Historically, Sinkiang has been at war with the Eastern Chinese. They have identified more with Central Asia than with its current occupier.
The region first supported the Turks, then the Mongols against the Chinese. During the civil war, a separate independent entity existed that was opposed to both the Communists and Nationalists. China didn’t really bring the region under its control until after 1949. Even then, there was more support for Soviet Union than for China. East Turkestan; not Western China.
Uighurs are a ethnic group distinct from the Han Chinese – they claim descent from Turkic peoples. They are majority Muslim, while the Chinese are Buddhists and atheists.
These are but some arguments that can be made in support of a separate Uyghur homeland, but the most important is the human rights aspect, much like Tibet. Since ‘96, repression of and discrimination against Uyghurs has almost become Chinese state policy.
The latest rise in violence and deaths in Sinkiang – almost 1,000 dead or injured just last week – ought to show the world that the Uyghurs are not happy under Chinese rule.
The Free Tibet campaign exists – it’s time for a Free Sinkiang campaign.
Where are the human rights activists now? Hypocrites!
#1 by am Chinese on July 12th, 2009
Uyghurs are unhappy under Chinese rule? then who happy. in China, Han Chinese seize 90% population. but Han chinese actually are second class people. they can’t enjoy so many benifit that government gave other nationists. we never understand, those guys who never have been China, and never know what happen in China, they pretent to show that they know anything, and always make so fucking funny comment on China;s affair. truth is not as you think. So many innocent Han Chinese be killed by the Uylgur terrorist. The west did not show any sympathize on them. by contraries, you support the terrorist. i can;t understand. Bin la den also are not happy with american. is it mean Bin la den can kill innocent american people? west gentalman, take off your by contraries mask, ok?
#2 by observer on July 14th, 2009
But, of course. The Han Chinese are all so innocent.
#3 by john on August 25th, 2009
Shut the hell up and stop causing trouble for china. Go back to turkey where you belong, they are your people after all. In turkey you can do all the terrorism you want.
#4 by observer on August 26th, 2009
The Turks are my people? I didn’t know that. Thank you for the memo.