Perceptions and polices : analyzing the Chinese Communist Party’s approach towards the Uyghur ethnic minority in Xinjiang

Abstract

This dissertation explores the profound significance of understanding the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) approach toward the Uyghur ethnic minority in Xinjiang, China, amidst a complex and contentious backdrop. It emphasizes the necessity of moving beyond Western media narratives to uncover the intricate nuances of CCP policies. The research questions are multifaceted. The study aims to unveil the motivations underpinning the CCP's policies towards the Uyghurs, while probing the government's justifications. Additionally, it seeks to fathom how the Han-Chinese population perceives and rationalizes these actions. Acknowledging the challenges stemming from restricted information access and government-controlled narratives, the dissertation underscores the importance of this study. The literature review focuses on three fundamental themes: ethnic identity, social construction, and human rights. It scrutinizes the construction of ethnic identities and their implications for group mobilization. The review also goes into state formation's influence on ethnic identity and its consequences, particularly regarding unequal treatment within biased state structures. Furthermore, the chapter investigates how states construct narratives about ethnic groups and analyzes power dynamics within and between these communities. It explores frameworks for studying national identity, especially pertinent to Xinjiang and the Uyghur minority. The methodology section elucidates the research design, incorporating qualitative coding methods like thematic and discursive analysis. It poses crucial research questions and explains the data sources employed in this investigation. Chapter four goes into empirical and theoretical research findings, coding them and scrutinizing media narratives and the government's role in shaping public perception. It identifies key narratives, encompassing economic development, ethnic unity, and national security, while assessing their implications. Chapter five interprets these findings within the context of the literature review, examining how narratives align with historical and theoretical backgrounds. This dissertation contributes to an in-depth understanding of the CCP's approach to the Uyghur minority in Xinjiang, fostering meaningful dialogues, negotiations, and international relations by diving into this intricate subject matter.