A product of tyranny

Following a month of violence, the Chinese propaganda machine in occupied East Turkestan has gone into over-drive.  State media has carried hyperactive reports of Islamist terrorists trained in Pakistan, brutally mowing down numerous civilians and hacking bystanders with knives.  Meanwhile it portrays the regional governor’s response as an inspirational Martin-Luther-King-style rallying cry for unity.  Constant references to religious extremism, foreign interference and of course “the battle against separatism” compound the line of Hu Jintao’s government: that ruthless fanatics are trying to forcibly separate an integral part of China, through murdering the innocent population of what they term “Xinjiang”.

The reality could not be more different.  

For though acts of terrorism do appear to have taken place in some form or another (and must of course be condemned), reports from official Chinese outlets must always be treated with extreme scepticism.  After all, China (and the occupied territories of East Turkestan, Tibet and Inner Mongolia) ranks 171st out of 178 states in the press freedom index and is still dominated by the same government mouthpieces that ludicrously proclaimed the 2008 Tibetan Uprising to be a violent, international-orchestrated plot- despite the fact that it was Chinese forces murdering protesters and parading prisoners through the streets whilst the Dalai Lama (the apparent mastermind behind the ‘plot’) called for calm.

Perhaps even more significant than this, is the overwhelming likelihood that any violence which actually did occur, was generated, at least to a large degree, by the Chinese government.  Over six decades the powers-that-be in Beijing have systematically raped East Turkestan and continue to do so.  The 2011 Amnesty International Report highlights overwhelming restrictions on freedom of expression, the failure of authorities to investigate deaths during the 2009 upheaval and harsh prison sentences, often more than a decade, being meted out to Uighurs for writing about the situation in East Turkestan, talking to foreigners, making web postings or sending text messages.  Reports from citizens inside East Turkestan suggest that the recent violence was in fact triggered by land disputes and by Chinese state police cracking down on worship rather than stemming from any extremist cause.

Given the daily repression faced by Uighurs it is distinctly understandable that some may choose to respond violently.  After all, the almost overwhelmingly peaceful nature of the neighbouring Tibetan and Burmese struggles are exceptions to the rule: in occupied and oppressed nations at least a handful of people will generally revert to deplorable though explainable acts. 

Yet far from realising this, Chinese authorities have exacerbated the situation through their own brutal response to outbursts of violence.  Police have already killed suspects and are unlikely to come up against any official enquiry for having done so.  Those blamed for previous attacks have been handed the death penalty through a corrupt and politicised excuse for a judicial process.  And the state rhetoric about an “evil force” continues hot on the heels of future president Xi Jinping’s pledge to “space separatism”.  Such actions and narrative serve only to further radicalise those taking up arms against the occupation and thus perpetuate the cyclical violence.

If the Chinese government genuinely wanted peace in East Turkestan it would respect human rights, provide genuine autonomy, allow freedoms to engage in politics and religion, de-censor the media and ultimately look at a phased withdrawal and transition to an independent state with enshrined rights for the Han minority.  That would not be easy, but it would all be possible.  However Jintao, Jinping and those who serve them do not want peace or justice….it is painfully clear that they want land, they want power and they want control.  And for that reason the violence is going to carry on.  And on. And on.

Technorati Tags: East Turkestan,China,Xinjiang,Hotan,violence,protests,rebels,terrorists,Islamists,Pakistan,Hu Jintao,Xi Jinping,Tibet,occupation,Muslims,human rights,freedom,independence,Han

Smashing separatism? Not without a fight

Xi Jinping is still some two years away from taking over as President of China- but already he is playing up his xenophobic, colonialist credentials by publically threatening to “smash” separatism in Tibet.  Of course, by separatism Hu Jintao’s heir apparent is referring to any vocal condemnation of the Chinese government or the occupation, as well as any attempt to preserve Tibetan culture or raise awareness of the systematic human rights abuses that have been committed consistently since the ironically named People’s Liberation Army entered in 1950.  Tellingly, Mr. Xi’s statement came against the backdrop of two Tibetan teenage girls being savagely beaten, detained and denied medical treatment by the Chinese authorities – an illustration of the brutal suppression that fellow members of the political elite will expect him to maintain.

