(Xinhua/Bi Xiaoyang)
The Chinese president, Xi Jinping, arrived in Urumqi on Tuesday, capital of the Ouïgoure autonomous region of Xinjiang to attend the activities marking the 70th anniversary of the region’s foundation.
Mr. XI, also secretary general of the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party (CCC) and president of the Central Military Commission, led a central delegation to the Xinjiang for the celebrations, a first in the history of the party and the country.
Around 2:20 p.m., Mr. XI’s plane landed at Urumqi Tianshan International Airport. He left the cabin and praised the crowd that acclaimed him.
Going down from the ramp, Mr. XI received flowers from children and was greeted by songs and dances executed by people from different ethnic groups.
Crowds have gathered along the streets of Urumqi, brandishing red flags to accommodate the convoy, while Mr. Xi greeted people through the open window.
Xi Jinping is accompanied by Wang Huning, Chairman of the National Committee of the Political Advisory Conference of the Chinese People and Head of the Central Delegation, as well as Cai Qi, Director of the General Directorate of the Central Committee of the CCP. Wang Huning and Cai Qi are both members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the PCC.
(Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)