Abudulkeyoup Rozi (right) with his 18 -month-old son and father in their courtyard. Yao Tong / for China Daily

Xi said that as China's westernmost border region, Kashgar prefecture is on the front line in the fight against terrorism, a situation he called "grim and complicated".

Li Wei, director of the Anti-terrorism Research Center at the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, said foreign terrorist groups based in countries neighboring Xinjiang have infiltrated the local community, so terrorist activities will remain a threat for some time to come.

"There is no doubt that China must strike hard against terrorism, but we can't expect the attacks to just stop because of that. As Xi said during his visit, fighting terrorism is a long-term mission ... the attack in Urumqi has proved that," Li said.

Grassroots police stations are "fists and daggers", Xi told Arken and the other officers. Given that police stations and officers have been the targets of recent attacks in the region, he urged them to better protect themselves.

The 33 officers and 58 assistant officers at the Naizerbage station serve a district that has a population of more than 60,000. Officials at the station said that in recent years the local police have smashed a number of terrorist cells that were plotting violent activity.

"Crime prevention is crucial because it saves people's lives. To that end, we have intensified our physical and combat training," said Arken, who had been working and training nonstop for more than two weeks.

'Brothers and sisters'

During his visit, Xi made several tough remarks that stressed his determination to fight terrorism. At the same time, he showed a softer side to the people, whom he described as "brothers and sisters", and emphasized the need for unity in the face of a common enemy.

"Xi sat right here when he came to my house," Abudulkeyoup Rozi said, as he repeatedly tapped a spot on a carpet-covered "brick sofa", a traditional feature of Uygur courtyards.

The 36-year-old from Ayagemangan village in Kashgar's Shufu county had never imagined that he would meet Xi, who, like all distinguished guests, was offered a traditional Uygur flat hat as a gift.

"My father froze momentarily at the door," Abudulkeyoup said with a laugh, as he watched Rozi Memet play with his 18-month-old grandson. "Xi stroked his face, like this," said Rozi, placing his hand on the baby's plump face. "He was so warm and friendly."

Later, Xi walked around the typical rural Uygur house with its large courtyard covered with grape trellises. "He asked what kind of plants we grow in the backyard. I said they were sweet melons and I told him I'd definitely have shared one with him if they were ripe. Xi smiled and said maybe he would visit us again to taste them," Abudulkeyoup said.

His 63-year-old father said Xi quizzed him about the effectiveness of government policy. "Xi sat down and asked if the policies designed to benefit the villagers had all been implemented," he said.