Neighbouring states are questioning China's ability to treat its Uighur population fairly and halt terrorism.
Al-Jazeera - 25 Apr 2016
Has China just issued its first conciliatory statement towards the Uighur Muslim ethnic group, which has been persecuted for years? And has it done so out of fear or embarrassment that Uighur Islamic militants have now gone global, fighting for Islamic causes in many corners of the globe?
Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang, speaking to the Communist Party chief and party delegates of Xinjiang province, appeared to be acknowledging for the first time the deep frustration felt by young Uighurs, the eradication of Uighur culture and, most seriously, the lack of jobs in the province.
"Let the people, especially the young, have something to do and money to earn," he told them at China's annual meeting of parliament.
He urged private companies to invest in Xinjiang and for the majority Han Chinese population to mingle more with their Uighur brothers.
''Xinjiang's development and stability ... have a bearing on nation and ethnic unity and national security,'' he added (according to Reuters).
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