Xinjiang to step up counter-terrorism efforts
The chairman of the Xinjiang regional committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) said on Monday that the region would step up its fight against terrorism to safeguard national interests and maintain social stability.  Speaking at the opening of the committee's annual session, Nurlan Abilmazhinuly accused the United States of interfering in Xinjiang's affairs. He said the region was opposed to false accusations.  "We have to make positive publicity and have the courage to fight. We oppose slander and sanctions by the United States and Western countries. Our committee members will refute inaccurate, negative and harmful remarks to show Xinjiang's new face of openness and self-confidence," he said. Li Xuan from the region's commerce department said Xinjiang's foreign trade reached a new high last year, with interest from Central Asian countries under the Belt and Road Initiative.  He pointed to more opportunities for cooperation with European, Hong Kong and Macau companies to invest in Xinjiang.  Meanwhile, Xu Ruijun from the region's department of culture and tourism said the region would focus on improving the quality of tourism services, especially winter tourism such as ski resorts.  The annual session of the Xinjiang Regional People's Congress begins on Tuesday.