Xinjiang Government Intensifies Campaign Against the "Three Forces"

The government of the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region has increased efforts to control the "three forces" of separatism, terrorism, and religious extremism, according to an announcement by Wang Lequan, the Xinjiang Communist Party General Secretary, at an August 26 press conference. The Chinese domestic press covered Wang's remarks widely (see 1, 2 and 3). Since the Global War on Terrorism was launched, the Chinese government has accused many writers and activists who peacefully advocate for rights enshrined in China's Regional Ethnic Autonomy Law as supporting the "three evil forces" (see, for example, here and here).

General Secretary Wang reported that fighting terrorism is the "top priority" in Xinjiang. He described an ongoing campaign to step up antisecessionist propaganda, increase law enforcement, and expand cooperation with Central Asian neighbors through the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and its Regional Antiterrorism Structure. Xinjiang authorities reportedly have arrested over 200 Uighurs since July 20 (see here and here for further details), in a campaign that seems to be part of security preparations for the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region on October 1.

General Secretary Wang also accused Rebiya Kadeer, the prominent Uighur human rights activist, of plotting terrorist activities to disrupt the 50th anniversary celebration. Before Chinese authorities released her on March 17, Kadeer served over five years in prison for disclosing "state secrets" by sending newspaper clippings to her husband in the United States. The U.S.-based Uyghur Human Rights Project denounced Wang's accusations against Kadeer, and Kadeer denies the allegations.

In December 2003, Chinese officials listed four organizations that advocate political independence for Xinjiang as terrorist organizations. One of these organizations, the World Uyghur Youth Congress (which merged with the East Turkestan National Congress in April 2004 to form the World Uyghur Congress), says that it "promotes the use of peaceful, nonviolent, and democratic means to determine the political future of East Turkestan."

The U.S. government placed another of these groups, the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM), on its list of international terrorist organizations; and the United Nations acted similarly. The U.S. government has not labeled the other groups as terrorist organizations. President Bush and other senior U.S. officials have urged the Chinese government not to equate peaceful calls for ethnic autonomy with terrorism.

For a scholarly critique of the Chinese government's accusations of terrorism against Uighur groups, see here.