However, recent events have at the same time demonstrated that attempts to subdue Tibet will be met with strong resistance.  Already one of the most inspiring, well known and long-lasting non-violent liberation movements in the world – the Tibetan struggle is continuing unrelentingly both inside Tibet and elsewhere in the world, often bearing hard-won results. 

A single self immolation incident by a monk at Kirti Monastery in March triggered months of instability in the surrounding area – with the subsequent Chinese military crackdown strongly condemned on the international stage.  Last week, despite a fierce outcry from the powers-that-be in Beijing, Barak Obama refused to bow to pressure, meeting with the Dalai Lama at the White House.  And on his recent tour of Europe, outgoing Prime Minister Wen Jiabao was constantly dogged by protesters, grabbing headlines and debunking his lies at almost every stop.  Of course few believe that the liberation of Tibet is imminent but events such as these have demonstrated that the Chinese government is not in control of the script and is failing in its attempts to portray Tibet as a harmonious part of China – a significant victory for the Tibet movement. 

And this is before even considering the added impetus of the Arab Spring, which has clearly boosted the confidence of activists and rattled the nerves of the authorities.  Perhaps the most important lesson from events in Tunisia and Egypt is that even the most entrenched and seemingly stable dictatorships can rapidly collapse – an optimistic note especially considering the internal and external resistance that Mr. Xi will inherit.

It is also important to take account of developments in other occupied and neighbouring nations.  The protests that rocked Inner Mongolia during May and June were the largest for two decades and though now largely supressed, reflected the on-going ethos of resistance held by the Mongol people.  Like so many other demonstrations across the world, they were sparked by isolated incidents, but unleashed years of resentment and determination with astonishing speed.  This week’s violence in East Turkestan –spun by the Chinese propaganda machine as extremist terrorism but more likely a case of state brutality against unarmed (if riotous) protests, similarly illustrates Beijing’s somewhat fragile grasp of control.  Meanwhile across the border in Burma, despite funding and arming their client military junta, the Chinese government is witnessing a growth in the actions of ethnic minority and democratic forces – a nightmare scenario for them considering Burma’s shared border with Tibet and Aung San Suu Kyi’s links to the Tibetan struggle as well as broader movements for democracy and human rights.

Again, none of this means that the Chinese government is on the verge of loosing control, ceding independence to the occupied territories or being forced into some kind of reform agenda- far from it.  However, the continued unrest and resistance illustrates the difficulties Mr. Xi is going to face- difficulties only exacerbated by an array of other issues including rising discontent in Hong Kong and ever more troublesome handling of China’s illegal Christian churches.

Ultimately those working to oppose the Chinese government’s colonialism and tyranny have cause to be proud and to be hopeful.  On the ground Beijing’s thugs are facing unyielding and ever changing pockets of resistance.  Out across the world they are facing a network that is becoming stronger, more influential and more co-ordinated by the day – as illustrated by the growing links between various causes and their success in shaming those responsible for occupation and oppression. 

Activists such as those gathering at the Students for a Free Tibet Action Camp in Germany this summer make up the newest generation to stand up for freedom and human rights in Tibet and across the region – and they have a huge momentum behind them.  Xi Jinping says he is going to crush separatism…..not without a fight.

Technorati Tags: Tibet,East Turkestan,Inner Mongolia,Activism,Students for a Free Tibet,China Xi Jingping,separatism,Hu Jintao,Wen Jiabao,Burma,Aung San Suu Kyi,freedom,democracy,human Rights,occupation,colonialisation

Ai Weiwei’s release–the challenge for activists

 

The release of Chinese artist and dissident Ai Weiwei, after more than two months in detention on trumped up charges of tax evasion, has been welcomed around the world.  The most high profile victim of the CCP’s latest crackdown is now home–under tight restrictions and unable to talk to the media- but finally out of China’s infamous jail system.

