Tag

Uyghurs

All articles tagged with #uyghurs

Xinjiang's Transformation Boosts Tourism and Trade Growth
world2 months ago

Xinjiang's Transformation Boosts Tourism and Trade Growth

Xinjiang's tourism industry has surged with 300 million visitors in 2024, driven by government efforts to rebrand the region as a scenic and exotic destination, despite ongoing human rights concerns and allegations of cultural and political repression of Uyghurs. The region's natural beauty is promoted alongside a sanitized version of Uyghur culture, attracting domestic and foreign tourists, while critics warn of a misleading portrayal that obscures serious human rights issues.

China Faces Diplomatic Challenges with Assad's Fall in Syria
international-relations1 year ago

China Faces Diplomatic Challenges with Assad's Fall in Syria

China is concerned about the Syrian rebel takeover of Damascus, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), due to the involvement of the Turkestan Islamic Party (TIP), a Uyghur separatist group linked to al-Qaeda. The TIP, seeking an independent Islamic state in Xinjiang, has gained combat experience in Syria, raising fears in Beijing of potential future insurgency. Despite the threat, China has maintained a non-interventionist stance, relying on intelligence sharing with Syria, which may be disrupted by Assad's ousting. The situation poses risks to China's Belt and Road Initiative, especially if TIP militants return to Afghanistan and Pakistan.

The Black Gate: A Mysterious Journey Unveiled
world-news1 year ago

The Black Gate: A Mysterious Journey Unveiled

In the Xinjiang region of China, the government has detained hundreds of thousands of Uyghurs and other Muslim ethnic groups, leading to accusations of cultural genocide. NPR's Emily Feng explores the story of Abdullatif Kucar, a Uyghur man searching for his missing family, while also investigating the extensive Chinese surveillance of Uyghurs. This episode is part of a series examining the broader implications of these actions.

"Series of Strong Earthquakes Hit China-Kyrgyz Border Region"
natural-disasters2 years ago

"Series of Strong Earthquakes Hit China-Kyrgyz Border Region"

An earthquake with a magnitude of 7.1 struck the border region between Kyrgyzstan and Xinjiang, with tremors felt in Delhi-NCR. The quake, at a depth of 10 km, also caused significant tremors in New Delhi despite being approximately 1,400 kilometers away. The rural region affected is predominantly inhabited by Uyghurs, who have faced forced assimilation and mass detention. The earthquake led to 14 aftershocks, with the possibility of casualties and significant damage, occurring amidst frigid temperatures affecting various parts of northern and central China.

"Remote Western China Hit by 7.1 Magnitude Earthquake, State Media Reports"
natural-disasters2 years ago

"Remote Western China Hit by 7.1 Magnitude Earthquake, State Media Reports"

A magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck a remote part of China's western Xinjiang region, with no immediate reports of damage or fatalities. The quake occurred in a rural area populated mostly by Uyghurs, a Turkic ethnicity that has been the target of a state campaign of forced assimilation and mass detention in recent years. Aftershocks have been reported, and tremors were felt in neighboring countries. The region is experiencing frigid temperatures, and authorities are monitoring the situation closely following a deadly earthquake in China's northwestern Gansu province in December.

"Xinjiang's Controversial Makeover: From Conflict to Tourism"
world-news2 years ago

"Xinjiang's Controversial Makeover: From Conflict to Tourism"

China is rebranding its Xinjiang region, known for allegations of human rights abuses against Uyghur Muslims, as a tourist destination. CBS News joined a state-arranged tour, which showcased local culture and development but avoided any mention of the controversial detention centers. Despite the government's claims of closing "re-education centers," evidence of heavy surveillance and restrictions on Uyghur culture and religion remain. The rebranding effort includes promoting Han Chinese influence and renaming cities with Mandarin names, while presenting the government's crackdown as a fight against terrorism and extremism. Critics argue that the suppression of an entire ethnic group cannot be justified as a counter-terrorism measure.

China's Xi emphasizes hardline Xinjiang policy and high-quality development for new advantages
politics2 years ago

China's Xi emphasizes hardline Xinjiang policy and high-quality development for new advantages

Chinese President Xi Jinping has reaffirmed his support for the hardline approach towards the Uyghur population in Xinjiang, emphasizing the need for social stability and counterterrorism measures. Despite international criticism and accusations of potential crimes against humanity, Xi called for further "Sinocizing" of Islam and the continuation of policies such as teaching Uyghurs Mandarin and relocating them for work outside the region. Activists argue that these policies aim to dilute ethnic identity, while Beijing claims they are necessary for economic development and social stability.

