You are looking at the HTML representation of the XML format.
HTML is good for debugging, but is unsuitable for application use.
Specify the format parameter to change the output format.
To see the non HTML representation of the XML format, set format=xml.
See the complete documentation, or API help for more information. 
<?xml version="1.0"?>
<api>
  <query>
    <backlinks>
      <bl pageid="4" ns="0" title="Order Express" />
      <bl pageid="5" ns="0" title="Smart Spec" />
      <bl pageid="82" ns="0" title="EVision Services" />
      <bl pageid="87" ns="0" title="Smart Spec - Tips &amp; Tricks" />
      <bl pageid="92" ns="0" title="Order Express - Advanced Troubleshooting" />
      <bl pageid="95" ns="0" title="Order Express - Frequently Asked Questions" />
      <bl pageid="104" ns="0" title="Order Express - Release Notes" />
      <bl pageid="117" ns="0" title="Order Express - Features" />
      <bl pageid="118" ns="0" title="Developer Page" />
      <bl pageid="140" ns="0" title="Notifications" />
    </backlinks>
  </query>
</api>