An official from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) on Monday said that the government’s focus in Xinjiang region is shifting towards addressing the roots of extremism, however, there would no immediate relief in its crackdown, as reported by The Associated Press.
Xinjiang is a Chinese autonomous region in the Northwest of China which has turned into a point of contention for the CCP amidst constant attacks by the US and other foreign nations over alleged human rights violation. It is home to the majority of the Uighurs and other predominately Muslim ethnic groups in China.
While China credits its system and policies to deradicalize the population and provide job training, saying the region hasn't had a terrorist attack in four years.
Meanwhile, analysts suggest that China has detained more than a million people, forcing many to give up at least elements of their faith and traditions.
"We cannot be complacent at this moment, because the threats are still out there,” Xu Guixiang, the deputy director-general of the Xinjiang Communist Party publicity department, said in an interview with The Associated Press in Beijing.
Xu did not directly answer whether or not security measures would be relaxed, but said that “four years free of terrorism does not mean there is no threat or danger at all.”
“We need to think more about the deep-seated issues, including the social foundation and the soil that give rise to extremism and terrorism,” he added.
The U.S. restrictions have driven some of the region's firms to seek other markets, Xu said, both at home and abroad.
Many foreign countries are evading importing materials from Xinjiang over alleged forced labours. The US has already blocked imports of clothing and similar goods. Similarly, UK politicians are demanding British companies to regulate and avoid usage of forced labour materials.
“One can't assume that Xinjiang companies can't live without the U.S. market or some U.S. companies,” he said.
