Chinese leaders put ethnic unity first

Chinese leaders have called on all Party members to "put ethnic unity and national unity as the supreme interests of all ethnic groups."

Ethnic affairs are a major issue that bear on national unity, stability in border areas, ethnic unity, social stability, and the lasting peace and prosperity of the nation, said a statement released after a central conference on ethnic affairs which concluded on Monday.

President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Keqiang, and top political advisor Yu Zhengsheng delivered speeches during the two-day event, while other top leaders including Zhang Dejiang, Liu Yunshan and Wang Qishan were also present.

The Party's ethnic theory and policy have been correct since the founding of New China 65 years ago, opening up a correct road with Chinese characteristics to resolve the ethnic issue, according to the statement.

"Ethnic relations in the country are harmonious in general," it said.

The leaders described ethnic unity as the most important aspect of ethnic affairs. They called on people to absolutely oppose Han chauvinism and narrow nationalism.

Efforts should be made to increase exchange between all ethnic groups, respect their differences, and use laws to safeguard ethnic unity, according to the statement.

The system of regional ethnic autonomy is an important part of China's policy on tackling ethnic affairs. The key for combining unity with autonomy, ethnic factors with regional factors, and the Constitution and the ethnic regional autonomous law is to help the autonomous areas to promote economic development and improve livelihoods of people living there.

The leaders stressed pooling the wisdom of people from all ethnic groups and making a concerted effort to promote social and economic development in areas inhabited by ethnic minorities for the rejuvenation of the nation.

To enhance national solidarity, effort should be made to strengthen cultural identity and build a spiritual home shared by all the ethnicities.

Patriotic education should plant the seeds of loving China in every child to help socialist core values take root and grow in the generations to come.

Stressing the role of the Communist Party of China, the statement said as long as the nation adheres to the leadership by the Party, ethnic solidarity and unity will be guaranteed.

Party and government authorities should put ethnic affairs at the top of their agenda and officials in ethnic areas should show sincere concern for all ethnic groups.

The document also paid attention to the role of officials from ethnic minorities, saying a better job should be done to train and select officials from ethnic minorities who are competent and virtuous.