This paper addresses the following questions: First, what is the origin of the conflict between Uyghurs and Han Chinese, which make up the central government? Second, who are the terrorist organizations in Xinjiang and what impact do they have on China? And as a third question, which counterterrorism measures are used by the Chinese government to fight domestic terrorism and in how far are they appropriate to achieve a more peaceful security environment in the region and the country?
After the 9/11 attacks, not only the US, but also countries all around the globe realized the comprehensive threat posed to them by terrorist organizations. Consequently, a revision and enhancement of the counterterrorism capabilities took place all over. This also happened in the People’s Republic of China (PRC), which widened their counterterrorism measures and joined Bush’s ‘war on terror’. The target of this newly inflamed campaign was mainly the Uyghur population of Xinjiang district, seen as a major threat of domestic unrest by the Chinese government.
Separated from China proper through a wide geographical distance and the differing culture of Islam, this region had been a child of sorrow for them for a long time. Because of that, the central government used the chance to intensify their fight against separatism and extremist terrorism, which it assumed to be originating mainly in XInjiang. However, China is facing a peak of terrorist attacks since 2014, which proves their strategy of proceeding with cruelty far from perfect.
Therefore, this paper will have a closer look at the ‘Uyghur case’ and assesses the authorities' counterterrorism measures. For this analysis, mainstream literature by Krueger & Malečková and Kydd & Walter is used, which examines the impact of economic factors on the likelihood to join a terrorist organization and the consequences of indiscriminate counterterrorism measures. Finally, it will postulate some policy advice, useful for maintaining stability in the area while at the same time reducing the threat of terrorist attacks for the country.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- I. Introduction
- II. Introducing the Uyghur case
- 1. Xinjiang history at a glance and the roots of Uyghur grievances
- 2. Terrorist organizations in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region
- a) Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM) aka. (Eastern) Turkistan Islamic Party ([E]TIP)
- b) Eastern Turkistan Liberation Organization (ETLO)
- 3. Quantitative study of the impact of terrorism on China
- III. Chinese counterterrorism measures
- 1. Excursus: Where do the Chinese policy decisions come from?
- 2. China's plans to fight the terror
- a) Promoting economic growth
- b) Broadening the legislation
- c) Combating 'religious extremism' and strengthening the law enforcement
- IV. Policy advising
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper examines the conflict between the Uyghur population and the Chinese government in Xinjiang. It aims to understand the historical roots of this conflict, identify key terrorist organizations operating in the region, and analyze the effectiveness of Chinese counterterrorism measures. The paper will conclude with policy recommendations for achieving a more peaceful and secure environment.
- Historical context of Uyghur grievances in Xinjiang.
- The role and impact of terrorist organizations in Xinjiang.
- Analysis of Chinese counterterrorism strategies and their effectiveness.
- The impact of economic factors on the conflict.
- Policy recommendations for promoting stability and reducing terrorism.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
I. Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage by highlighting the global increase in counterterrorism efforts following the 9/11 attacks and China's subsequent engagement in the "war on terror." The focus is narrowed to the Uyghur population of Xinjiang, presenting them as a significant concern for the Chinese government due to perceived threats of domestic unrest. The chapter establishes the core research questions: the origins of the Uyghur-Han conflict, the impact of terrorist organizations in Xinjiang, and the appropriateness of Chinese counterterrorism measures. It introduces the theoretical framework employed in the analysis, drawing on existing literature concerning economic factors and counterterrorism strategies. Finally, it outlines the intention to provide policy advice aimed at fostering stability while mitigating the threat of terrorism.
II. Introducing the Uyghur case: This chapter delves into the historical and demographic context of the Uyghur situation in Xinjiang. It provides an overview of Xinjiang's history, including periods of Uyghur independence and the subsequent integration into China. The chapter emphasizes the large-scale resettlement of Han Chinese into Xinjiang, highlighting its impact on the demographic balance and the resulting grievances among the Uyghur population. It discusses discriminatory practices against Uyghurs in employment, wages, and education, creating a cycle of poverty and limited opportunities. The chapter also addresses the suppression of Uyghur culture and religion, tracing its roots back to the Cultural Revolution and its contribution to the rise of terrorist groups. The chapter lays out the groundwork for understanding the complex interplay of historical grievances, discriminatory policies, and the emergence of extremism.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview
What is the main topic of this document?
This document is a comprehensive language preview of a paper examining the conflict between the Uyghur population and the Chinese government in Xinjiang. It explores the historical roots of the conflict, key terrorist organizations in the region, the effectiveness of Chinese counterterrorism measures, and provides policy recommendations.
What are the key themes explored in the document?
The key themes include the historical context of Uyghur grievances in Xinjiang; the role and impact of terrorist organizations like ETIM and ETLO; an analysis of Chinese counterterrorism strategies (including economic growth promotion, legislative broadening, and combating religious extremism); the impact of economic factors on the conflict; and policy recommendations for promoting stability and reducing terrorism.
What historical context is provided regarding the Uyghur situation?
The document provides an overview of Xinjiang's history, including periods of Uyghur independence and subsequent integration into China. It highlights the large-scale resettlement of Han Chinese, discriminatory practices against Uyghurs, and the suppression of Uyghur culture and religion as contributing factors to the conflict.
Which terrorist organizations are discussed?
The document specifically mentions the Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM) also known as the (Eastern) Turkistan Islamic Party ([E]TIP), and the Eastern Turkistan Liberation Organization (ETLO) as key terrorist organizations operating in Xinjiang.
What are the Chinese counterterrorism measures analyzed?
The analysis covers Chinese counterterrorism strategies, focusing on promoting economic growth, broadening legislation, and combating what China terms 'religious extremism' through strengthened law enforcement. The document also explores the underlying motivations behind these policy decisions.
What policy recommendations are included?
While the specific policy recommendations are not detailed in this preview, the document indicates that it concludes with policy advice aimed at fostering stability and mitigating the threat of terrorism in Xinjiang.
What is the structure of the main document?
The main document is structured into four sections: An introduction, a section introducing the Uyghur case (including Xinjiang's history, terrorist organizations, and a quantitative study of terrorism's impact), a section on Chinese counterterrorism measures, and a concluding section on policy advising.
What is the purpose of this language preview?
This language preview serves as a comprehensive summary of the main document, providing readers with an overview of the title, table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords. It is intended for academic use in analyzing the themes of the full paper.
- Quote paper
- Anonym (Author), 2017, The Xinjiang conflict and the utility of China’s counter-terrorism measures, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1320774
