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I am very saddened at the violence in Xinjiang, where fellow Chinese (Han and Uighur) have been fighting amongst each other. I hope that the people of Xinjiang will not fall into the trap and violence that was set by separtists. Regardless of your ethnic background, China has the policy that "everyone is Chinese" and that achieving peace and harmony can only be done through equal treatment of all citizens.
I also do not think it is fair to villify Uighurs or Hans alike, for the actions of a minority, as I don't believe this violence is home-grown or a random act. Xinjiang has a population of 20 million, while a small percentage of Chinese citizens were involved in the violence. Further, it is laughable that people blame China for responding to the violence in Xinjiang, police from Canada to the UK are known to beat, maim and kill protesters who weren't using violence. Remember the poor fellow walking through a London protest that was beat to death by the police?.....
Imam Abudurekefu Akhond of the China Islamic Assocation also denounced the violence and said: "Uygurs are well known for their hospitality. Those rioters are not representatives of the Uygur people," "The Islam creed advocates peace and harmony", he added. "Different ethnic groups should show respect to and learn from each other with mutual understanding."
I could not agree more with the Imam's statements.
Here is a comment from the Governor of Xinjiang who is also an Uighur:
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“He said that history has proved on numerous occasions that stability is good fortune, and turmoil is disaster. During all periods when ethnic groups are unified, Xinjiang’s economic and social development has been swift, and the people of all ethinc groups have obtained numerous benefits. Conversely, during all periods when ethnic unity has been disrupted, this has led to social turmoil, stagnant development, and brought disaster and ruin to the people of all ethnic groups. The unity and social harmony and stability of the people of all ethnic groups encompasses the highest interests of the ethnic groups of the People’s Republic within Xinjiang’s population of over 21 million.”
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Source: http://chinanewswrap.com/2009/07/06/chairman-of-xinjiang-blames-violence-in-urumqi-on-outside-groups/
Another interesting fact is that the governor of Xinjiang is an Uighur himself.
I also do not think it is fair to villify Uighurs or Hans alike, for the actions of a minority, as I don't believe this violence is home-grown or a random act. Xinjiang has a population of 20 million, while a small percentage of Chinese citizens were involved in the violence. Further, it is laughable that people blame China for responding to the violence in Xinjiang, police from Canada to the UK are known to beat, maim and kill protesters who weren't using violence. Remember the poor fellow walking through a London protest that was beat to death by the police?....
There are a few topics I want to mention which people probably don't know.
This is from the perspective of a Canadian born Muslim Han. Before visiting China I was brainwashed into believing China is a place with no freedom and is very "communist". My perception has changed after visiting China twice and seeing the lies we've been told by the media.
I find this coverage funny, and it most be difficult for both the reporters and commentators who hate both China and Islam to properly bash both sides which I find ironic. On one hand the media wants to portray the Muslim Uighurs as being terrorists, while other accounts try to villify the Chinese government as mistreating Muslims.
I can see through this obvious deception, which is similar to "classic" CIA tactics used on the people of South America, Arabia and Asia. The world cannot stand the position China has attained, and further it makes the "War on Muslims" look silly, because China has a long history of ethnic tolerance, especially when it comes to Muslims.
I know what countries are persecuting Muslims and China is not one of them, I find it funny how some people have compared China to Israel or the USA, when there is no comparison at all.
1. Rebiya Kadeer's History
Rebiya Kadeer is the leader of the UAA who China accuses of orchestrating the violent protests. The UAA is foreign and pro separtist group. She claims the Chinese government mistreats uighurs and is trying to destroy the religion of Islam and Uighur culture.
If that is the case, how was she as an Uighur Muslim able to become a famous and wealthy business woman? Further, if Uighur's are so mistreated why was she recognized and put on China's "National Advisory Group". Then in 1995 she was appointed as a UN delegate by the chinese government.
From what I can tell, the truth is that the government's position on her changed only when she began to participate in separtist activities. This is no different than the treatment of the Dalai Lama who has also mislead the world about the truth of Tibet.
Ironically I found out about some of this through Amnesty International's backing of her. How can they support Kadeer while also providing information that contradicts her claims?
2. Islam in China
I find the timing of this violence interesting. Just before the anniversary of the very successfuly Olympics. Speaking of the Olympics, the boat scene was done in remembrance and honor of a famous Chinese Muslim general. Then the dozens of different ethnic groups within China were given full representation.
How can people say China mistreats minorities and Muslims? I think this is happening because the world has seen that it is countries like the US abusing Muslims and others abroad. Putting the focus on China takes the heat off the real offenders in our world.
Getting back on track, Uighur and Non-Uighur Muslims districts, Mosques and restaurants are present throughout China. In fact some of the oldest Mosques in the world exist in China and have always been preserved and respected by the Chinese government, even throughout the Dynasties. I have visited some very high profile Uighur restaurants from Shenzhen to Beijing. How can Uighurs claim they have no opportunities and that they are being oppressed? The answer is simple, there is a small group of separtists, similar to those in Tibet who have ulterior motives and are being funded from the outside (do your research and find that our down south friends funded a Guerilla war for the "Peaceful" Dalai Lama).
As a Muslim I had no problems with Chinese authorities, customs or immigration and I've entered China from the North (Beijing) and South (Shenzhen) and me and my wife were never harassed, detained or hassled. However, the one time we wanted to cross into the US border we were detained and questioned about our religious views for no reason other than our religion (we have no criminal records).
In fact Muslims in other countries around the world are constantly harassed and disappear and are given secret trials, one nice example is Guantanamo Bay.
I don't understand where the motivation to pick on China comes from, having visited China as a Muslim, I feel more safe and freedoms when I'm there compared to the illegal "security certificates" that our government uses to secretly imprison and detain Muslims.
I think the real motivation behind the media and the racists, and anti-Islamists here, are obviously racism and religious extremism. The religious extremism comes from a resentment that China refuses to let foreigners control their Churches and you'll see mention of that from some of the extremists and racists who regular post hate material against China and Islam.
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