Xu Lin:

Due to time constraints, we will have the last question.

China Daily:

As we know, the ethnic issue has always been a global and regional hot issue. My questions are: What policies have the CPC adopted to manage ethnic issues and maintain harmony among all ethnic groups? How did the Party implement these policies in practice? Thank you. 

Xu Yousheng:

As you stated, the ethnic issue is indeed a global and regional issue, and in fact, also a hard one. China is a unified and multiethnic country. Over the long course of a several-thousand-year history, all our ethnic groups have jointly guarded our vast territory and created a long history and a splendid culture, forming a paradigm with ethnic groups diversified yet integrated as one. It should be said that the CPC has attached great importance to the work concerning ethnic groups. Focusing on fostering a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation, the Party has introduced a series of systems and policies concerning ethnic groups to constantly consolidate and develop socialist ethnic relations of equality, unity, mutual assistance, and harmony. The key aspects are as follows:

First, we implement the system of ethnic regional autonomy. Under the unified leadership of the central government, regional autonomy is exercised, and organs of self-government are established to exercise of the right of autonomy in areas where ethnic minorities live in compact communities.

Second, we uphold equality between all ethnic groups. All ethnic groups are guaranteed equal participation in the management of state affairs and lawful rights and interests. Discrimination against and oppression of any ethnic group are prohibited. 

Third, we consolidate the unity of the Chinese nation. We have carried out in-depth publicity and education on ethnic unity and progress to promote exchanges and interaction among all ethnic groups to boost their recognition of the great motherland, the Chinese nation, Chinese culture, the CPC, and socialism with Chinese characteristics. In this way, we will unite all ethnic groups in pressing forward for common prosperity and development.

Fourth, we support ethnic minority groups and ethnic minority areas to accelerate development. We have thoroughly implemented the strategy for large-scale development of the western region, pressed ahead with the action plan to bring prosperity to border areas and their residents, and provided strong support for the development of ethnic minority groups and ethnic minority areas. In accordance with the requirement of the CPC Central Committee that no single ethnic group should be left behind in the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects, we have so far have helped 31.21 million people living in ethnic minority areas and 420 poor counties in ethnic autonomous areas out of poverty.

Fifth, we respect and protect ethnic minority cultures. We respect the customs and habits of ethnic minority groups and make efforts to inherit and protect their cultures. On the basis of comprehensively promoting the standard Chinese language, we respect and support the study and use of ethnic minority languages. Under the guidance of the CPC's policies concerning ethnic groups, all ethnic groups of China have developed relations of equality, unity, mutual assistance, and harmony, and are closely united like the seeds of a pomegranate. The practice has fully proved that the CPC has found the right way of managing ethnic issues that suits China's national reality and reflects China's distinct characteristics. Thank you.

Xu Lin:

Thanks to all the speakers and journalists. Today's press conference concludes here. Thank you.

Translated and edited by Zhang Liying, Wang Qian, Zhu Bochen, Ma Yujia, Cui Can, Liu Sitong, Wang Yiming, Zhou Jing, Liu Qiang, Zhang Rui, Liu Jianing, Zhang Junmian, Xu Xiaoxuan, Wang Wei, Xiang Bin, Huang Shan, Yuan Fang, Li Xiao, Li Huiru, Chen Xia, David Ball, Jay Birbeck, and Tom Arnstein. In case of any discrepancy between the English and Chinese texts, the Chinese version is deemed to prevail.