Uyghurs
Coverage of Uyghurs in the Nexus archive.
- President Xi nevers wastes a good crisis. As Iran, Ukraine and Palestine distract the world, he tightens his grip | Simon Tisdall
The article analyzes how Chinese leader Xi Jinping is intensifying his control over ethnic and religious minorities through a sinicisation policy, encapsulated in a new "ethnic unity" law. This policy aims to boost national identity and integration by expanding compulsory Mandarin use, which is viewed by groups like the Tibetans, Mongolians, and Uyghurs as forced assimilation or ethnic cleansing.
- A rare glimpse into Tibet, where some hope to preserve language and customs despite China’s new law
A new Chinese 'ethnic unity' law implemented in July 2023 has sparked concerns among Tibetans about cultural preservation, as seen through the efforts of retired nurse Kalsang Lhamo to learn Tibetan calligraphy. Critics argue the law erodes minority rights, while China dismisses foreign criticism as ideological bias.
- Explained: China’s ‘ethnic unity and progress promotion’ law
China's Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress, effective since July 1, 2026, emphasizes a shared national identity, prioritizes Mandarin, expands state oversight of religion, and extends legal reach abroad. Critics argue it risks violating rights, citing concerns over minority identity, language, and religious practices in regions like Tibet, Xinjiang, and Inner Mongolia.
- The CCP’s new ‘unity’ law turns China’s repression into a global threat
The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) enacted the 'Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress' on July 1, 2026, targeting Uyghurs, Tibetans, Southern Mongolians, Hong Kongers, Falun Gong practitioners, and others. The law criminalizes cultural preservation efforts, mandates Mandarin education, and enforces loyalty to the CCP, with provisions like penalizing interethnic marriage refusal and incentivizing surveillance.
- China’s ethnic unity law denounced as ‘forced assimilation’ by rights groups
China's new Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress has been criticized by rights groups, Taiwan, and the United Nations, who argue it threatens the rights of Uyghurs and Tibetans and enables the persecution of dissidents abroad. The law aims to strengthen Mandarin as the official language to foster a shared national identity.
- China ethnic unity law comes into force despite overseas criticism
China's new Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress, effective Wednesday, faces criticism from Taiwan, the UN, and rights groups for potentially threatening minority freedoms and enabling overseas enforcement against critics. The law emphasizes Mandarin as the official language and mandates political alignment with the Chinese Communist Party, while Beijing denies allegations of rights abuses and asserts the law supports national unity and security.
- China touts Xinjiang at trade forum, spotlighting a region once marked by detention centers
China hosts an international trade conference in Xinjiang to promote economic development, including coal, oil, gas, and cotton industries, despite the region's history of mass detentions of ethnic minorities. Officials highlight infrastructure projects and governance advantages, while human rights groups report ongoing issues like forced labor programs and fabricated charges against Uyghurs.
- How China is breaking apart a people and its culture
The article discusses China's campaign of repression against the Uyghurs, which has entered a new phase. It highlights efforts to break apart the Uyghur people and their culture.
- The foreign fighters who helped topple Assad — and why China worries about them
Thousands of Uyghurs fought against Syria's Assad regime and were interviewed by NPR to understand their motivations. They fled China for Syria, playing a key role in the conflict. The situation has sparked concern from China.
- The foreign fighters who helped topple Assad — and why China worries about them
Thousands of Uyghurs fought against Syria's Assad regime and were interviewed by NPR to understand their motivations. They fled China for Syria, playing a key role in the conflict. The Chinese government is concerned about their activities.