About Xinjiang Xinjiang is an adorable land. It was an important passage through the ancient Silk Road, where people of many ethnic groups travelled, lived and traded for centuries. It has come to be defined by its multi-ethnic culture. Today, its 21 million population comprises 47 ethnic groups, the largest being the Uyghurs, followed by the Hans. Different ethnic groups have been living side by side for centuries like one big family. People in China and the whole world are fascinated by Xinjiang’s long history, scenic beauty, diverse culture and its warm and hospitable people. About 22 million tourists home and abroad go and visit Xinjiang every year. So the riot in Urumqi, the capital city of Xinjiang on 5th July 2009 came as a shock. About the riot On 5th July, the highly violent crimes involving beating, smashing, looting and arson took place in Urumqi, Xinjiang. The rioters set fire to buildings, smashed or burned vehicles and killed people at 220 sites. The incident has inflicted heavy losses of life and property. In order to protect people’s life and property, police were swiftly deployed to maintain social stability and restore public order. The situation now has been brought under control.The riot itself was by no means incidental and spontaneous. It was well organized, civilian targeted and occurred at several locations at the same time. Hard evidence has shown the separatist World Uyghur Congress led by Rebiya Kadeer was behind the deadly riot. All facts pointed to Rebiya Kadeer, who was born in Xinjiang in 1951. She was a former businesswoman in China. The Government says she made a fortune illegally from the 1980s through tax evasion and fraud. In 2000 she was sentenced to an eight-year imprisonment on charges of illegally disclosing state secrets, and was released on bail in 2005 to seek medical treatment in the United States. Ever since her departure from China she has been known to be critical of the Chinese Government. Source: Communications Department, Embassy of the People’s Republic of China
