ChinaTalk What To Do About Xinjiang
Oct 28, 2020
In this discussion, Sheena Greitens, an expert on Chinese politics from UT Austin, and Jacob Schulz, Lawfare's editor, tackle the pressing human rights crisis in Xinjiang. Greitens sheds light on the origins of the detention camps and the motivations behind Xi Jinping's policies. They dissect the complex U.S. response, advocating for enhanced legislation to combat forced labor and promote transparency. Additionally, they explore the role of international coalitions and celebrity activism in raising awareness about these critical issues.
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Shift in Xinjiang Policy
- In Spring 2017, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) significantly escalated its policies in Xinjiang.
- This marked a shift from individual targeting to group targeting based on identity markers like religious practice.
Factors Influencing Xinjiang Policy
- Several factors contributed to the CCP's actions in Xinjiang, including a broader shift towards assimilationist policies and regional contentions.
- However, these factors alone don't fully explain the sharp turn in 2017.
CCP's Rationale for Repression
- The CCP escalated repression in Xinjiang as a preventative measure against perceived security threats from across state borders.
- They believed a large portion of Xinjiang's Muslim population was vulnerable to jihadist infiltration.