China's Uighur conundrum
Until now, it has been Beijing that talked up the threat of ethnic separatism in its far north-west region of Xinjiang, while the attitude of most of the Muslim Uighur population has been one of quiet – though unhappy – acceptance of Chinese rule. But the latest outbreak of violence in the regional capital of Urumqi is unprecedented and suggests that Uighur resentment at heavy-handed Chinese policies has begun to boil over. For Uighurs to challenge the authorities in what has become a largely Chinese city is even more remarkable.
Xinjiang shares with Tibet a history of only intermittent control from Beijing and the misfortune of being seen by the Chinese as a strategic buffer region against its neighbours.… Seguir leyendo »