guaranteed; The boarding system is adopted so that students can go home and take leave if they need it; the freedom of religious belief and the right to use their own language and script are fully guaranteed.

Based on lies and rumors, The United States lodges its groundless accusations on the human rights situation in Xinjiang, China. This only exposes fully the sinister intentions of the U.S. to use human rights issues to attack and smear Xinjiang, meddle in its affairs and interfere in China's internal affairs. The United States is not qualified to wield the "human rights stick" around. What they need to do is to reflect on and correct their own human rights crimes such as genocide, racial discrimination and forced labor.

Bi Haibo: I'd like to take questions from the reporter of China International Television.

China International Television reporter: Not long ago, the U.S. Congress advanced the discussion of the "forced labor bill" which is intended to combat the industrial chain in Xinjiang. What is your comment on this?

Photo taken on July 5, 2021 shows Xu Guixiang, spokesman of People’s Government of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region answers questions at the 12th Press Conference on Xinjiang-related Issues in Beijing. Photo by Xinjiang Daily/ Zhou Peng

Xu Guixiang: In order to achieve the goal of “using Xinjiang to control China”, the US and Western anti-China forces forcibly put the hat of “forced labor” on Xinjiang’s cotton, textile and clothing, photovoltaic, and tomato industries, and used unjustified means to assert their status in global industrial value chain. This is a manifestation of hegemonism and power politics.

In Xinjiang, workers of all ethnic groups choose their occupations in full accordance with their own wishes, sign labor contracts with enterprises or units on an equal and voluntary basis and receive corresponding remuneration in accordance with the Labor Law of the People's Republic of China, the Labor Contract Law of the People's Republic of China and other laws and regulations. The rights of people of all ethnic groups to remuneration, rest and leave, sanitation and security, and access to social insurance benefits are protected in accordance with the law. Whether in Xinjiang or in other provinces and regions of China, their religious beliefs, ethnic customs, language and writing rights and interests are respected and protected in accordance with the law. Governments at all levels actively build various employment information platforms to provide information and other services for workers in voluntary employment and free employment. Workers of all ethnic groups use these platforms to learn about recruitment information, including the climate of the construction sites inside and outside of Xinjiang, as well as job types, accommodations, wages and benefits of the recruiting enterprises. After the basic information is clear, they will voluntarily sign up according to their own circumstances. Where to go, which company to work for and which position to apply are all open choices. Xinjiang strictly abides by the relevant national laws and regulations, vigorously promotes the popularization of the rule of law, constantly enhances the awareness of the rule of law among employers and workers. It regular conducts in-depth inspections of labor law enforcement, and effectively brings the whole process of establishing, running, supervising and mediating labor relations into the rule of law, resolutely prevents and cracks down on all forced labor practices.

On the contrary, the United States is notorious for their criminal practices of slavery and trafficking Chinese laborers and oppressing Indian workers throughout history. According to statistics, forced labor and human trafficking cases have been reported in all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia in the past five years. In 2019 alone, FBI reported 1,883 cases of human trafficking, that’s 500 more than in 2018. Relevant data show that as many as 100,000 people are trafficked from abroad to the United States for forced labor each year, half of whom are trafficked to toiling shops or subjected to domestic servitude. In particular, in recent years, the U.S. State Department has issued Trafficking in Persons Reports in succession, acknowledging that it is a source, destination, and transit country for human trafficking in the world, and that even U.S. officials have been involved in human trafficking and forced labor. So we have every reason to say that the United States is the country where forced labor really exists in its obvious face.

Bi Haibo: Questions from the reporter of the Global Times please.

Global Times reporter: In late June, the U.S. Department of Commerce put PV companies in Xinjiang on the "entity list" under the pretext of "allegedly violating human rights of ethnic minorities in Xinjiang". What is the comment on this?

Xu Guixiang: After suppressing Xinjiang's cotton industry, the United States once again used national power to extend its wicked hands to Xinjiang's photovoltaic industry. The relevant personnel in the United States even tried to suppress Xinjiang's photovoltaic industry through legislative means. This is essentially the practice of protectionism and bullying in the name of safeguarding "human rights." It has severely violated international trade rules, market economy principles, and fundamental moral norms. It also poses a serious threat to the security of the global industrial supply chain. Their fundamental purpose is to curb the development of Xinjiang's PV industry, deepen the damage to Xinjiang's economy, and interfere with China's participation in the global PV industry value chain cooperation so as to help U.S. related enterprises gain an unequal competitive advantage and achieve the goal of "controlling China with Xinjiang".