Speculation is abound regarding the timing of the release; with some analysts suggesting that it was deliberately staged to coincide with the upcoming US-China diplomatic meeting in Hawaii and Prime Minister Wen Jiabao’s European tour –both beginning this Saturday.  Its easy to see how this conclusion is drawn, after all Ai Weiwei has received phenomenal support and attention from governments and citizens worldwide; his case would surely have featured in closed door discussions, and on placards outside, over the coming days. 

However, others challenge the theory that the CCP was simply pre-empting criticism –suggesting that Mr. Wen and his cronies care little what the rest of the world thinks when it comes to human rights.  Evidence of this is abundant, including the recent military crackdown at Kirti monastery in Tibet, a vicious attack on blind human rights activist Chen Guangcheng last week and the escalating suppression of Christian groups.  Then there is the fact that the authorities were confident enough to detain Ai Weiwei in the first place- despite his international profile and support.

It is also important to remember that he is not yet truly free, simply on bail just as many other Chinese activists have found themselves before subsequent rearrest.  And whilst he is the most well known of the dissidents detained since the CCP launched its newest, vehement assault on freedoms in response to mass demonstrations elsewhere in the world, he is simply one of over one hundred.  These men and women remain in jail, in labour camps and in torture chambers, away from the eyes of the world and with little hope of liberty.    

So though there may have been an element of face-saving in today’s release, it does not reflect the CCP bowing to international pressure and certainly does not reflect the CCP changing its attitude towards human rights.  Whilst Ai Weiwei’s comparable freedom must by welcomed and celebrated, it should not detract from the bigger picture and the systematic abuse which he himself was detained for highlighting.

The challenge for activists now is to engage and build upon the popular support that his case generated.  Many artists, students and other members of the public across the globe were not previously involved in campaigns relating to China or even to human rights, but were motivated to act by this one unjust and high profile imprisonment.  It is imperative that their involvement does not end with a celebration tonight. Those working for Tibet, East Turkestan, Inner Mongolia, religious freedom and Chinese democracy must ensure that the message is loud and clear: Ai Weiwei has been released- but the fight goes on…and we need your support.   

Technorati Tags: Ai Weiwei,China,Wen Jiabao,Human Rights,Tibet,East Turkestan,Inner Mongolia,Jasmin Revolution

China’s Uighur execution gamble

Whilst the eyes of the world have focussed upon protests sweeping through North Africa and the Middle East – the Chinese government has sought to solidify its control in the occupied territory of East Turkestan (or ‘Xinjiang’ as they like to call it).  Towards the end of last month four Uighur activists, accused of orchestrating a string deadly bomb and gun attacks in 2010, were sentenced to death; sending a clear and ominous signal to all those opposing Chinese rule.  Now upheld by the highest judicial bodies, the executions could take place at any time. 

Even leaving debate about the death penalty aside, this move is utterly unjustifiable.  For one thing fair trials do not exist in East Turkestan – a fact grimly underscored by the the arbitrary detention of over one thousand Uighur civilians since anti-government riots broke out in 2009; and the harsh sentences meted out to individuals such as Nurmuhemmet Yasin, who after a closed trial was handed ten years in prison for writing a children’s book interpreted by Chinese authorities as critical of the occupation.  Furthermore, since September 11th 2001 the spectre of Islamic terrorism has consistently been used as a political tool by the Chinese government; with baseless claims of Al-Qaeda involvement cited to demonize any group seeking independence for East Turkestan. 

The‘guilty’ verdict handed to the four men currently facing execution is therefore terminally fallacious; almost certainly driven by a desire to sustain Chinese control rather than a pursuit of justice and quite possibly targeting innocent scapegoats rather than the actual perpetrators.  It is further weakened by the fact that –though inexcusable – the attacks came against a backdrop of over six decades of ruthless persecution including forced abortions, the demolition of mosques and mass executions; which when combined with a suppression of dissent and denial of political representation, naturally leaves a small minority of Uighurs with the view that violence is their only recourse.

