Unruhen in Xinjiang: Anzeichen fur gravierende Probleme in Chinas "harmonischer Gesellschaft"

In: GIGA Focus Asien, Heft 8

Abstract

The article examines the unrest and clashes between the (Han) Chinese and minority Uyghurs not only in Xinjiang, but throughout China -- i.e. the Guangdong province. The author analyzes the history and aspects of the tension between both groups, with viewpoints from the (UWC) Uyghur World Congress and exiled leader Rabiya Kadeer; time-lined up to the events of July 5, 2009 in Urumqi, and the overall, resounding effects throughout China, Eurasia and the world. The Chinese government's policy regards the Xinjiang's indigenous minority Uyghurs as an internal security threat, though the region itself is a strategic gateway to Central Asia and a major concern of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. Stability is the major issue, though human rights and democratization in the region seem non-existent. The author opines that the government's internal and integration policies need revision and a further preponderance before enacting, guarantying peaceful co-existence. Adapted from the source document.