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Uyghur riots

Definition

The Uyghur riots refer to a series of violent clashes between ethnic Uyghurs, a predominantly Muslim minority group in China's Xinjiang region, and the Chinese government. These conflicts stem from tensions related to cultural assimilation, religious freedom, and human rights abuses.

Analogy

Imagine two opposing forces pulling on a rope in opposite directions. The Uyghur riots represent the tension between the Uyghur community seeking autonomy and the Chinese government trying to maintain control.

Related terms

Xinjiang: An autonomous region in northwest China where most Uyghurs reside. It is also known as East Turkestan by some activists who advocate for independence from China.

Cultural Assimilation: The process by which individuals or groups adopt the culture of another society or dominant group. The Chinese government's policies aim at assimilating Uyghurs into mainstream Han Chinese culture.

Human Rights Abuses: Refers to violations of basic human rights such as freedom of speech, religion, assembly, and arbitrary detention. Reports suggest that the Chinese government has committed human rights abuses against Uyghurs through mass detentions and forced labor programs.



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© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.