CCTV:

Most countries in the world are multi-ethnic and different countries have different ways of dealing with ethnic affairs. As a unified multi-ethnic country with 56 ethnic groups and a population of more than 1.4 billion, China has followed the policies of ethnic equality, ethnic unity, regional ethnic autonomy, and common prosperity and development of all ethnic groups. What's your opinion on China's path for handling ethnic affairs?

Zhao Yong:

Thank you for your question. You have a rather systematic view on this issue, and you raised a good question. Looking back on the Party's century-long journey, the most outstanding achievement of our work on ethnic affairs is that we have found the right path for managing ethnic affairs with Chinese characteristics. The great practice after the 18th CPC National Congress has enriched and expanded this path. The Chinese characteristics of this path are reflected in several aspects:

The first characteristic is the leadership of the CPC. The CPC is the backbone of the people of all ethnic groups in China. The leadership of the CPC is the essential feature of socialism with Chinese characteristics and the fundamental guarantee for doing well in our work on ethnic affairs. The practice has proved that only the leadership of the CPC can bring all ethnic groups together and take all ethnic groups toward common prosperity and development.

The second characteristic is equality among all ethnic groups. All ethnic groups in China are equal regardless of population, history, or stage of development. This equality is genuine, comprehensive, and complete. The legitimate rights and interests of all ethnic groups are fully guaranteed, and the human rights situation of ethnic minorities in China is at its best in history.

The third characteristic is the system of regional ethnic autonomy. It is a basic political system of China and an incredible creation of the CPC. Moreover, this system not only fundamentally safeguards national unity and ethnic solidarity, but also dramatically mobilizes the enthusiasm and creativity of ethnic autonomous regions to develop their motherland and hometowns.

The fourth characteristic is the Chinese national community. This path is built on the Chinese national community, which has been formed and developed for over 5,000 years. The relationship between the Chinese nation and ethnic groups is between a big family and family members. The relationship among ethnic groups is among family members of one big family. We need to not only ensure all ethnic groups' development, but also build and develop the community as a big family.

The fifth characteristic is pursuing common prosperity and development. The goal followed by this path is to deliver a better life for all ethnic groups.The great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation is not a reappearance of any dynasty in history. Instead, it encourages the 56 ethnic groups to move towards socialist modernization together, create a bright future for the Chinese nation and enjoy the great glory of national rejuvenation together. The practice has proved that this path is a road of equality to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of all ethnic groups, a road of unity to promote exchanges and communication among all ethnic groups, and a road toward prosperity that helps all ethnic groups develop together. Ultimately, it is a path of rejuvenation for the Chinese nation toward a community of shared future with greater recognition and cohesion. We will unswervingly follow this path.

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