Live at Pitt: CMU's Benno Weiner on the Evolution of China's Minzu Policy
Apr 23, 2025
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Benno Weiner, an Associate Professor of History at Carnegie Mellon University, specializes in China's nationalism and ethnic policy. He discusses the evolution of China's minzu policy, highlighting the shift from Soviet-inspired strategies to current assimilation tactics. Weiner delves into the complexities of language policy, the implications for Uyghurs, and the limited advocacy options available for ethnic minorities. He also addresses global perceptions of Xinjiang and the enduring effects of Han guilt in today's political climate.
China's minzu policy has drastically shifted from initial cooperation with minorities to a contemporary focus on assimilation and blame.
The emphasis on Mandarin language education at the expense of minority languages has sparked significant protests and cultural backlash among affected communities.
Future ethnic governance in China under Xi Jinping may face challenges in reconciliation due to the enduring historical grievances of minority populations.
Deep dives
Evolution of Ethnic Policies in China
China's approach to ethnic minority policies has evolved significantly over the decades, transitioning from a pragmatic, cooperative strategy in the early years of the People's Republic to a more rigid, blame-centric framework today. Initially, the Communist Party of China (CCP) attempted to integrate ethnic minorities through united front policies, placing the blame for integration failures on the party and the Han majority's chauvinism. However, over time, this narrative shifted, with current policies attributing resistance to integration to the minorities themselves. This fundamental change underscores the complexities in China's ethnic relations and the shifting perceptions of responsibility between the state and its ethnic groups.
Historical Context of Ethnic Integration
The CCP's historical encounters with various ethnic groups during key events, such as the Long March and the transition to civil governance, played a crucial role in shaping its policies toward integration. Early on, the party viewed minorities as allies in the struggle against external enemies and socio-economic exploitation, yet the party's perspective began to change as they secured power and sought to consolidate control over these groups. The idea of aligning with minority leaders against Han chauvinism gave way to a narrative that minorities needed to assimilate into the predominantly Han national identity. This shift not only reflects changing political realities but also highlights the power dynamics inherent in state-minority relations.
Cultural and Linguistic Assimilation
Recent trends in China's ethnic policy emphasize a strong push for cultural and linguistic assimilation, with significant implications for minority identities. Increased focus has been placed on Mandarin language education while restricting the use of minority languages, causing backlash from affected communities who perceive these moves as threats to their cultural heritage. Observations from regions such as Inner Mongolia and Tibet indicate public protests against these policies, highlighting the discontent among minority populations regarding their diminishing linguistic rights. This represents a crucial aspect of the broader narrative about identity and belonging in the face of state-driven pressures towards uniformity.
The 21st Century Shift in Ethnic Governance
The post-Tiananmen era saw a decisive shift in China's ethnic governance, moving away from the Soviet-style nationalities policy towards a stricter framework characterized by assimilationist tendencies. Scholar discourse during this period suggested that cultural diversity should be perceived as a threat to social stability, prompting the party to increasingly enforce uniformity across ethnic boundaries. While acknowledging the previous attempts at reconciliation, current policies have been marked by more coercive measures, revealing the underlying tensions of ethnic governance in China. This evolution raises critical questions about the sustainability of such a strategy amid the complex realities of China's diverse population.
Future Trajectories of Ethnic Policy Under Xi Jinping
As China continues to navigate its ethnic policies under Xi Jinping's leadership, scholars speculate about the potential for future shifts back towards a more pluralistic approach. The lasting impacts of recent policies, particularly those that involve state violence and suppression of minority voices, may hinder the prospect of reconciliation and inclusivity. The historical memory of oppression, particularly among minority groups like Tibetans and Uyghurs, creates obstacles for forgetting past grievances, suggesting that any future integration efforts may be fraught with challenges. The interplay between domestic policy shifts and international perceptions will further complicate the evolution of China's ethnic governance in the coming decades.
This week on Sinica, in a show recorded at the University of Pittsburgh, I speak with Benno Weiner, Associate Professor of History at Carnegie Mellon University, about how China's policy toward its minority nationalities (or minzu)have shifted from their older, Soviet-inspired form to the policies of assimilation we now see.
2:29 – How the so-called second-generation minzu policy evolved, and its shift away from the first-generation policy
17:15 – China’s language policy, comparisons to other historical cases, and the difficulty in striking a balance between language autonomy and the state interest of economic equality
25:26 – Debating the assumption of Uyghur forced labor
28:20 – How the minzu policy shift is driven by economic and political stability concerns
30:07 – The limited ability of minzus to make themselves heard
32:01 – The difficulty of advocacy in the face of accusations of U.S. hypocrisy
37:30 – Han guilt as a galvanizing idea
40:21 – Whether the shift in minzu policy is reversible, and the effect of external pressure
43:46 – Why Xinjiang has received greater global attention than other places
45:50 – How future historians may view minzu policy under Xi Jinping
Paying It Forward:Guldana Salimjan, at the University of Toronto
Recommendations:
Benno:The Red Wind Howlsby Tsering Döndrup, translated by Christopher Peacock
