A regional government work report released has stated that, in spite of sanctions, China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region intends to fortify its cotton industry as a pillar sector. With an output of more than 5.68 million tonnes, or 92.2 per cent of the nation’s total, Xinjiang continued to be the cotton powerhouse in 2024.
The Xinjiang Regional People’s Congress Standing Committee enacted a resolution in August of last year to oppose US sanctions and aid in the growth of businesses that have been sanctioned, especially those in the apparel and textile industries.
Zhao Wenquan, a spokesperson for the congress, stated at a press conference that the resolution represents a significant move in using legal measures to challenge US hegemony and power politics, while also advancing both domestic and international legal frameworks.
Erkin Tuniyaz, chairman of the regional government of Xinjiang, stated that China will broaden its strategies for countering foreign sanctions and strengthen policy assistance for businesses impacted by US sanctions, including key industry players and small to medium-sized enterprises, in order to protect the stability and security of the nation’s industrial and supply chains.
This year, the region wants to continue producing more than 5 million tonnes of cotton, establish itself as a leading source of national cotton yarn, and grow its supply chain for clothing and textiles. The cotton and textile sector in the area employed more than a million people and produced 220 billion yuan (about US $ 33.6 billion) in 2024.
