Relations have long been difficult between Han Chinese and Muslim Uyghurs in northwestern China’s Xinjiang region. The Chinese government speaks of waging a ‘war against terrorism,’ while the Uyghurs point to land grabs, social humiliation, and culturally punitive Chinese policies. Follow the escalation of violence in this resource-rich area in a time line from 2008 to today.

News

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Commentaries

Beijing Stirs Ethnic Hatred in Xinjiang

July 05, 2012

Three years after riots in Urumqi, China continues to tighten controls.

Ending the silence on Uyghur repression

July 29, 2010

Uyghur voices have been crying in the wilderness. It's time to listen says Carl Gershman, president of the National Endowment for Democracy.

Videos

Uyghur Scholar Gets Life Sentence for ‘Separatism’

September 23, 2014

Ilham Tohti denies the charges and vows to appeal.

Heavy Security for Trial of Uyghur Scholar

September 17, 2014

Ilham Tohti is charged with separatism and faces a possible life sentence.

Everything Is Getting Worse

July. 05, 2012

The President of the Uyghur American Association discusses the situation for China’s Uyghur minority three years after ethnic violence erupted in Xinjiang.

Unrest in Other Regions

Tibetan Self-Immolations

Feb. 27, 2009

Numerous Tibetans, mostly monks, have set themselves on fire in the past months as a way to protest the repressive rule of the Chinese government. The Dalai Lama has stated that he does not encourage his people to continue to protest in such drastic ways. At the same time, Beijing has responded with added security measures and arrests. However, the self-immolations continue with no end in sight.