In response to the U.S. sanctions, the Standing Committee of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region People's Congress, the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region People's Government and the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference will issue a statement to severely condemn it, and the relevant companies sanctioned have issued a joint letter of protest. Today, we also invite the business leaders and employees involved to the conference site, and ask them to express their views on the issue.

Xu Guixiang: Mr. Dong Li, Vice President of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Non-Ferrous Metals Industry Association, please read the Joint Letter of Protest Against Unreasonable U.S. Sanctions.

Photo taken on July 5, 2021 shows Dong Li speaks at the 12th Press conference on Xinjiang-related Issues in Beijing. Photo by Xinjiang Daily/ Zhou Peng

Dong Li: Hello everyone! I am Mr. Dong Li, Vice President of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Non-Ferrous Metals Industry Association. Next, I will read out the Joint Letter of Protest Against Unreasonable U.S. Sanctions.

Recently, the U.S. Department of Commerce, disregarding the basic facts and China's strong opposition, uses the so-called “forced labor” as an excuse to place Xinjiang Hesheng Silicon Industry (Shanshan) Co., Ltd., Xinjiang Daxin Energy Co., Ltd., Xinjiang Eastern Hope Nonferrous Metal Co., Ltd., and Xinjiang GCL New Energy Materials Technology Co., Ltd. Companies and other companies in Xinjiang, China onto its "Entity List". We express our strong indignation and solemn protest against the arbitrary and unjustified sanctions imposed on them!

As an enterprise legally registered in Xinjiang and operating in accordance with the law, we have always abided by the code of business ethics, faithfully fulfilled our social responsibilities and protected the legitimate rights and interests of our employees.  There are no "forced labor" practices in its least. The sanctions imposed by the U.S. government on us are unjustified and without any evidence.

First of all, the employment in our enterprises is completely free. Enterprises recruit through channels such as network recruitment, campus recruitment, job fair and employee recommendation. We always hire workers in strict accordance with the provisions of our Labor Law, Labor Contract Law and other laws and regulations. Workers of all ethnic groups have the right to choose their own occupation, sign labor contracts with employers and establish labor relations in accordance with the law on a voluntary basis, and their personal freedom is protected by law. Enterprises guarantee equal treatment for employees of all ethnic groups in accordance with the law without discrimination.

Secondly, the labor rights and interests of the employees in our enterprise are guaranteed according to law. The employees' rights of labor remuneration, rest and vacation, labor safety and health protection, social insurance and welfare are protected according to law. The enterprise implements the working hour system of 8 hours a day and 40 hours a week for employees. At the same time, the enterprise guarantees that employees enjoy the right to rest on legal holidays and rest days such as Spring Festival,Rouzi Festival and Corban Festival. In addition, the company also provides paid annual leave, home leave, year-end bonus and other benefits. The rights and interests of employees in respect of religious beliefs, national customs, language and other aspects are respected and protected in accordance with the law.

The U.S. government ignored the existing fact that people of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang are all willing to get employed or start their own businesses, took the so-called "forced labor" problem as an excuse to execute various measures to restrict and suppress photovoltaic enterprises in Xinjiang, which seriously infringed on the development right of our enterprises and damaged the labor rights of our employees. It is a typical "forced unemployment" and "forced poverty". The U.S. government takes lies as the script, human rights as the cover, uses administrative power and abuses the entity list to crack down on the photovoltaic industry in Xinjiang, which is a serious damage to the international economic order, a serious threat to the security of the global industry chain, and will eventually infringe on the interests of all parties in the world photovoltaic industry chain, which is a real violation of human rights.

We hereby warn the US government to immediately stop the malicious dissemination of false information and the unreasonable sanctions on our enterprises based on lies. We will resolutely take all necessary countermeasures to safeguard the true image of Xinjiang photovoltaic enterprises and safeguard their legitimate rights and interests.

Xinjiang Hesheng Silicon Industry(Shanshan) Co., Ltd.

Xinjiang Daquan New Energy Co., Ltd.

Xinjiang Eastern Hope Nonferrous Metals Co., Ltd.

Xinjiang GCL New Energy Materials Technology Co., Ltd.

