Understanding Muslim Uyghur in Xinjiang: A Path-Dependent Analysis

Agus Syarifudin Efendi — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This article explores why the Chinese government has implemented repressive policies against Muslim Uyghurs. It focuses on the socio-political tensions between local groups and state authority in Xinjiang. Before the 1980s, Uyghurs enjoyed relative tolerance under the Communist regime. The collapse of the USSR sparked ethnic nationalism across Central Asia, fueling popular desires for independence in Xinjiang and leading to political conflicts. Because Muslim Uyghurs frequently participated in social unrest, Chinese authorities linked separatist and terrorist activities to Islam. Under the guise of a war on terrorism, the government used this narrative to justify oppressive actions against Uyghurs. However, Xinjiang's structural issues, such as social exclusion, economic inequality, and discrimination, contribute to the worsening of inter-ethnic tensions. To address this deep-rooted conflict and maintain social stability in Xinjiang, the central authority decides to reshape the identity of the Muslim Uyghurs. The establishment of re-education camps marks the apex of a historical process planned to erase Uyghur cultural identity and promote integration into a unified, majority-aligned national culture.

The Sunan Ampel Review of Political and Social Sciences

Understanding Muslim Uyghur in Xinjiang: A Path-Dependent Analysis