URUMQI - President Xi Jinping said that long-term stability in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region is vital to the whole country's stability and national security.

Xi made the remarks during an inspection tour to Xinjiang which ended on Wednesday.

"The long-term stability of Xinjiang is vital to the whole country's reform, development and stability; to the country's unity, ethnic harmony and national security as well as to the great revival of Chinese nation," Xi said when meeting with local Party and government officials.

Safeguarding the country's unity and fighting separatism are of the upmost importance and in the basic interests of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang, he said.

While fighting terrorism, China will deploy a "strike-first" strategy against terrorists in this region to deter enemies and inspire people, Xi said.

The government will implement appropriate policies to improve ethnic harmony and common prosperity of all ethnic groups, he said.