Xinjiang's multiethnic community fosters bonds of support, friendship

URUMQI — Ma Hongmei, of the Hui ethnic group, has been working in a multiethnic residential community in Northwest China for 15 years. Over the years, members of one Uygur family have grown from being complete strangers into those she considers closest to her.

When she first met Tuniyaz Dawut in 2009, his wife's polio meant she was physically challenged and unable to work. With two children to take care of, the Uygur couple relied solely on Tuniyaz's meager income.

The family became a great concern for Ma, and she helped them apply for a subsistence allowance and other aids to alleviate their financial difficulties.