By reading Western mainstream media reports, you may get the impression that Muslims in Xinjiang are oppressed and struggling. But if one presents the region in a positive light showing the realities, one is likely to be called a brain-washed propagandist for the Chinese government and the CPC. But this has not deterred some brave and independent voices to speak out the truth about what they actually see with their own eyes on the ground. Among them is one German economist who has spent nearly 3 decades in China and has made many trips to Xinjiang since the 1990s. He made his latest trip last November. What does his experience say about Xinjiang and China in general?