The "two sessions" — the annual meetings of the National People's Congress (NPC) and the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) — commenced on March 5 and March 4, this year, respectively, providing a crucial insight into the nation's policy directions.

These gatherings serve as pivotal indicators of China's political and economic course. This year's "two sessions" have brought together nearly 3,000 NPC deputies and over 2,000 CPPCC National Committee members to deliberate on state affairs, exemplifying the country's commitment to whole-process people's democracy.

China’s Xinjiang has garnered significant attention in recent years for its remarkable economic, social, and cultural development. At this year’s “two sessions”, which provide an important opportunity for Xinjiang to strive for policy support at the national level and promote economic and social development, the development achievements and strategic positioning of Xinjiang have also become the focus of heated discussions among deputies and members.

Xinjiang’s Achievements in Economic and Social Development

In 2024, Xinjiang made substantial contributions to China’s overall development goals through its economic performance. The region’s gross domestic product (GDP) surpassed 2 trillion yuan in 2024, marking a year-on-year increase of 6.1% and signifying a new milestone in economic output. In the same year, grain production reached an unprecedented 46.604 billion jin. This achievement has solidified Xinjiang’s role in national food security, ensuring that the “Chinese bowl” is increasingly filled with “Xinjiang grain.” The energy sector has also witnessed notable advancements, with accelerated development and utilization of renewable energy sources; non-fossil energy accounted for approximately 40% of total power generation. Three new energy bases with a capacity of 10 million kilowatts were commissioned, and grid-connected renewable energy installations exceeded 100 million kilowatts. Additionally, construction began on the world’s largest single hydrogen energy storage project, with around 100 million watts of new energy storage capacity connected to the grid.

This photo taken on May 5, 2023 shows a view of the Urumqi Diwopu International Airport in Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Photo by Wang Zichen/Xinhua)

In terms of public welfare, Xinjiang has adopted policies aligned with sustainable development goals. More than 77% of Xinjiang's fiscal expenditure was directed towards the people's livelihood，and a total of 1.103 million people who have been lifted out of poverty have been employed. Support for compulsory education, basic elderly care, basic healthcare, and social assistance has been strengthened, thereby improving the well-being of all ethnic groups in the region.

Economic Resilience Despite U.S.-Led Sanctions

Xinjiang’s economic growth has demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of sanctions and trade restrictions imposed on Xinjiang-sourced products by the U.S.-led collective West. Particularly targeting sectors such as textiles, agriculture, and technology, these restrictions aimed to limit Xinjiang’s access to international markets. Nevertheless, Xinjiang’s economy achieved a 6.1% growth rate in 2024, showcasing robust performance. This success can be attributed to China’s strategy of strengthening its domestic market, deepening ties with alternative trade partners (e.g., Central Asian and ASEAN countries), and providing incentives to support local production. Additionally, Xinjiang’s investments in renewable energy and high-tech energy storage have reduced its dependence on external markets, reinforcing its economic independence. This resilience highlights Xinjiang’s ability to withstand global economic pressures and underscores the effectiveness of China’s regional development strategies.

People-Centered Governance and Social Services

The Party-mass service center in the Lyugu Community of Urumqi’s Economic and Technological Development Zone is equipped with facilities such as an intangible cultural heritage studio and calligraphy and painting rooms. Community secretary Zhang Huihui noted that the People’s Congress liaison station listens to residents’ demands and resolves issues promptly. Additionally, the office of economic and commercial sector representatives of the CPPCC Tianshan District Committee at the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar effectively utilizes sectoral resources and intellectual capital to address social governance and public needs. Tsogtsaikhan Mandakh, Counselor of the Mongolian Embassy in China, described these efforts as “practical and effective methods of serving the people.”

2025 national “two sessions” provided an opportunity to showcase Xinjiang’s economic, social, and cultural achievements not only to local residents but also to the international community. Furthermore, Xinjiang’s economic growth despite U.S.-led sanctions underscores the region’s resilience and China’s strategic governance capacity. The sessions and accompanying events illustrate that Xinjiang continues to establish itself confidently on the global stage as a stable, prosperous, and vibrant region. Supported by economic growth, social welfare, and people-centered policies, this development signals that Xinjiang will seize new opportunities and make further progress with a more proactive and open approach.

Serdar Yurtcicek is a postdoctoral researcher at Shanghai University in China.

Producer: Xiao Chunfei

Supervisors: Ding Tao and Jie Wenjin

Planners: Jie Wenjin and Cheng Li

Reviewers: Cheng Li and Hou Weili

Editors: Gvlzar Mijit

Source :Tianshannet|Editor :Gulizhaer