India, June 11 -- China is hosting an international conference in Xinjiang to promote economic development efforts in the northwestern region, which has been known as the site of mass detentions of ethnic minorities.

The International Conference for Trans-Altai Subregional Cooperation, being held on Wednesday in the city of Altay, includes officials from Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Russia and other nations who are there to discuss trade and economic cooperation in the landlocked region. China plans to develop coal, oil and gas, cotton and other industries in Xinjiang.

"Xinjiang has become a vivid epitome of China's rapid economic development and fully reflects the significant advantages and vitality of China's governance," said Chen Xiaojiang...