Preparation and course of the trip

• As a result, the Foreign Ministry in Beijing apparently assessed my visit as very important and opened all doors for me in Xinjiang! I was accompanied by a high-ranking Chinese representative Liu Heijun, Deputy Secretary General, Director of general office of XUA Regional Party, who granted me every wish, if possible in his area of competence.
• The trip was finally welcomed and supported from Beijing and was uncomplicated. A strong sign that Beijing is interested in friendly relations with Germany.
• At all stations I was received by the highest local representatives and we had open discussions at dinner. I didn't feel like they wanted to manipulate me or withhold anything from me.
• I don't mean to say they showed me everything. It is in the nature of such a journey that they tried to present things to me in a positive way. At the same time, however, it has been acknowledged several times and again that there are still many problems waiting to be resolved.
• The communication took place via an interpreter provided. Since my wife accompanied me constantly, I was also able to verify the translations.