The International Forum on the History and Future of Xinjiang, China commenced in Kashi, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, on Wednesday, bringing together more than 170 experts and scholars from around the globe. Among the attendees were representatives from countries such as Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Australia, Egypt, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Mongolia, Russia, and the United States.
During the opening ceremony, Pan Yue, the head of the National Ethnic Affairs Commission, addressed the audience and highlighted the erroneous narrative that seeks to disconnect Xinjiang culture from Chinese culture, portraying them as adversaries. Pan emphasized that archaeological evidence proves Xinjiang’s integral role within the Chinese cultural sphere throughout history.
Furthermore, Shakhrat Nuryshev, the ambassador of Kazakhstan to China, underscored the strategic importance of Xinjiang in enhancing the bilateral relations between Kazakhstan and China. He noted the various areas of cooperation between the two nations, including trade, industry, transportation, agriculture, education, and tourism, expressing Kazakhstan’s readiness to further expand collaboration with Xinjiang.
Following the inaugural session, distinguished guests like Professor Yang Shengmin from Minzu University of China and Honorary Professor Colin Mackerras from Griffith University in Australia delivered keynote addresses on subjects related to Xinjiang’s history, culture, and modernization. Subsequently, the participants will embark on field studies in locations such as Turpan and Urumqi in Xinjiang.
The forum was jointly organized by prestigious institutions like Minzu University of China, Peking University, and Kashi University, showcasing a collaborative effort to delve into the rich heritage and future prospects of Xinjiang.