China's Coercive Tactics: Using Families as 'Hostages' to Silence Uyghur Dissent Abroad
human-rights2 years ago

China's Coercive Tactics: Using Families as 'Hostages' to Silence Uyghur Dissent Abroad

China is reportedly pressuring Uyghurs living abroad to spy on human rights activists by using their families as "hostages." Chinese police officers are allegedly brokering video calls between Uyghurs and their family members in China, with the implied threat that harm will come to their families if they refuse to comply. Researchers have found that this tactic, known as transnational repression, is commonly used by Chinese authorities to control Uyghur communities abroad. Uyghurs in the UK and Turkey have reported being directly contacted by Chinese police and pressured to spy or refrain from advocacy work. The US government is beginning to address the issue with proposed legislation, and Uyghur rights activists are calling for Western governments to take responsibility and ensure the safety of Uyghur families.

Canada Investigates Nike and Dynasty Gold for Alleged Forced Uyghur Labor in China
business2 years ago

Canada Investigates Nike and Dynasty Gold for Alleged Forced Uyghur Labor in China

Canada's corporate ethics watchdog, the Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise (CORE), has launched separate investigations into Nike Canada and Dynasty Gold over allegations that they used or benefited from forced Uyghur labor in their supply chains and operations in China. The investigations were initiated following complaints filed by a coalition of civil society organizations. This is the first investigation of its kind by the Canadian agency. The allegations against Nike Canada and Dynasty Gold involve their supply chains or operations in China, which are accused of using or benefiting from Uyghur forced labor. The companies have not yet responded to the allegations. CORE has the power to refer findings to a parliamentary committee for further action if companies are found guilty.

Presidential candidate Francis Suarez's embarrassing question about Uyghurs in China
us2 years ago

Presidential candidate Francis Suarez's embarrassing question about Uyghurs in China

Miami Mayor and presidential candidate Francis Suarez faced criticism for not knowing what Uyghurs are when asked about them during an interview. Uyghurs are a Muslim ethnic group native to Xinjiang, China, who have been subjected to alleged human rights abuses, including detention in camps, sexual abuse, and forced sterilization. China denies the allegations. Both the Trump and Biden administrations have labeled China's treatment of the Uyghurs as genocide. Suarez later acknowledged his lack of knowledge and pledged to learn more about the issue.

Francis Suarez's Ignorance on Uyghurs Exposed in 2024 Campaign Interview
politics2 years ago

Francis Suarez's Ignorance on Uyghurs Exposed in 2024 Campaign Interview

Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, a 2024 Republican presidential candidate, was asked about China's treatment of the Uyghurs, a mostly-Muslim ethnic group, during a campaign interview. Suarez appeared to be unfamiliar with the term and asked, "What's a Uyghur?" After facing criticism, Suarez later clarified in a tweet that he is aware of the suffering of the Uyghurs and blamed his lack of recognition on the pronunciation used by the interviewer.

Suarez's Uyghur Question Raises Eyebrows.
politics2 years ago

Suarez's Uyghur Question Raises Eyebrows.

Republican presidential candidate Francis Suarez was caught off guard when asked about the Chinese minority Uyghurs during a radio interview. The Chinese government has faced significant international criticism over its treatment of Uyghurs, who are detained in reeducation camps where they allege they have been subjected to torture and rape. The U.S., Canada, United Kingdom and European Union have all leveled sanctions against Chinese officials over Beijing’s treatment of Uyghurs. Suarez's foreign policy gaffe is especially striking given the increasingly outsize role China plays in U.S. foreign policy calculations.

Controversy Erupts Over Palestinian Leader's Support for China's Xinjiang Policy and Its Impact on Palestine-Israel Peace Process.
politics2 years ago

Controversy Erupts Over Palestinian Leader's Support for China's Xinjiang Policy and Its Impact on Palestine-Israel Peace Process.

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas expressed support for China's treatment of Muslim Uyghurs in Xinjiang during his visit to Beijing, drawing criticism from politicians and rights activists. The United States and some other countries have designated China's treatment of Uyghurs and other Muslims in Xinjiang as genocide, and the U.N. human rights office has stated that China's actions in Xinjiang may constitute crimes against humanity. Abbas' endorsement of China's policies and denial of the mistreatment of Muslims in Xinjiang were seen as posturing to enhance China's global standing and express dissatisfaction with the Biden administration's approach to the Palestinian issue.