However, cynical and ruthless as it may be, the decision to execute political opponents in East Turkestan could well come back to haunt the Chinese government with tremendous consequences.  Recent attempts by democratic forces to start a Jasmine Revolution in China itself fell at the first hurdle, but these illustrate a determination by young activists –inspired by events in Tunisia, Egypt, Bahrain and Libya- to build a mass movement against the ruling elite.  Any unrest could easily spread to East Turkestan, where the majority-Muslim population may be even quicker to identify with demonstrators in North Africa the Middle East. 

Furthermore this is a tense time of year for the neighbouring and also occupied nation of Tibet, with the anniversary of the 1959 Uprising just over a week away.  Two years ago anniversary commemorations quickly turned into mass demonstrations that subsequently influenced Uighur opposition to Chinese rule – something that is not off the cards from happening again.  Given such a volatile situation throughout China and the occupied nations, the action of putting prominent Uighur independence activists before a firing squad could well provide the spark necessary to ignite new demonstrations across East Turkestan – undermining rather than solidifying Chinese control.        

Of course, the occupiers have recently taken significant measures to consolidate their grip; not least purchasing a 1000km stretch of the neighbouring Pamir Mountains from Tajikistan.  Meanwhile Other moves such as ending death sentences for several economic crimes will give them positive signs to point to in response to international criticism when political opponents are executed.  Yet despite such precautions – the Chinese government will still be taking a huge gamble should it go ahead with the scheduled killings.  The region and the world is changing; people are standing up to governments like never before; and the international community is beginning to offer unprecedented support.  China has occupied East Turkestan for sixty two years and whilst it would be naive to expect change overnight- this may be a gamble that the powers-that-be in Beijing come to regret.

Talking East Turkestan

Yesterday’s bomb blast in Chinese-occupied East Turkestan killed seven people and injured fourteen more, yet passed largely under the journalistic radar around the world. A few small articles reported some sketchy details and quotes from Chinese officials about “separatism in Xinjiang” (the Chinese Communist Party’s name for East Turkestan) but little else.

That’s hardly surprising. Even the 2009 riots which killed over 200 people, and the subsequent mass-executions of Uighur demonstrators, were hugely under-reported compared to press attention that unrest in nations such Burma and Tibet (deservedly) received around the same period. The reasons for this are clear; the robust Chinese Communist Party’s security apparatus in East Turkestan means that genuine information is hard to come by (possibly even more so than in Tibet), whilst the their propaganda programme, misleadingly portraying the independence movement as Islamic fundamentalists in league with Al-Qaeda, has generated a reluctance to write sympathetically of their struggle. Because of these reasons, even coverage such as the BBC’s, which has sought to address the wider picture, is sporadic and sometimes inaccurate (not least by using the Communist Party’s terminology and referring “Xinjiang”).In truth East Turkestan is an occupied nation and the plight of its people, the Uighurs, has been ignored for too long.

Since China annexed the country in 1949 (it was independent until this point) an enormous litany of human rights abuses have been carried out against the Uighur people; including repression of religion, torture and execution of dissidents, coercive birth control policies and instituional police brutality. Uighur culture has been consistently attacked, discrimination in favour of Han migrants is rife and concepts such as fair and open trials are virtually unknown.

Of course bombings and terrorism can never be justified under any circumstances, but we cannot ignore the fact attacks such as yesterday’s come against a back-drop of horrendous oppression which the world has ignored for far too long. The plight of the Uighur people should be addressed and brought to the fore by politicians, activists and members of the international public – not by violence.

Fortunately there have been hugely positive developments in this area over recent years. Media coverage, though still sparse, is improving and initiatives such as Chinese, Tibetan and Uighur Solidarity UK have been effective in bringing this hugely important issue further into the public eye. There is still a long way to go and the world has not yet truly woken up to the Uighur’s struggle, but there is hope that, just like Tibet will one day be free, so too will East Turkestan.