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-continue>
    <alllinks alcontinue="Basin_Complex_Fire_Erosion_and_Debris_Flows" />
  </query-continue>
  <query>
    <alllinks>
      <l ns="0" title="BIA" />
      <l ns="0" title="BIL File Format" />
      <l ns="0" title="BLM" />
      <l ns="0" title="BLM Central California District Office" />
      <l ns="0" title="BLM Central Coast Field Office" />
      <l ns="0" title="BSLT" />
      <l ns="0" title="BU" />
      <l ns="0" title="Backcountry Hunters and Anglers" />
      <l ns="0" title="Basin-Indians Fire Erosion and Debris Flows" />
      <l ns="0" title="Basin-Indians Wildfire in California&#039;s Central Coast Region" />
    </alllinks>
  </query>
</api>