Why is the Xinjiang Uyghur problem happening

国際社会はいま、中国の新疆ウイグル自治区における共産党政権の統治について、欧米諸国が民族迫害であると非難しています。アメリカのレポートによると、100万人規模のウイグル人が強制収容や拷問などの人権侵害を受けているとのことです。しかし、中国が情報を開示しないため詳細は不透明なのが現状です。（English) The international community is now accusing Western countries of ethnic persecution over the Communist regime's rule in China's Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region. According to a US report, one million Uighurs have been subjected to human rights abuses such as internment and torture. Details are unclear, however, as China does not release information.

Why is the Xinjiang Uyghur problem happening? - 2022/2/25

A)

1)

The international community is now accusing Western countries of ethnic persecution over the Communist regime's rule in China's Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region.

According to a US report, one million Uighurs have been subjected to human rights abuses such as internment and torture. Details are unclear, however, as China does not release information.

2)

One of the issues we face internationally is climate change, and another is human rights. As a person living in modern society, I thought I should be interested in this problem, so I tried to summarise the contents.

B)

3)

What is the Uighur problem?

The Uyghur issue concerns the Uyghur independence movement centred on the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region in China.

This region is a "frontier" of China that has experienced "independence" several times, and there are many violent incidents demanding secession, a high degree of autonomy or human rights.

4)

The Uyghurs are very different in appearance, culture and language from the Han Chinese, who comprise most of China.

Most of them are Muslims, and Muslims believe in God (Allah), so there is something more important than the Chinese Communist Party.

For the Chinese Communist Party, it is considered disloyal to the Communist Party, so it is persecuted.

5)

Because China sees the Uighur Autonomous Region, which has been rioting for independence, as a threat, the Chinese Communist Party takes measures to suppress it. However, they are criticised by society.

C)

6)

Why are they oppressed?

The Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region has experienced several independence movements since it became an autonomous region of China in 1955.

This was due to the social upheaval caused by the Cultural Revolution.

7)

For example, just before the Tiananmen Square crackdown in 1989, thousands of people fought for independence.

In addition, the Republic of East Turkestan existed in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region from 1944 to 1946, before China came to power.

Therefore, it is an area where several forces will become independent as East Turkistan.

8)

Of course, China cannot allow any force to become independent from its own country, so it will try desperately to suppress it.

If we allow it, there is a danger that the tide of independence will spread to Hong Kong and Taiwan.

9)　

And it is said that President Xi Jinping stepped up the crackdown after the "terrorist bomb incident" in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region on 30 April 2014.

The Urumqi South Railway Station was bombed during Xi Jinping's first visit to Xinjiang after becoming president.

10)

There have been many casualties in clashes with Han Chinese.

Since then, the Chinese authorities have intensified their crackdown on terrorism.

In the process, they have put them in concentration camps one after another in the form of hostility towards Muslims.

The US State Department estimates that over 1 million Muslims have been sent to concentration camps in the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region.

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Reaction and Response of Each Country

The genocide of the Uyghurs is recognised in Western countries. At the United Nations General Assembly in 2021, Western countries and the Chinese side each issued a joint statement and exchanged accusations.

12)

France's ambassador to the UN, Derivière, representing 43 countries including Japan, the United States and Europe, expressed concern that "human rights violations such as torture and sexual violence are being systematically carried out" in the Uyghur Autonomous Region.

They appealed to China to allow the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and others to visit.

13)

On the other hand, Cuba, representing 62 countries, mainly developing countries, stated in defence of China.

It expressed its position that the Uyghur Autonomous Region is China's "internal affair" and that other countries should not interfere under the pretext of human rights.

Of course, China also denies Western allegations of genocide and forced labour in Xinjiang, calling them "the biggest lie of the century".

14)

The foreign ministers of five countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom, have issued a joint statement saying there is "overwhelming evidence" of human rights abuses.

But with China able to veto the resolution, the UN cannot take decisive action.

China has no intention of sharing information, so it is in a situation where nothing can be done except outside pressure.

E)

15)

Impact on business

The issue of human rights violations is shaking Japanese companies.

The Uyghurs have been classified as "genocide" by the Uyghurs, citing genocide and forced sterilisation.

The European Union also said forced labour was used in agriculture and manufacturing.

The EU, US, UK and Canada have imposed sanctions on China.

16)

In response to China, Swedish clothing giant H&M announced that it would not use cotton from Xinjiang and expressed concern about human rights abuses and a boycott of Nike in the United States. 

17)

Meanwhile, Uniqlo's cotton shirts have been banned from import into the US because they violate the US government's ban on forced labour imports.

Fast Retailing said: "We have confirmed that there are no serious human rights abuses such as forced labour in our supply chain.

For cotton materials, we only use cotton confirmed to be free from issues such as forced labour in the production process.

18)

For many Japanese companies, China is a significant production base and the most important market, and there is a great deal of tension between the West and China.

Add info)

A)

On 31 August 2022, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights reported that China is committing "serious human rights violations" against ethnic minorities in the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region that "may amount to crimes against humanity". The report follows UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Bachelet's visit to the region in May and is the Office's first report on the Uyghur issue.

B)

The Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region is rich in natural resources, including oil and natural gas. Some 40 oil fields have been discovered, accounting for about 30% of China's total reserves. Xinjiang is also known as a cotton production centre, with 88% of China's cotton production, which accounts for 22% of the world's share, coming from Xinjiang.

C)

Looking at the population of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, out of the total population (approximately 25.85 million), the Uyghur ethnic group accounts for the most significant proportion, 45% (about 11.63 million), followed by the Han ethnic group with 42.2% (approximately 10.9 million). There are also many Turkic ethnic groups, such as Kazakhs, Kurgans, Tajiks, Uzbeks and Tatars.

D)

What is the problem?

As Associate Professor Jun Kumakura of Hosei University points out, the Chinese Communist Party's intervention in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region can be divided into five main problems.

1. Birth control, forced sterilisation and forced abortion

2. Internment and ideological indoctrination in detention centres, abuse, torture and sexual crimes

3. Forced labour

4. Thorough monitoring system

5. Denial of ethnic identity, forced assimilation into Han and Chinese culture

Why is the Xinjiang Uyghur problem happening? - 2022/2/25

https://libera-inc.com/column/220224c

An easy-to-understand explanation of what the Uyghur problem is! What is the background of the outbreak and its impact on Japan? 

https://news-japan.tokyo/uyghurs/

What is the Uyghur problem = Why, when, and how the "serious violation of human rights" is regarded as a problem 

https://www.theheadline.jp/articles/692

Add info NO2)

Q1. What are the ways to solve the problems of Kurds in Turkey and Uyghurs in the Uyghur Autonomous Region?

First of all, please list five problems of the current situation.

A1->

The issues faced by the Kurds in Turkey and the Uyghurs in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region in China are complex and multifaceted. Here are five problems each group currently faces:

Kurds in Turkey:

1. Political Representation: Kurds have long struggled for political representation in Turkey, with Kurdish political parties often facing legal challenges and repression.

2. Cultural Rights: Restrictions on using the Kurdish language and artistic expressions have been long-standing.

3. Human Rights: The conflict between the Turkish government and Kurdish separatist groups has often resulted in human rights abuses, including forced displacements and extrajudicial killings.

4. Economic Inequality: Turkey's predominantly Kurdish southeast region is less developed and has higher poverty and unemployment rates.

5. State Violence: The Turkish state's military operations against Kurdish separatist groups have often resulted in civilian casualties and displacement.

Uyghurs in Xinjiang:

1. Cultural Repression: Uyghurs face restrictions on their cultural and religious practices, including the use of their language.

