Xinjiang, the nominally autonomous region in China's far northwest, is of increasing international strategic and economic importance. With a population which is mainly non-Chinese and Muslim, there are powerful forces for autonomy, and independence, in Xinjiang. This book provides a comprehensive overview of Xinjiang. It introduces Xinjiang's history, economy and society, and above all outlines the political and religious opposition by the Uyghur and other Turkic peoples of Xinjiang to Chinese Communist rule.
Michael Dillon is Senior Lecturer in Modern Chinese History and Director of the Centre for Contemporary Chinese Studies at the University of Durham. His books include China's Muslims and China's Muslim Hui Community: Migrations, Settlements and Sects. He is a frequent commentator on Chinese and Asian affairs for the BBC and other international broadcasters.
Part 1: Introduction to Xinjiang 1. Xinjiang's Geographical Position 2. Xinjiang before 1949: A Historical Outline 3. Ethnic Groups in Northwest China and Uyghur Language and Culture in 20th Century Xinjiang 4. The Three Districts Revolution and 'Peaceful Liberation': The Chinese Communist Party takes Political and Military Control 5. The Economy of Xinjiang in the Reform and Opening Era Part 2: Turkic Opposition and CCP Response 6. Political and Religious Opposition to CCP Control (1949-1995): Cultural, Nationalist or Islamist 7. Beijing's Response to Opposition in Xinjiang (1980-1995) 8. Leadership Changes in Xinjiang 9. 'Strike Hard': The Long Hot Summers of 1996 and 1997 10. Underground Fires: The Struggle Continues Part 3: The Changing International Context 11. New Great Games: Turkey, Iran, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan 12. Newly Independent Central Asian Republics 13. Xinjiang and the 'War against Terror'Conclusion 14. Xinjiang in the Twenty-first Century
'Recommended as a resource of great relevance for readers who need to know about this important region.' - Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Law'The coverage, timeliness and scholarly quality are admirable. This is a "must-read" for all those interested in the region and its many significant dimensions.' - The China Journal
