Sept.22, 2009 -- The Information Office of the State Council of the People's Republic of China has issued a White Paper on Development & Progress in Xinjiang.

Since the founding of the People's Republic of China, and especially since the reform and opening-up policy that began 30 years ago, the central government has drawn up preferential strategies for the economic development of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

The White Paper, which is titled Development and Progress in Xinjiang, says regional GDP in 2008 stood at 420.3 billion yuan. This number is about 87 times higher than that of 1952, three years before the establishment of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

The White Paper also noted that for a long time, the "East Turkistan" movement has unremittingly instigated separatist activities.

The most recent "July 5th" riot in Urumqi caused huge losses in lives and property of people from various ethnic groups. 197 people died and over 17-hundred were injured.

The Chinese government has, in accordance with the law, combated the sabotage activities of the "East Turkistan" forces to create a stable and ethnically unified environment for Xinjiang's development.

In conclusion, the White Paper said it has become clearer for the people of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang that national unification, ethnic unity, and social stability are the lifeblood of the region's development and progress.