Reuters:

I have two questions. First, my question goes to Mr. Shohrat Zakir. Could you give us an approximate number about the trainees at those centers? Second, the U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has described China's policies about these centers as being the "human rights "stain of the century'." What is your comment on this?

Shohrat Zakir:

Your question is similar to the previous one from the Hong Kong journalist. The centers are established and operated in accordance with the law and regulations. In recent years, serious violent terrorist crimes frequently occurred in Xinjiang, especially those committed under the guise of religion. Terrorism, extremism and separatism, the so-called "three evil forces," have created a series of violent terrorist incidents in the region.

Geographically, Xinjiang is located at the center of Asia abutting eight countries, some of which have been suffering with violent terrorist crimes themselves. Under certain foreign separatist influences, some people try to achieve their political goals through organizing violent terrorist crimes. By learning from the effective counterterrorism practices, we want to rehabilitate those who have been influenced by religious extremism or who have been forced to join terrorist groups. For those who have violated the criminal law, we will hold them accountable. For those who have been influenced by evil forces, we will strive to educate and rehabilitate them so that they can understand and obey the laws and regulations.

For those who are jobless and who have not received proper education, we established vocational education and training centers. The centers are by no means "concentration camps." They are established and operated publicly in accordance with the law. The number of trainees there fluctuates. After proper education, people involved may gradually become aware of extremism under the guise of religion and feel sorry for their former misdeeds. 

Some people may say, "I am not well qualified to find a job, and there are no available positions". For such people, we offer education and training courses in three fields to achieve a final goal of employment.

First, they must study the laws. As the citizen of a country, one must abide by the law. This is the most important attribute of human society and advanced civilization. If individual behavior is not restrained by the law, you can imagine what our society would turn into. Therefore, these people must learn their basic rights, responsibilities and obligations. 

Second, the Uygur people in south Xinjiang know little about the standard language of the country. They are unable to work outside their hometown because of the difficulty in communication. For these people, there are training courses covering the simple standard language. It can help them communicate with others, and make them feel part of the local community and the workplace.

Third, they need to learn what is religion and how to practice it. They need to learn how to protect their lawful rights concerning their religious beliefs, how to conduct normal religious activities under the protection of the law, and what is the true meaning of religion. Of course, in the vocational education and training centers, there are believers of other religions besides Islam. They must be able to learn the true meaning of religion.

Last, the goal of eradicating extremism has to be achieved. What we have to avoid is a situation whereby some people cannot distinguish whether a person is conducting extremist activities under the pretext of practicing religion, because, then, they follow such person blindly everywhere and thus can pose a threat to our society. It will do harm not only to these individuals, but also the life and property of others. It will also harm the social order, the unification of our country, and the peaceful and harmonious life of our people.

The trainees can leave the vocational education and training centers at an appropriate time. After study, the majority of them can find suitable jobs that they really like, and they can earn a satisfactory living. These people have become positive social factors, and achieved remarkable success in helping others to find a job and get rich.

As Mr. Alken just introduced, we have received government officials, diplomats, religious figures, officials of human rights organizations and personnel of all walks of life from dozens of countries. When they arrived at Xinjiang, they were allowed to go to any place they wished, including remote areas like Kashgar and Hotan. They could talk with the trainees in the centers. Most of them felt that the center was an excellent creation, and that it could effectively curb violent terrorist acts and the spread of extremism. Today, the society and all people in Xinjiang are focused on shaking off poverty and getting rich, leading a prosperous and happy life, and keeping an inclusive attitude towards other social and ethnic groups. This is a positive change. We welcome journalists, government officials, personnel of all walks of life and religious figures from other countries to go to Xinjiang and take a look personally. You can visit any vocational education and training center anywhere you like. Many centers now are oriented to short-term training on agricultural skills or vocational skills.

Alken Tuniaz:

Please allow me to add some points on this issue. All trainings in the vocational education and training centers in Xinjiang are carried out in accordance with the Constitution of the People's Republic of China and relative laws. The legal rights of trainees should not be encroached upon. No one is allowed to abuse trainees mentally or physically through any means. The personal freedom of trainees must be protected. Trainees can take a few days off if there is a need. They are also allowed to go home regularly. Their right to use the spoken and written language of their ethnic groups must be protected. The lifestyles of their ethnic groups must be protected and respected. The freedom of religion must also be protected. According to the Regulations on Religious Affairs formulated by the State Council, trainees are not allowed to conduct religious activities during their study; however, when they return home, they can resume their religious activities freely under the law. Like any other school, these centers also have venues for cultural and sports activities for trainees to relax in their spare time. 

Not long ago, I went to Kashgar and heard a story from an 85-year-old Uygur man about his son who did all sorts of bad things. In the past, the man wouldn't listen to his parents, abused his wife, forced his sisters to wear full face and body coverings. However, in the vocational education and training center, he learnt the standard language, knew what is allowed by the laws, and acquired some working skills. He then started a business near his home, and even helped other people. After telling me the story, the old man held my hands and extended his gratitude to the Party and the government for saving his son. There are many stories like this in Xinjiang. I hope journalist friends can talk with local people and learn the real changes taking place in Xinjiang. Thank you.