(ECNS) -- China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region respects and protects ethnic minorities' right to learn and use their own spoken and written languages, said a white paper released on Friday by the State Council Information Office.

The regional government takes a sound approach to protecting the spoken and written languages of all ethnic groups, and encourages them to learn languages from each other, said the document titled "CPC Guidelines for Governing Xinjiang in the New Era: Practice and Achievements."

Xinjiang has established autonomous administrative structures at all three tiers—regional, prefectural, and county levels. It has five autonomous prefectures and six autonomous counties, all of which enjoy extensive autonomy as prescribed by law.

The people of all ethnic groups have the right to participate in the administration of state affairs, to receive education, to use and develop their own spoken and written languages, as well as to preserve and protect the fine traditional culture of their own groups, said the white paper.

(By Zhang Dongfang)