Intensified Terrorism Counteroffensive
Since 2009, the central government has increased investment in improving Xinjiang’s economic development. However, poverty is not the primary reason for ethnic tensions, and implementing favorable policies for ethnic groups is not enough. The key to facilitating ethnic integration lies in promoting bilingual education in Uygur-inhabited areas, guiding the younger generation towards opportunities amid the country’s economic and social development, and encouraging them to strive for greater accomplishments in their work. Xinjiang can realize integrative regional economic development and ethnic relations only by being part of the country’s advances towards civilization, openness and social progress. During his four-day inspection tour of Xinjiang at the end of last April, President Xi Jinping stated, “People in Xinjiang of all ethnic groups are our brothers and sisters. Religious extremists and terrorists are our common enemies.” Xi also urged concerted proactive prevention of terrorism, and a people’s war against this evil. President Xi remarked during his tour, “The stability of Xinjiang is vital to the whole country and party, not just to this one region. We must comprehend the importance of this issue from a strategic comprehensive perspective. The emphasis of our actions should be on politics and long-term strategy.” Xi concluded by calling for greater improvements generally in Xinjiang, and a common effort towards maintaining long-term peace and stability in the region.
International Cooperation and Support Are Needed to Fight Terrorism
In face of terrorism, the Chinese government will constantly propel capability and institutional building in pursuit of effective measures to fight this evil. The first task is to solve the problems of economic development and ethnic and religious tensions in Xinjiang through economic, social and cultural measures. The government will also strengthen international cooperation in efforts to generate the capability to cross the border and strike at Xinjiang terrorist forces. Anti-terror cooperation within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) framework should also be promoted. Economic development in Xinjiang and Central Asia, moreover, should be accelerated, and border region stability maintained. These measures will advance development of China’s anti-terrorism capability. During the 13th SCO Summit, President Xi Jinping proposed carrying forward the Silk Road spirit and constructing the Silk Road economic belt, so building a community of interests through strengthened economic development among countries in the region. Sharing benefits and regional cooperation can mobilize the anti-terrorism initiative among bordering countries to deal more effectively with terrorist attacks that threaten regional security. Strengthened international cooperation and support is crucial to combating terrorism within Chinese territory.
The recent terrorist incidents in Xinjiang prompted Tong Liya, an eminent artist from Xinjiang, to declare, “Do not be hostile to Xinjiang because of terrorist forces.” The Chinese people as a whole should denounce violent acts and strike out against terrorists who set out to challenge China’s national security and the happy and peaceful life of its people. However, neither ethnic nor religious issues are the driving force behind terrorism in Xinjiang. These terrorists do not represent any ethnic group or religion. Their mission is to challenge fundamental human civilization, national and social stability, and human happiness. The fight against terrorism is a long-term progression that demands willpower and capability. It is, in effect, a life-or-death struggle.
China must arise and stamp out the looming threat of terrorism.
ZHU FENG is executive director of the Collaborative Innovation Center for South China Sea Studies, based at Nanjing University, and associate dean of the Institute of International & Strategic Studies, Peking University.