July 5th, 2021

Xu Guixiang: Now, let’s welcome the Vice General Manager of Xinjiang Eastern Hope Nonferrous Metals Co., Ltd Zhou Xiangjun to share his views.

Photo taken on July 5, 2021 shows Zhou Xiangjun speaks at the 12th Press conference on Xinjiang-related Issues in Beijing. Photo by Xinjiang Daily/ Zhou Peng

Zhou Xiangjun: Hello, everyone！I’m the the Vice General Manager of Xinjiang Eastern Hope Nonferrous Metals Co., Ltd Zhou Xiangjun. On June 23rd, the U.S. Department of Commerce listed our company on the "entity list" under the name of "suspected forced labor". All our employees strongly condemned and resolutely opposed it!

Xinjiang Eastern Hope Nonferrous Metals Co., Ltd is a private enterprise. Since its establishment for 10 years, it has always strictly abided by relevant national laws and regulations, scrupulously held on to business ethics, fulfilled its social responsibility, and operated in accordance with the law. With stable operation and good economic benefits, the company has made contributions to local taxation and employment.

We strictly protect the legitimate rights and interests of employees of all ethnic groups in accordance with the law. In line with the principle of equality and self-willingness as well as negotiation and consensus, we openly recruit employees from the public, sign labor contracts with every employee who is willing to work in the company in accordance with the law, and we also strictly perform the contract contents. In accordance with the law, we guarantee the rights of employees of all ethnic groups, such as the right to remuneration, the right to rest and vacation, the right to labor safety and health protection, and the right to social insurance and welfare.

We provide stable and reliable sources of income for employees of all ethnic groups. Most of our employees have grown from farmers with meager income to excellent industrial workers. The average monthly salary of our employees is more than 8000 yuan, far more than their previous income. Some employees bought a car. Some employees even bought a house in the nearby city, living a modern life.

We actively improve the living and entertainment conditions of our employees, build large-scale staff activity centers, swimming pools, basketball courts and other cultural and entertaining facilities. We often organize various recreational and sports activities, which not only enrich their spare time life, but also make them grow and progress in their work, study and life.

The so-called "suspected forced labor" of the U.S. Department of commerce is totally against the facts, a complete lie, and an unfounded slander. In this regard, we strongly demand that the US side immediately correct its wrong practice! In the future, Xinjiang Eastern Hope Nonferrous Metals Co., Ltd will continue to uphold the corporate culture of "honesty, integrity and justice". With the joint efforts of employees of all ethnic groups, Xinjiang Eastern Hope Nonferrous Metals Co., Ltd will develop its nonferrous cause and make new contributions to the society!

Xu Guixiang: Now let’s welcome the General Manager of Xinjiang GCL New Energy Materials Technology Co., Ltd. Jiang Hongtao to share his views.

Photo taken on July 5, 2021 shows Jiang Hongtao speaks at the 12th Press conference on Xinjiang-related Issues in Beijing. Photo by Xinjiang Daily/ Zhou Peng

Jiang Hongtao: Hello, everyone！I’m the General Manager of Xinjiang GCL New Energy Materials Technology Co., Ltd. Jiang Hongtao. Recently, the U.S. government listed our company in the "entity list" on the pretext of "suspected human rights violations", which seriously damaged our company's reputation and interests while seriously affecting the normal production and operation of the enterprise. In this regard, we firmly oppose and solemnly protest!

Our company has 831 regular employees, including 103 minority employees. The company fully respects the employment willingness of the workers. According to The Labor Law of the People's Republic of China, through public recruitment, on the basis of equality and self-willingness, the company signs labor contracts with each employee, and the employees enjoy the right and freedom to terminate or renew the contract independently and in advance. The company has a perfect management system, and the working and rest time, labor load, production environment and all else have conformed to the relevant articles of The Labor Law of the People's Republic of China. Employees of all ethnic groups enjoy equal pay for equal work, and their wages are relatively good. The wages of front-line employees range from 7000 yuan to 9000 yuan. The company respects the customs of ethnic minority employees and protects their freedom of religious belief. In addition to enjoying the Spring Festival, National Day Festival and other national statutory festival benefits, they also celebrate Rouzi Festival, Corban Festival and some other festivals.

Our company attaches great importance to improving the living environment of employees. We have invested in the construction of employee apartments with 24-hour hot water supply, cable TV, wireless network, air conditioning, heating, laundry room, independent toilet and other modern living facilities. We also have a basketball hall, badminton hall, basketball court, tennis court, football court, billiard room, table tennis room, gym, reading room and other facilities. Our company has a modern multi-functional restaurant which provides rich and delicious dishes. We also pay work meal subsidies for our staff.

