

Live at Pitt: CMU's Benno Weiner on the Evolution of China's Minzu Policy
Apr 23, 2025
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.
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Shift in China's Ethnic Policy Blame
- The fundamental shift in China's ethnic policy is about blame: earlier policies blamed Han chauvinism, now the blame falls on minority groups themselves.
- This change reflects a move from Soviet-inspired united front policies to assimilationist approaches under the CCP.
Titular Leadership, Limited Autonomy
- China's model created titular minority leaders but offered little real autonomy, codifying ethnic identity within fixed boundaries.
- Revolutionary impatience led to forced integration timelines, causing resistance among minority groups like Tibetans.
Shift to Assimilation and Coercion
- Around the 1990s, China shifted toward assimilation, emphasizing unity through sameness rather than difference.
- Xi Jinping's era intensified this with greater coercion and suppression of cultural, religious differences.