China's Xi visits Xinjiang for first time in 8 years

Leader touts region's stability ahead of party congress, despite abuse claims

Chinese President Xi Jinping, center, poses with performers in Urumqi on July 13. Beijing's clampdown on Xinjiang's Uyghur Muslims has triggered global criticism. (Xinhua via AP)

TSUKASA HADANO, Nikkei staff writer

July 16, 2022 03:09 JST

BEIJING -- Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Xinjiang this week for the first time since 2014, seeking to demonstrate his success in subduing the country's restive northwestern region.