Under the guise of human rights, the United States has resorted to all means to suppress the photovoltaic industry in Xinjiang, in an attempt to create "forced unemployment" and "forced poverty" in Xinjiang, which not only damages the interests of our company and employees, but also seriously violates international trade rules and market economy principles while damaging the global industrial chain and supply chain. Here, we strongly urge the U.S. government to give up bullying thinking and immediately stop the rumors, slander and unreasonable sanctions against the photovoltaic enterprises in Xinjiang. Our company will reserve the right to take further legal actions!

Xu Guixiang: Now let’s welcome Zulbiya Ahmat, an employee of Xinjiang GCL New Energy Materials Technology Co., Ltd. to share her views.

Photo taken on July 5, 2021 shows Zulbiya Ahmat speaks at the 12th Press conference on Xinjiang-related Issues in Beijing. Photo by Xinjiang Daily/ Zhou Peng

Zulbiya Ahmat: Hello, everyone! My name is Zulbiya Ahmat, and I was born in a farmer family in Turpan, Xinjiang. Now, I’m working as an operator of Xinjiang GCL New Energy Materials Technology Co., Ltd. Today, I'd like to share with you my real work and life in our company. I want to say that we all work voluntarily, and labor is our way to pursue a better life.

I remember when I was a child, my family conditions were not very good, but my parents still tried every means to let me get a better education, in order to let me grow up promising. In 2015, I was admitted to Karamay Vocational and Technical College and majored in petrochemical industry. After three years of college study, I not only mastered the professional knowledge, but also improved my mandarin level. In those three years, I made continuous efforts and achieved good results in both basic courses and professional courses. I could get a national inspirational scholarship of 5000 yuan every year.

In March 2018, when I was about to graduate from university in a few months, I signed up to participate in the campus recruitment held by Xinjiang GCL New Energy Materials Technology Co., Ltd. in our school. Because of my professional counterpart, I successfully passed the recruitment. After graduating from University, I came to the company, signed a labor contract, went through the entry procedures, and became a member of the company. I felt at ease after getting the job. My parents were also very happy and they did not have to worry about my work anymore.

I signed a labor contract with the company, and the company paid "five insurances and one fund" for us. The welfare, labor remuneration, rest and vacation, freedom of religious belief of our employees of all nationalities have been fully guaranteed. No one is treated differently because of different nationalities and religious beliefs.

Our company's conditions are very good. We have supermarket, Halal Restaurant, gym, basketball court, billiard room, football field and other leisure and entertainment facilities. The dormitory has an independent toilet, air conditioning, water dispenser, laundry room, wireless network and LCD TV. This comfortable environment, which I never dreamed of before, is even better than that in my hometown.

My salary is even more surprising, and I am also very satisfied. My monthly salary has increased from 3000 yuan during my internship to more than 8000 yuan after tax. After I get my salary every month, I transfer 3000 or 4000 yuan to my parents to help them lighten the burden of the family. In addition, I also take them to visit the company and take them out on vacation. I'm also going to buy a car for my dad to enjoy. But I'm not alone. Some of my classmates who came here to work with me have bought a house and some other have bought a car. They are all working hard on the road of pursuing happiness.

Recently, I saw news on the Internet that some countries spread rumors that our enterprises in Xinjiang have "forced labor" and "violated human rights" against ethnic minority employees. The US Department of commerce also used this as an excuse to impose sanctions on four poly-silicon enterprises in Xinjiang, including our company. My first reaction to these news was to feel angry. This kind of wanton smear and slander is very shameless.

Do they want to shut down the enterprises that we work for through their reckless and random slanders and sanctions? Do they want us workers to lose our jobs? Their action is a violation of human rights. I want to stand up and say that there is no "forced labor" here. We work voluntarily in pursuit of a better life.

We are warning the United States and Western countries not to smear and slander Xinjiang wantonly, and not to hurt our hard-working workers. Thank you.

Xu Guixiang: Now let’s welcome an employee of Xinjiang Hesheng Silicon Industry(Shanshan) Co., Ltd. Ablat Alim to share his views.

