The Fight Against Terrorism and Extremism and Human Rights Protection in Xinjiang

White Paper

The Fight Against Terrorism and Extremism and Human Rights Protection in Xinjiang

(March 2019)

The State Council Information Office of
the People's Republic of China

The Fight Against Terrorism and Extremism and Human Rights Protection in Xinjiang

Contents

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Terrorism is the common enemy of humanity, and the target of joint action by the international community. Terrorist forces, by means of violence, sabotage and intimidation, pose a serious threat to world peace and security by scorning human rights, slaughtering innocent people, endangering public security, and creating fear and panic in society. The infiltration and spread of extremism is a hotbed for violence and terror, constituting a direct threat to human rights.

I. Xinjiang Has Long Been an Inseparable Part of Chinese Territory

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I. Xinjiang Has Long Been an Inseparable Part of Chinese Territory

Xinjiang is situated in northwest China and the hinterland of the Eurasian Continent, covering an area of 1.66 million sq km. It borders eight countries: Mongolia, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India. Since ancient times, Xinjiang has been home to various ethnic groups, and different cultures and religions coexist.

II. The Origin of Terrorism and Extremism in Xinjiang

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II. The Origin of Terrorism and Extremism in Xinjiang

Separatism is the hotbed in which terrorism and extremism take root in Xinjiang. For a long time terrorist and extremist forces have been beating the drum for separatist activities by distorting, fabricating and falsifying the history of Xinjiang, exaggerating the cultural differences between ethnic groups, instigating isolation and hatred, and advocating religious extremism.

III. Violent Terrorism and Religious Extremism Are Grave Abuses of Human Rights

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III. Violent Terrorism and Religious Extremism Are Grave Abuses of Human Rights

Terrorist and extremist forces in Xinjiang, driven by the goal of separatism, engaged in wildly sabotaging activities. This badly undermines local stability and brings enormous suffering to all ethnic groups in the region. Incomplete statistics show that from 1990 to the end of 2016, separatist, terrorist and extremist forces launched thousands of terrorist attacks in Xinjiang.

IV. Striking at Terrorism and Extremism in Accordance with the Law

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IV. Striking at Terrorism and Extremism in Accordance with the Law

It is important to stick to the principles of rule of law and a law-based approach in combatting terrorism and extremism in Xinjiang. The situation is severe and complex; members of all ethnic groups are insistent in their demands that violent and terrorist crimes be punished, and that their lives and property should be protected.

V. Giving Top Priority to a Preventive Counterterrorism Approach

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V. Giving Top Priority to a Preventive Counterterrorism Approach

Terrorism and extremism jeopardize human rights and sustainable development as they propagate intolerance between different religions, cultures and societies, challenge human justice and dignity, and do great harm to peace and security. Fighting terrorism and extremism is a common issue and arduous task faced by the entire world.

VI. Finding Experience for Counterterrorism and De-radicalization

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VI. Finding Experience for Counterterrorism and De-radicalization

Counterterrorism and de-radicalization effort in Xinjiang is based on the reality in Xinjiang and the rest of the country, while drawing on the experience of other countries. The government prioritizes safeguarding the fundamental interests of all ethnic groups.

VII. International Counterterrorism Exchanges and Cooperation

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VII. International Counterterrorism Exchanges and Cooperation

Throughout the world terrorism and extremism gravely threaten peace and development, and endanger the life and property of individuals. Striking aggressively at terrorism and furthering the de-radicalization effort is the common responsibility of the international community and essential to the protection of human rights.

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There is no doubt that Xinjiang's fight against terrorism and extremism is an important component of the global struggle, and has made an important contribution to the latter. While preventing and combating terrorism and extremism in accordance with the law, Xinjiang has maintained social stability and promoted social progress in the region, meeting the people's aspirations for a safe and stable environment to live and work in, and ensuring the basic rights of all ethnic groups to the greatest extent.