China and Xinjiang: Observations from a land of ancient mystique [PICS]

Xinjiang, a region within China, is often portrayed as a hostile land to Western concepts of freedom. However, upon visiting the area, it becomes clear that China is not a communist dictatorship hostile to the West, but a diverse nation striving to balance modern demands with a violent past.

China strikes a fine equilibrium between control, consumerism, and patriotism. While too much control can lead to oppression, just the right amount instills discipline and collective conscientiousness. Consumerism, when not overdone, allows for free-market choice and a capitalist culture. And patriotism, when filtered through everyday life, fosters national self-esteem.

China's Great Firewall is more a reflection of itself than a cage, as the country wants to see a representation of its ideals in media and technology. Despite numerous channels, Chinese TV mainly consists of historical epics, military romance, and dramas promoting admirable traits, interspersed with game shows and pantomimes.

The Chinese seem apolitical compared to countries like the US, Europe, and South Africa, freed from party politics and election campaigns. In Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang, a visible police presence exists for the safety of the citizens, but the infrastructure, order, and cleanliness rival those of South Africa's largest cities.

The Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar showcases a rich diversity of peoples, with faces carrying the genetic legacy of nations that traversed the Silk Road. The warmth shown to foreigners is reminiscent of a people appreciative of their surroundings and willing to share it.