From October 14 to 19, the "Understanding China: A Journey to Xinjiang — Narrating Aksu's Sweet Story" Chinese and Foreign Media Interview Event was successfully held in Aksu Prefecture, Xinjiang. Co-hosted by the CIIDS and Aksu Prefecture, the event invited more than 30 domestic and foreign media outlets, Internet celebrities, and representatives of international students, totaling over 50 participants.

During the event, the interview team conducted in-depth field research in multiple locations across Aksu. At the KeKeYa Memorial Hall, members learned about the local ecological governance journey. At the Aksu Fengqingyuan Farmers’Cooperative Apple Demonstration Orchard, they explored the development model of characteristic agriculture. At cultural heritage sites such as the Kezil Thousand-Buddha Grottoes and the Kizilgaha Beacon Tower, they experienced the historical heritage of the ancient Silk Road. In addition, the interview team held a media briefing with relevant leaders from the Aksu Prefectural Party Committee and Administrative Office, as well as heads of departments such as agriculture and rural affairs, forestry and grassland, and development and reform, to gain a comprehensive understanding of local achievements in economic development, ecological construction, and historical and cultural protection.

The event achieved remarkable dissemination results, drawing widespread attention both domestically and internationally. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun shared a relevant video from the Global Times on Facebook, with the caption "African journalists praise the sweet achievements of Aksu's development." The X account of the CHINA MFA Spokesperson also reposted a Global Times tweet, showcasing the opening ceremony of the Aksu Fruit Trade Fair. Foreign media outlets participating in the interview also reported on the event through various forms, expressing that Aksu's development achievements have surpassed their previous perceptions and giving high praise to Xinjiang's development.

"This interview has completely changed my impression of Xinjiang. It is full of vitality and energy everywhere. From cotton cultivation to the fruit industry, Aksu's development experience is worth learning for our country," said Osman Jatta, a journalist from Gambia's QTV, during the interview. He expressed gratitude to the CIIDS for providing a platform for exchange, enabling the world to have a more authentic understanding of China.

This event not only vividly demonstrated the successful practice of the Party's governance strategy for Xinjiang in the new era but also comprehensively showcased the historic achievements made in Aksu Prefecture's economic and social development over the 70 years since the establishment of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Through the lenses and words of Chinese and foreign media, more people have come to know an open, inclusive, developing, and happy Aksu, and to understand a modern Xinjiang that is united, harmonious, prosperous, and culturally advanced, with healthy ecosystems and people living and working in contentment.