Page 216 - Communist Chinas Policy of Oppression in East Turkestan

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C hina's aim is not to bring about economic development in East
Turkestan, but rather to intimidate the local population by the use of
military force.

areas of the country. The overt motivation is an economic one, specif-
ically the relief of poverty. But the "Go West" (Xibu da kaifa) project
could dramatically alter the ethnic and social balance of the region

and is likely to increase inter-ethnic conflict. 63
As Dillon stated, the project is one of modern colonialism, aimed at
increasing ethnic conflict in the region and thus justifying a policy of
oppression against the Muslims of East Turkestan. Under the guise of

economic reconstruction, China is also trying to finance this project
with Western capital. Dillon describes the situation in these words:
In these tense circumstances, economic development can never be

merely a neutral device for the alleviation of poverty. It is a conscious

Communist China’s Policy
of Oppression in East Turkestan