Uyghur Muslim Ethnic Separatism in Xinjiang, China

TLDR

In Xinjiang, Uyghur Muslim violence is driven by a mix of ethnic separatism and religious rhetoric, with the Uyghurs—an overwhelmingly Muslim Turkic group—holding diverse views ranging from seeking a separate state to pursuing cultural autonomy or integration into China, and no single unified agenda. Violent groups seek to establish an independent Uyghur state.

Abstract

Uyghur Muslim violence in Xinjiang, China, has two justifications—ethnic separatism and religious rhetoric. The Uyghurs, who reside throughout the immediate region, are the largest Turkic ethnic group living in Xinjiang and are overwhelmingly Muslim. This combination of ethnicity and religion also involves the movement of religious and political ideologies, weapons, and people. There is no single Uyghur agenda. Groups that use violence desire a separate Uyghur state. While some Uyghurs want a separate state, others want to maintain cultural distinction within an autonomous relationship with China, and others are integrating into the Chinese system.