Xinjiang Burns: Hu Will Miss G-8

Xinjiang Burns: Hu Will Miss G-8

There were more weekend ethnic riots in Xinjiang's capital, Urumqi. As a result of the terrible scenes of bloodshed and vengeance, Xinhua (China's national news agency), reported 156 dead. Han Chinese and Uighur Muslims have long clashed in Xinjiang, which has a secessionist movement that wants to break with China. China will not likely let Xinjiang go because it is oil-rich and would encourage other secessionists within China. As a result of the riots, which saw Uighurs beat Han Chinese to death in the streets, the Chinese President Hu Jintao will skip the G-8 summit in Italy:

http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSTRE5650SW20090708

Han Chinese are reportedly roaming the city of Urumqui looking for revenge against the Uighurs. Uighurs complain of arbitrary arrests and harassment by the Chinese police and security forces. They also say that jobs, educational opportunities, and upward mobility within the state all favour Han Chinese, who have flooded the region since the Communists won China in 1949. Let us pray for the end of bloodshed and a legitimate political dialogue between Han Chinese and Uighurs. Let us pray for the end of senseless killings.

Tamir Bar-On