2. Mass Detention: Reports suggest that Uyghurs have been detained in large numbers in "re-education camps."

3. Surveillance: The Uyghur population is subject to extensive and intrusive state surveillance.

4. Forced Labor: There are allegations of Uyghurs being forced into labour in various industries.

5. Human Rights Abuses: Reports of human rights abuses, including forced sterilizations and torture, have been widespread.

Potential solutions to these problems could include:

1. Dialogue and Negotiation: Open and honest dialogue could help address grievances and find mutually agreeable solutions.

2. International Pressure: The international community can play a role in advocating for the rights of these groups and applying pressure on the respective governments to change their policies.

3. Legal Reforms: Changes to laws and policies that discriminate against these groups could help address some of their issues.

4. Economic Investment: Investing in the economic development of regions predominantly inhabited by these groups could help alleviate some of the economic inequalities they face.

5. Cultural Rights: Ensuring the rights of these groups to practice their culture and speak their language without restrictions could help preserve their cultural identities.

Q2. What can we do to Turkey and China to ask them to allow a country of 30 million people to recommend new things they can do?

A2-> Addressing the issues faced by the Kurds in Turkey and the Uyghurs in China requires diplomatic, humanitarian, and strategic approaches. Here are some recommendations:

1. Diplomatic Engagement: Countries can engage in diplomatic dialogue with Turkey and China, expressing concerns about the treatment of these groups and advocating for their rights.

2. International Pressure: The international community can exert pressure through mechanisms like the United Nations, where resolutions can be passed, condemning human rights abuses and calling for action.

3. Economic Sanctions: Countries could consider economic sanctions against Turkey or China if diplomatic efforts fail. However, this severe measure could have significant geopolitical implications and should be considered carefully.

4. Support Civil Society: Countries can support NGOs and civil society organizations working to improve conditions for these groups within Turkey and China and internationally.

5. Promote Cultural Exchange: Encouraging cultural exchange programs could help raise awareness about these groups and their struggles, fostering international solidarity.

6. Advocate for Autonomy: Countries can advocate for greater autonomy for these regions, allowing them more control over their affairs.

7. Encourage Inclusive Policies: Encourage Turkey and China to adopt inclusive policies that respect cultural diversity and allow for the full participation of all ethnic groups in societal affairs.

8. Support Refugees: Support refugees from these groups who have fled due to persecution.

9. Promote Human Rights: Continually advocate for respecting human rights in all interactions with Turkey and China.

10. Encourage Dialogue: Promote peaceful dialogue between these groups and their governments to address grievances and work towards solutions.

Remember, these actions should be taken by international law and respect for the sovereignty of nations.

Q3. Let them understand that it is more productive, profitable, and more respectable and authoritative to coexist, prosper together, and build a better future instead of persecuting them, killing them, and exterminating their race. What should I do to make it work?

List five more specific and practical ways to do this.

A3-> Promoting coexistence, mutual prosperity, and respect for diversity can be challenging but rewarding. Here are five practical ways to encourage such understanding:

1. Promote Intercommunity Dialogue: Facilitate dialogue between different ethnic and cultural groups within the country. This could be through community meetings, cultural exchange programs, or collaborative community projects. This can foster understanding and mutual respect.

2. Economic Incentives: Show through financial analysis and case studies how diversity and inclusion can lead to economic growth and prosperity. Highlight successful examples of multicultural societies where diversity has led to innovation and economic advancement.

3. Education: Implement programs that teach the value of diversity and coexistence. This could be done through school curriculums, public seminars, or media campaigns.

4. Collaborative Projects: Encourage collaboration between ethnic and cultural groups, particularly in business, academia, and the arts. This can demonstrate the benefits of cooperation and mutual respect.

5. International Diplomacy: Use international diplomacy to advocate for the benefits of coexistence and mutual prosperity. This could involve working through international organizations like the United Nations to promote these values.

