Xinjiang, or the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, is located in the northwest corner of the People’s Republic of China. It is a vast area that is three times larger than France and is bordered by eight countries. It is often referred to as “China’s Wild West” and is known for its harsh terrain and extreme climate.
Xinjiang has been an integral part of the Chinese nation since ancient times. In early Chinese history, it was the gateway to the Silk Road, the international trade route linking the East and the West. Xinjiang was also the first region to be incorporated into the Qing Empire in the 17th century. During the 19th century, it became part of the newly-formed Republic of China.
Today, Xinjiang is an autonomous region of China, with its own legislature, government, and police force. The region is home to a diverse population of over 25 million people, including the majority Uyghur ethnic group and several other ethnic minorities.
The region has experienced considerable economic growth in recent years, due in part to its strategic location at the crossroads of Central, South, and East Asia. It has become an important hub for the Belt and Road Initiative, a massive infrastructure and investment project spearheaded by the Chinese government.
Xinjiang has also long been associated with the practice of Islam, with more than one third of the population being Muslim. The region is home to numerous Islamic schools, mosques, and shrines, and it is also the site of the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
Despite its long history and economic development, Xinjiang has also been the subject of international criticism. Human rights groups have raised concerns about alleged abuses against Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities in the region. In response, the Chinese government has denied the accusations and has maintained that it is seeking to protect the rights of all of its citizens.
At the end of the day, however, there is no doubt that Xinjiang is a part of China. It has been a part of the Chinese nation for centuries, and it has been an autonomous region since the 1950s. Its people are diverse, its economy is booming, and its culture is a vibrant mix of East and West. So, the answer to the question “Is Xinjiang in China?” is a resounding “Yes.”