Photo taken on July 5, 2021 shows Ablat Alim speaks at the 12th Press conference on Xinjiang-related Issues in Beijing. Photo by Xinjiang Daily/ Zhou Peng

Ablat Alim: Hello, everyone! I’m an employee of Xinjiang Hesheng Silicon Industry(Shanshan) Co., Ltd., and my name is Ablat Alim and I’m 27 years old now. I’m a security administrator who’s mainly in charge of checking for possible dangers at the workplace and the future correction.

In 2020, I entered the company through an interview, and signed a labor contract with the company. The probation period is three months, and the monthly salary is 4500 yuan. After becoming a regular, the salary rises to 5800 yuan. The company pays us "five insurances and one fund" according to the regulations. The company implements an 8-hour working system, and has normal rest on weekends and holidays. The company has basketball court, badminton court and other sports facilities. It organizes and holds "Hesheng Cup" basketball competition every year. It also regularly holds singing competition, knowledge competition and other activities. It has rich and colorful spare time life.

The living conditions of the company are very good. A halal canteen is specially built for Muslim employees, and the meal allowance is given out on time every month. There are many kinds of food in the canteen, which are all delicious, and the employees are very satisfied. Our accommodation is also very good. The dormitory has air conditioning, TV, independent bathroom, accommodation free. As the living area is far away from the factory, the company has also prepared more than a dozen buses to transport employees to and from work free of charge. My wife and I both work in the company with a monthly income of about 10000 yuan. We bought a car and a house. We are going to have a child at the end of the year. Now we are living a wonderful life. Many friends envy us very much.

The U.S. Department of Commerce has imposed sanctions on our company on the ground of "violating Muslim human rights". I feel particularly angry and strongly oppose it! There is no "forced labor" in our company, and no employees are forced to work. The US Department of commerce is totally wrong.

Xu Guixiang: Next, please watch the following video which further reveals the labor guarantee situation of the mentioned enterprises above.

I would also like to reiterate that promoting the development of renewable energy represented by photovoltaic and promoting energy reform have become the development consensus of all countries in the world. China's photovoltaic industry not only serves one country's market, but also serves the global market, which has become an important part of the global photovoltaic industry chain. The US side's measures to curb and suppress the photovoltaic industry in Xinjiang are just useless. This move will not only harm the interests of relevant enterprises in the United States, but also the interests of relevant enterprises in other countries in the world. It is totally a behavior of harming both themselves and the others.

Bi Haibo: Let’s welcome the journalist from People's Daily to raise some questions.

The Journalist from People's Daily: During the 47th session of the UN Human Rights Council, Canada and other western countries made joint speeches, accusing China of attacking the human rights situation in Xinjiang. What's your comment?

Xu Guixiang: This question would be answered by Mr. Elijan Anayat.

Elijan Anayat: It is extremely absurd for Canada and other countries to accuse and attack the human rights situation in Xinjiang, China, on the basis of false evidence and lies

In today's Xinjiang, the overall social situation continues to be stable and good, and there have been no violent and terrorist cases for more than four consecutive years; The economy has achieved high-quality development, and the comprehensive economic strength has constantly leaped to a new level; Under the current standards of the whole region, 3064900 rural poor people have been lifted out of poverty, 3666 poverty-stricken villages have been withdrawn, and 35 poverty-stricken counties have been removed; The people's livelihood has been significantly improved. The government spends more than 70% of the general public budget on protecting and improving people's livelihood every year, so that the fruits of development can benefit people of all ethnic groups more and more equitably; The national unity has been further consolidated, and the masses of all ethnic groups hold together like pomegranate seeds; The religious field is harmonious and obedient, and the normal religious activities and religious needs of believers are guaranteed according to law. The people of all ethnic groups enjoy stability, development and progress on an equal basis, and their sense of gain, happiness and security has been significantly enhanced. This is the most successful story of human rights in Xinjiang.

Some western countries, such as Canada, the United States and Britain, call themselves "human rights judges" and are keen to play the role of "human rights teachers", but they turn a blind eye to their own serious human rights problems and ignore those that are more serious than others.The human rights records of individual countries are shocking. Police violence is common. Racism is hard to get rid of. The words and deeds of anti-Jewish, anti-Muslim, anti-African and anti-Asian occur frequently. Military intervention leads to war and killing, economic depression, people's livelihood and humanitarian disaster. Unilateral coercive measures violate the basic human rights of other countries, and aboriginal children are painfully persecuted. For example, not long ago, 215 remains of Aboriginal children were found at the site of an aboriginal boarding school in Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada. No death information of these children was recorded. Recently, 751 unmarked cemeteries were found at the site of another Indian boarding school called marival. According to the survivors of the boarding school, these may be the cemeteries of their former missing classmates. In the face of the above-mentioned bad deeds and numerous crimes, what qualifications do they have to gossip about the human rights situation in other countries?

