BEIJING -- Stronger foundations for stability, peace and security have been built in China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, a white paper said Friday.

Social stability and lasting peace and security in Xinjiang are of overarching importance to overall reform, development and stability in China, according to the white paper issued by the State Council Information Office.

While balancing development and security, Xinjiang has maintained social stability as a top priority, said the white paper titled "CPC Guidelines for Governing Xinjiang in the New Era: Practice and Achievements."

It has continued to fight terrorism and maintain stability in a law-based and regular manner, preventing and defusing risks in various fields, as well as interference and sabotage by external forces, it noted.

A historic transformation from chaos to stability and from stability to governance has been achieved in the region, the white paper said.