One must visit Xinjiang to truly experience and understand the region, Belarusian Ambassador to China Aleksandr Chervyakov said after paying a visit to Xinjiang last December. Chervakov toured enterprises, hospitals, museums and scenic spots in the region, and in an interview with Xinjiang Today, described the impression the visit left on him. Edited excerpts follow:

Xinjiang Today: Have you been to Xinjiang before or learned about the region through any channels? 

Aleksandr Chervyakov: Of course, I have known about Xinjiang for a long time. Trains loaded with equipment and food from Belarus and other countries that are bound for China pass through Xinjiang and vice versa. Many China-Europe freight trains also depart from the region and travel all the way to European countries.

But it's only today that I am able to visit Xinjiang, and Urumqi in particular. Although there was only a limited time for me to get acquainted with the region, I found that Urumqi is a big city, a metropolis with developed infrastructure and friendly people. They have a very positive attitude. Most importantly, it's the attitude of the people that has left a deep impression on me.

What are your intuitive feelings about the development in the region? 

We have what are known as "advanced development indicators" by which we can judge what will be ahead. Investment is the key to development. And over recent years, the economic investments in Xinjiang have exceeded the average growth rate in China. This indicates that the region will have advanced development in the future. Today's investments are the seeds that will bear the fruits of tomorrow's development. That's why I consider Xinjiang to be highly appealing already in terms of logistics and resources. And this attractiveness will grow year by year.

What's your biggest gain from this visit to Xinjiang? 

I would mention three key points. First, it's about getting to know people. Communication is very important. Second, we have reached an agreement and will start with six development areas [including trade, sister-city relations, tourism, logistics and agricultural industries that leverage local strengths] to cooperate with Xinjiang, which is also about working on a roadmap [toward future collaboration]. Third, which is also important, is the opening of the air route between Minsk and Urumqi [On December 17, 2024, Belavia Belarusian Airlines launched its first air route to China, linking Minsk, capital of Belarus, and Urumqi—Ed.]. These three key points can positively summarize my trip to Urumqi this time.

In today's world, the U.S. and other Western media still dominate the field of international public opinion. How can our media help the public gain a more balanced view? 

The actions of Western media [toward Xinjiang] now are just absurd. These are double standards and there's no other way to describe them. It's necessary to objectively assess the situation. And to do that, one must come to Xinjiang, one should come and see what's happening here, instead of tarnishing the region's image with sensational and groundless labels. And for this, it's necessary to take the first step.

The short time I've spent here has made me want to come back to Xinjiang. I think the next time I come, I will find out more places in Xinjiang worth visiting. It's truly a wonderful region. It is a place with diverse cultures and that's where its unique appeal lies. It is fascinating because of its geography, its nature and its people, even the streets in winter are beautiful. So, I wish all the best to the people of Xinjiang. I hope to have the opportunity to come again in the future, conduct in-depth exploration of the potential that exists in Xinjiang and get to know other areas that make up this region.

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