Abstract:
This research aims to examine the role of the Chinese
government in managing conflicts in the case of Muslim Uyghurs in
Xinjiang since 1949. A qualitative method has been used to reveal
the causes of conflicts, China’s ethnic policies and conflict resolutions
in the view of the Chinese government, ethnic people and the West.
The findings indicate that ethnic minority policy is the main factor
that has intensified conflict. China’s conflict management methods are
forcing or competing to win over minorities, compromising in order
to lessen conflict and collaborating to find a solution. China’s ethnic
policies depend on the internal and external situation and leaders.
In the early years of the PRC, Mao Zedong’s policy was cultural
assimilation and Sinicization by eradicating religion and the Muslim
Uyghur identity. During the reform period in the 1980s-1990s,
cultural reconciliation and economic development were conducted
to establish harmony between the ethnic minorities in China. In the
2000s -2010s, anti-government groups in Xinjiang were supported
by radical and external Islamic groups and the government’s ethnic
minority policy was to balance between the forces and collaboration
through economic development and cultural support.
