A symposium focused on stability, development and ethnic unity of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region was held in Muscat, the capital and largest city of Oman, on Sunday, showcasing China's achievements in human rights protection and improvement of people's livelihoods in the multi-ethnic autonomous region.
Organized by China's State Council Information Office, the event offered a platform for people in the west Asian country to gain insights into Xinjiang and foster exchanges between the two countries.
Lyu Jian, China's ambassador to Oman, said at the event that China and Oman share similar civilizational vision and should strengthen exchanges and cooperation.
Chinese attendees introduced Xinjiang's progress in economic and social development, cultural and religious affairs, education, and ethnic unity.
"Xinjiang has always been home to multiple religions. This event deepens understanding of the Communist Party of China's policies on governing Xinjiang in the new era and helps build consensus on the issue among walks of life in Oman," said Yimure Wusman, a religious figure from Xinjiang.
"Scholars, officials and religious figures from both countries had candid discussions at the event. The two countries can learn from each other's experience in human rights protection, religious affairs management, and other areas," said Xing Guangcheng, director of the Institute of Chinese Borderland Studies under the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.
Omani participants said that different ethnic groups in Xinjiang live in harmony, contributing to China's economic growth.
They also added that the Chinese government has been dedicating to protecting the rights of ethnic groups while some Western countries apply double standards on the issue of human rights.
"This event will undoubtedly strengthen Oman-China relations. The two countries have extensive common interests and a bright future for cooperation. Their rich histories and cultures complement each other's progress. Meetings like this will further advance bilateral ties" said Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Arimi, chairman of the Oman Journalists Association.
Symposium on Xinjiang's development, ethnic unity held in Oman
Russian helicopter manufacturers are looking to take their partnerships with Chinese firms to new heights at the 10th China-Russia Expo, which opened in Harbin of northeast China's Heilongjiang Province on Sunday.
The expo highlights future industries including intelligent equipment, digital security, green building materials, new energy storage and other key fields.
As the largest comprehensive exchange platform between the two countries, Russia's leading helicopter makers are seeing fresh opportunities to team up with Chinese machinery firms, seeking reciprocal partnerships that draw on the strengths of both sides.
Sergei Suchilin, Head of Life Cycle Support at Russian Helicopters, part of the state-owned high-tech conglomerate Rostec, joined the event to present their best products.
"The first one is [Mil] Mi-17, the most common, the most popular model all over the world. It has a lot of different modification and can be used in very many variants of exploitation. First of all, it's for transportation for personnel and cargoes, also it can be used on search and rescue operations," said Suchilin.
Beyond showcasing, Suchilin was particularly keen to connect with Chinese exhibitors and explore potential cooperation, hoping to tap into their manufacturing edge.
"Machines and equipment, I think, it is more interesting -- like a big producing plant for us, and China is famous for its machine and equipment. This field of economics is developing very well nowadays in China," said the Russian exhibitor.
Dozens of meters away from their booth, a variety of aero-engine models for passenger planes, cargo drones and helicopters were on display in the Chinese exhibition zone, covering a comprehensive industrial chain, which is especially appealing for Suchilin.
"It's our first visit and it is really interesting for us, because there are a lot of new developing industries in China and it is very interesting to have a look, and maybe we may have some cooperation in the future, to know the projects of local producers," he said.
The enthusiasm for collaboration is mutual. Zhang Yuliang of Xinghuo Machine Tool in Hebei Province expressed strong confidence in the Russian market, thanks to the high reliability and cost performance of his products.
"We have full confidence in the Russian market. Since 2022, the share of our products exported to Russia has risen from 10 percent to 50 percent. Chinese products boast high-cost performance and stable output. We will keep expanding production capacity to meet the needs of Russian clients," he said.
Russian helicopter makers eye collaboration with Chinese firms at China-Russia Expo
