Official: China's ethnic policy "successful"

• Source: CCTV International
• [15:10 July 22 2009]
• Comments

Senior Chinese officials say that the country's policies on ethnic affairs have been "successful", and will not be affected by the recent violent crimes incited by separatists in Urumqi, capital of the Northwest China's Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region. They also vowed to keep improving the economy in ethnic regions as well as the living conditions of all the ethnic groups in the country.

Vice Minister of the State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Wu Shimin, says the spirit of China's ethnic policies is improving unity, equality and harmony among all ethnic groups. These policies have been tested for decades and proved to be successful.

The official says the July 5th violence in Urumqi of Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region was not caused by the country's ethnic policies, but was totally incited by separatists. The latest reports show that no mosques or Muslim clerics in the region were involved in the violence.

Wu Shimin, vice minister of State Ethnic Affairs Commission, said, "The East Turkistan Movement's crime of trying to separate the country and damage ethnic unity did not start today. As early as 76 years ago, the separatist movement launched their flag. Since then, they have unceasingly plotted a series of violent terrorist attacks. This has nothing to do with China's ethnic policy."

The Vice minister says the population of China's ethnic minority stands at 110 million. He added that the government would not change its overall policy on this group based on individual incidents.

Meanwhile, officials also admitted that during the course of economic development and urbanization, some disputes have occurred among different ethnic groups. But they said that these have all been solved.

Wu also said, "Quickening the pace of the social and economic development in ethnic regions will continue to be China's primary method to solve problems in ethnic affairs. It will also be the best way to improve ethnic unity. We will put people first in deciding our policies and combine national support with regional efforts to raise the living conditions of people from all ethnic groups."

Officials also vowed to continue to preserve and promote minority culture as well as improving education in ethnic regions.