BEIJING -- Xinjiang has long been an inseparable part of Chinese territory, said a white paper released Monday by China's State Council Information Office.

"It is indisputable that Xinjiang is an inseparable part of Chinese territory," said the white paper, titled "The Fight Against Terrorism and Extremism and Human Rights Protection in Xinjiang."

Xinjiang, a multi-ethnic region since ancient times, constitutes an integral part of the Chinese nation, it said. "Xinjiang ethnic cultures are an inseparable part of Chinese civilization."

The white paper said the Uygur ethnic group came into being in the long process of migration and ethnic integration. "They are not descendants of the Turks."

It also said Xinjiang has long been a multi-religious region.