UCA News
Contribute

China calls for calm after 21 die in riots

Violence erupts in ethnically divided region
China calls for calm after 21 die in riots
Published: April 26, 2013 06:10 AM GMT
Updated: April 25, 2013 07:43 PM GMT

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for stability in the ethnically divided region of Xinjiang after clashes this week killed 21 people, state media reported on Friday.

Xi's comments came after 15 police and social workers were killed in violence on Tuesday, as well as six members of the mostly Muslim Uighur minority suspected of "terrorist plotting," local officials said.

Xi gave instructions on "how to handle the case, deal with the aftermath and maintain stability in Xinjiang," the state-run Global Times said on its website, citing a local report, and without quoting Xi's remarks directly.

The comments from China's top leader reflect high level worries about long-standing unrest in the region which authorities often blame on "terrorism" – claims which rights groups say are used to repress minorities.

A specialized anti-terrorism unit of China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) carried out drills in the province this month, the PLA Daily reported.

The attack prompted a heated exchange between China and the United States after Washington said it was "deeply concerned" by accounts of discrimination against Uighurs and other Muslims in China.

China accused the US of a "double standard" for not condemning the attack despite being a victim of terror itself.

Riots between Uighurs and members of China's Han ethnic majority in Xinjiang's capital Urumqi in 2009 killed around 200 people, leading the ruling Communist Party to tighten surveillance and boost investment in the region.

Xinjiang, a region about twice the size of Turkey, is home to around nine million ethnic Uighurs, accounting for 46 percent of the local population. Another 39 percent are members of China's Han majority. AFP

Help UCA News to be independent
Dear reader,
Lent is the season during which catechumens make their final preparations to be welcomed into the Church.
Each year during Lent, UCA News presents the stories of people who will join the Church in proclaiming that Jesus Christ is their Lord. The stories of how women and men who will be baptized came to believe in Christ are inspirations for all of us as we prepare to celebrate the Church's chief feast.
Help us with your donations to bring such stories of faith that make a difference in the Church and society.
A small contribution of US$5 will support us continue our mission…
William J. Grimm
Publisher
UCA News
Asian Bishops
Latest News
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia