The Role of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region in The Economic Security of Chına
The Role of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region in The Economic Security of Chına

Summary/Abstract: In recent years, there has been a growing interest in developments regarding the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region; yet most of the dicussions appear to be centered on the ethnic dimension of the issue. Focusing on the economic context, within which the ethnic dimension is suggested to be dealt with, this article tackles the question of why the Chinese government is investing heavily in the development of Xinjiang, and challenges the common perception that the main reason of Beijing’s involvement in Xinjiang is the aim of ensuring Uyghur Turks’ cooperation with the government and suppressing their demands for political freedom by providing greater material welfare. Developing its argument around the concept of ‘economic security’, the article investigates the extent to which Xinjiang contributes to the economic security of China, compares the region with other provinces of China, and shows that although Xinjiang remains behind most of the rest of China in terms of its share from the national income, China as a whole owes substantially to Xinjiang for its economic growth. Consequently, it is argued that Beijing requires stability in Xinjiang not only for political reasons, but mainly because a problem-free Xinjiang is an important condition for China’s economic security.

• Details
• Contents