China’s Role in War on Terror : An Analysis of Xinjiang Region

Hashmat Ullah Khan; Gohar Rehman

doi:10.54418/ca-86.71

Authors

Hashmat Ullah Khan Ph.D. Research Scholar, School of International and Public Affairs, Jilin University China.
Gohar Rehman Ph.D. Research Scholar, Area Study Centre, University of Peshawar, Peshawar, Pakistan.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54418/ca-86.71

Keywords:

China, Xinjiang, separatism, terrorism, Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM), war on terror.

Abstract

Terrorism being the primary threat to China's national security therefore counter terrorism has turned out to be the main point of China’s domestic and foreign policy. The major terrorist threat that China faces is posed by Uyghur separatist fighters of Xinjiang. They claim and fight for a separate independent state called “East Turkistan”. The Xinjiang issue is the major anxiety and the focal point of China’s war on terror. To stop extremism and terrorism in Xinjiang China has adopted a multi-dimensional approach i.e. Strike Hard Campaign, diplomatic actions to isolate terrorists and get the help of other countries, religious, economic and social anti-terrorist policies to eradicate the roots of terrorism from society. China is also cooperating with the countries including US, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Central Asian Republics, and many others in fighting against terrorism. From the platform of Shanghai Cooperation Organization China is also playing important role in counterterrorism. China major interest in war on terror is to stop the spread of extremism and terrorism within her borders particularly in Xinjiang province, as well as to make sure that neighbouring countries not become safe haven and base camp for the Uyghur militants. The main objective of this paper is to analyses the phenomena of terrorism in Xinjiang and China’s role in war on terror.

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