We point out once again that the so-called "Xinjiang related issues" are not human rights issues, religious issues and ethnic issues, but the issues of anti-riot, anti-terrorism, anti-seepage, anti-division and anti-interference. The Chinese people will never allow any foreign forces to bully, oppress or enslave us. No one should underestimate the strong determination, will and ability of the Chinese people to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity. We will resolutely safeguard the sovereignty and security of our country, safeguard the social stability and long-term stability of Xinjiang, and will unswervingly fight all kinds of Anti China forces to the end. We advise Canada and other countries to return to the rational and correct track, look at Xinjiang related issues rationally and objectively, and do not go further and further on the wrong path.

Bi Haibo: Next, let’s welcome the journalist from China Arab satellite TV to raise some questions.

The Journalist from China Arab satellite TV: On July 1st, the EU external action agency said that it was seriously concerned about the human rights issue in Xinjiang and had already imposed sanctions on relevant people and entities in China. Will China implement countermeasures? Which European parties will be punished?

Xu Guixiang: Xinjiang has made unprecedented historical progress in economic and social development, human rights protection and people's well-being. It should be said that many people with insight all over the world have witnessed it. The EU completely ignores the facts, confuses black and white, and confuses the public’s sense of telling. In essence, it uses the so-called human rights issue in Xinjiang as an excuse to intervene in Xinjiang affairs and interfere in China's internal affairs, fully exposing its hypocrisy on the issue of human rights.

Xinjiang is an open area in China, and its door is always open. China has long invited the UN High Commissioner for human rights to visit Xinjiang, and the two sides have maintained communication. China has also repeatedly invited diplomats from the EU and its member states to visit Xinjiang. However, they deliberately set preconditions, seek various excuses, and perfunctorily do so. In fact, they are afraid of seeing the real situation of human rights in Xinjiang and of exposing their conspiracy in the face of facts.

Xinjiang, China, has never been afraid of any sanctions. All sanctions are futile. There is an old Chinese saying that "those who play with fire will burn themselves". We will firmly and resolutely fight back against all anti china forces in the United States and the west, including the European Union, and their power politics, bullying and hooliganism.

Bi Haibo: Now let’s welcome the journalist from South China Morning Post to raise some questions.

The journalist from South China Morning Post: ①This year, the three child policy will be implemented nationwide. Will the government of the autonomous region adjust the "Xinjiang population and family planning regulations" issued in 2017 in accordance with this policy? When will it take place? ②The government has carried out family planning operations on Uygur and other minority women, and said ligation and intrauterine device placement are voluntary. According to China's Health Statistics Yearbook, the number of IUD installations decreased significantly from 2016 to 2018, while the number of IUD installations increased sharply in Xinjiang, the only region in China, and the number of sterilization operations per thousand people was also the highest in China. How to explain this?

Xu Guixiang: As for the family planning policy in Xinjiang, from the founding of the People's Republic of China to the implementation of the family planning policy in Xinjiang in recent years, we have introduced the situation to you many times. It was included in the previous press conference. You can go to see it. As for the next step of implementing the three child policy, Xinjiang will actively implement relevant policies and measures in accordance with the unified deployment of the state. For information on family planning services, please allow Elijan Anayat to introduce it.

Elijan Anayat: Xinjiang's reproductive technology service has always been based on the principle of combining state guidance with individual self-willingness, strictly prohibiting compulsory birth control, compulsory pregnancy check-up and other behaviors. Whether or not people of all ethnic groups take contraceptive measures and what kind of contraceptive methods they take are all decided by individuals independently and voluntarily, and no organization or individual can interfere. Adrian Zens falsely claimed that 80% of the new cases of IUD in China in 2018 occurred in Xinjiang. In fact, according to the data of China Health Statistical Yearbook 2019 published by the National Health Commission, the number of new cases of placing contraceptives in Xinjiang in 2018 was 328475, and the number of new cases in China was 3774318, accounting for only 8.7% of the new cases in Xinjiang, including Han women. It can be seen that fabricating and tampering data to support absurd conclusions is Adrian Zens's usual trick.

