HUANGPU SHANGHAI

Villagers celebrate the start of spring plowing in Quxu, Lhasa, Tibet autonomous region, in March. JIANG FAN/XINHUA

Building unity

During his inspection trips, Xi has also stressed the need for stability and to enhance unity among ethnic groups.

On a visit to Xinjiang in April 2014, he called for unwavering efforts to promote economic development in the region, which he said should center on improving public wellbeing, winning public support and boosting ethnic unity.

Xi said the region's social stability and long-term law and order are related to national unity, national security and the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

He highlighted the importance of combating terrorism, describing such action as a fight to protect national unity, social stability and people's happiness.

Xi told officials that Xinjiang must continue to step up pressure against terrorism to maintain the rule of law and deal terrorists a heavy blow.

With a host of measures to counter terrorism and radicalization introduced in recent years, the region has witnessed a major security transformation, as there have been no violent terrorist incidents in Xinjiang during the past five years.

The region has also made steady progress in enhancing public well-being, with residents' per capita disposable income reaching 26,075 yuan last year, up from 13,700 yuan in 2013.

Xi also visited Xinjiang in July, when he stressed that public support is the most important factor in ensuring the region's long-term stability.

He urged various sectors in Xinjiang to unite and look to the future to maximize efforts made by officials and the public to ensure stability, seek growth and promote reform, adding that the authorities should give priority to heeding advice from various sectors of society.

Xi said that with strong unity among its ethnic groups, China will be invincible and embrace a bright future. The nation's second centenary goal will also be reached, and the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation will be realized, he said.

Han Qiang, dean of the School of Marxism at Beijing Foreign Studies University, said that if China is to achieve rejuvenation, it is vital for it to forge a strong sense of national community and enable ethnic groups to stick closely together.

"Only when its ethnic groups stick together and jointly go through thick and thin can China prosper and respond to various risks and challenges," he said.