Remember, these methods require patience and persistence, as attitudes and societal structures can take time to change. It's also essential to approach this work with respect for the sovereignty and cultural norms of the countries involved.

Q4. You are a competent international negotiator. What are five ways we can talk together, respect each other, and reach more constructive results, even if we have different points of view?

A4->

Effective international negotiation requires a combination of diplomacy, understanding, and strategic communication. Here are five strategies that can help facilitate productive discussions and reach constructive outcomes:

1. Active Listening: Try to truly understand the other party's perspective. This involves hearing their words and recognizing their underlying interests, concerns, and emotions.

2. Respectful Communication: Always communicate respectfully, even when you disagree. This includes using respectful language, acknowledging the other party's perspective, and avoiding personal attacks or derogatory comments.

3. Finding Common Ground: Look for areas of agreement or shared interests that can serve as a foundation for negotiation. This can help to build trust and foster a sense of cooperation.

4. Problem-Solving Approach: Rather than viewing the negotiation as a zero-sum game, approach it as a problem to be solved collaboratively. This involves looking for solutions that meet the needs and interests of all parties.

5. Patience and Persistence: Negotiations can be lengthy and require patience. Staying committed to the process is essential, even when progress seems slow. Persistence and a positive attitude can help to keep the negotiation moving forward.

Remember, successful negotiation often involves a willingness to compromise and a commitment to finding an acceptable solution for all parties.

Q5. You are a president who will be loved and supported by many Turkish people and Kurds in the future. Please tell me five ways to solve this Kurdish problem.

Also, please tell us more about the measures you are focusing on.

A5->

As an AI, I don't have personal experiences or emotions, but I can suggest strategies that a future president might consider to address the Kurdish issue in Turkey:

1. Inclusive Political Representation: Ensure that Kurdish political parties and representatives have the opportunity to participate fully in the political process. This could involve revising laws that currently restrict their activities.

2. Cultural Rights: Respect and protect the artistic rights of the Kurdish population. This could include lifting restrictions on using the Kurdish language and promoting preserving and celebrating Kurdish culture.

3. Economic Development: Invest in economic development in predominantly Kurdish regions. This could involve infrastructure projects, education and training programs, and incentives for businesses to invest in these areas.

4. Peaceful Dialogue: Engage in peaceful dialogue with Kurdish representatives to address grievances and discuss potential solutions. This could involve negotiations on autonomy, cultural rights, and political representation.

5. Human Rights: Ensure that human rights are respected in all interactions with the Kurdish population. This could involve investigating allegations of human rights abuses and holding those responsible accountable.

Regarding focus, the first step would be establishing a climate of trust and mutual respect. This could be achieved through open dialogue and a commitment to respecting cultural rights. Once this foundation is established, efforts could be focused on promoting economic development in Kurdish regions and ensuring that Kurdish political parties and representatives have the opportunity to participate fully in the political process. Throughout this process, it would be essential to ensure that human rights are respected and that any allegations of abuse are thoroughly investigated.

Add info NO3)

Q3-again. Let them understand that it is more productive, profitable, and more respectable and authoritative to coexist, prosper together, and build a better future instead of persecuting them, killing them, and exterminating their race. What should we do to make it work?

-> I think we need to educate the new younger generation. Then, we must consider what we can do to build a mutually beneficial future rather than persecuting.

Why does China say it will not recognize the independence of Hong Kong and Taiwan?

Even without the economic power of Hong Kong and Taiwan, if China is confident that it can survive on its own, China should realize that it would be better to establish friendly relations with them and develop together.

Where does China's lack of confidence come from?

Is it fear that they might be doing it wrong?

Repression and coercion do not create a promising future.

Isn't actual development about working together and sharing a better future?

I think the problem's root is the same in the war between Russia and Ukraine.

We are suspicious because we cannot trust each other and attack because we do not want to be betrayed.

On the contrary, to realize a better future, we need to believe in each other and build good relationships step by step.