Bi Haibo: Now let’s welcome the journalist from the Hong Kong China Review Press to raise some questions.

The Journalist from the Hong Kong China Review Press: French prosecutors are investigating the use of Xinjiang's "forced labor" cotton by four fashion brand companies, including Spain's INDITEX group and Japan's UNIQLO. What is Xinjiang's response to this?

Xu Guixiang: The cotton in Xinjiang is white, but the heart of some foreign rumor makers is black. There is no problem of "forced labor" in Xinjiang's cotton industry. No matter from the aspects of cotton planting, cotton picking or cotton processing, every link is innocent. Recently, many cotton farmers, cotton textile enterprises and employees in Xinjiang have come forward to tell the truth and expose the conspiracy of the rumor makers. Here, we will not repeat. It must be pointed out that the US and Western Anti China forces concocted rumors about Xinjiang's cotton industry in order to suppress Xinjiang's cotton textile industry, deprive migrant workers of all ethnic groups of their right to work and employment, and hinder the stable development of Xinjiang. They have been spurned by the whole Chinese people, and the international community has seen their ugly faces clearly. It is hoped that the relevant parties will not go against the historical trend.

Bi Haibo: Now let’s welcome the journalist from Macau Asia Satellite TV to raise some questions.

The Journalist from Macau Asia Satellite TV: Canada recently called for a boycott of the Beijing Winter Olympic Games on the pretext of Xinjiang related issues. What is the response of Xinjiang?

Xu Guixiang: Under the pretext of the Xinjiang related issues, Canada, wearing colored-glasses and selfish and narrow-minded attitude, wantonly hypes the Beijing Winter Olympic Games and politicizes sports, which completely violates the spirit of the Olympic Charter and damages the interests of the International Olympic movement and athletes of all countries. All sectors of the international community, including many governments, Olympic committees and the International Olympic Committee, are clearly opposed to this wrong practice.

Canada should immediately stop using the Olympic Games to engage in political manipulation, and should not stand on the opposite side of athletes from all countries and Winter Olympics enthusiasts. The whole world has seen that Canada's human rights problems are full of flaws and wrongs and are really in crisis. They should bow their heads and admit their sin and reflect deeply, instead of trying desperately to figure out what to do with Xinjiang. We advise them to take care of their own affairs and not let the anger of their own people burn their eyebrows.

Bi Haibo: Now let’s welcome the journalist from Bloomberg News to raise some questions.

The Journalist from Bloomberg News: Thank you very much for China's elaboration on anti-terrorism in Xinjiang. Just now you mentioned that the education and training center in Xinjiang is mainly for the implementation of anti-terrorism. Thank you for your explanation. This is also one of the anti-terrorism practices in Xinjiang. How did you persuade terrorist suspects to voluntarily join the education and training center? Do you have any other anti-terrorism measures?

Xu Guixiang: In the past, Xinjiang suffered from violent terrorist activities and extreme thoughts, and people of all ethnic groups were seriously infringed. In the face of this complex and severe situation, Xinjiang has taken firm, powerful and effective measures to resolutely combat terrorism and eliminate the soil of extreme thoughts. One of the key measures is to hold vocational education and training centers, it worked very well.

Here, I would like to emphasize a few points. First, the vocational education and training center is a key measure of anti-terrorism and de-radicalization in Xinjiang, China. In essence, this measure is an education and rescue measure for some ordinary people who were infected by religious extremist ideas in the past, or even bewitched to participate in terrorist activities. Second, the vocational education and training center is a school, which is not a prison at all, nor what the Western Anti-China forces call "concentration camp". These are two concepts. Third, the establishment of vocational education and training center reflects Xinjiang's exploration of anti-terrorism and de-radicalization, which is a worldwide problem. There are many useful experiences and practices worth summarizing. It is suggested that people of insight in the international community, including friends from the media and journalists present here, think together and introduce Xinjiang's anti-terrorism and de-radicalization programs to the whole world.

But from a global perspective, the task of anti-terrorism and de-radicalization is far from complete, and the threat of anti-terrorism and de-radicalization still exists in Xinjiang. We will work together with other countries and regions in the world to explore a more scientific and effective way to counter terrorism and de-radicalization.

Bi Haibo: Due to time limit, today's press conference is over. Thank you all!