12. Interventions in Tibet and Xinjiang
Repeated foreign interventions and perceived encouragement of separatist movements in Tibet and Xinjiang have solidified Beijing’s resolve to maintain tight control over these regions, equating territorial unity with national survival. In Tibet, the Chinese government has implemented policies aimed at assimilating the Tibetan population, including the promotion of Mandarin Chinese and the relocation of Han Chinese settlers into the region. In Xinjiang, authorities have conducted mass detentions and surveillance of Uyghur Muslims, actions that have been widely criticized by international human rights organizations. These measures underscore China’s commitment to preserving its territorial integrity and suppressing separatist sentiments. For further detail, visit the Council on Foreign Relations’ backgrounder on China’s repression of Uyghurs in Xinjiang (cfr.org).
