Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: Using the Chinese 2000 census data from Xinjiang autonomous region, this paper serves as one of the first steps to examine complex issues of migration, ethnicity, and Han-minority relations. Specifically, we provide overview of socio-economic disparities among Xinjiang’s ethnic groups, ethnic relations, and historical patterns of migration into Xinjiang region. The final part of the paper looks at the issues of occupational attainment by ethnicity and migration status in the capital city of Urumqi. Our paper provides perhaps the most up to date and systematic data on migration patterns in Xinjiang, identifies unique patterns of recent migration to Xinjiang, and highlight the major determinants of occupational attainment. The paper has important implications about how migration changes the dynamic ethnic relations in China’s minority-concentrated regions. This is also critically important in light of the well-being of over 100 million minority population in China’s drive toward a market-oriented economy.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: The paper reviews the evolvement of Xinjiang Classes as a policy of special dislocated ethnic minority boarding schooling for China’s ethnic minorities in Xinjiang like Uygur and Kazak etc. It also analyzes the contradiction between the school’s legitimated goal of ethnic integration and the resistance from Xinjiang students’ subculture. It suggests that changes like curriculum with ethnic minorities’ culture sensitiveness and integrated classes and open administration are needed for Xinjiang Classes.

Publication Type: Poster
Abstract: Energy acquisition appears to be a prominent feature in Chinese maneuverings in areas as diverse as Africa and Latin America in the 21st Century. Active Chinese engagements in energy-rich Central Asia aroused attention and discussions in the West in the past few years. While scholars such as Niklas Swanstrom label such Chinese maneuverings as part of the "new Great Game," others, including Kevin Shieves, treat them as part of China's benign "peaceful rise." During the same period, the possibility of conflicts caused by the scramble for scarce resources has become a subject of theoretical research and discussion. This paper seeks to find out if theories of resource conflicts or traditional theories of realism are better indicators of Chinese actions in Central Asia and the adjacent western Muslim region of Xinjiang in the past 15 years. Central Asia is defined here as the five former soviet republics of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan which gained independence in 1991. Three areas of Chinese actions are explored, namely Chinese policies in Xinjiang and related policies towards Central Asian states, the organization and development of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and Chinese energy-related activities in Central Asia and Xinjiang. The conclusion is that traditional theories of realism better explain Chinese actions in the geographic and activity areas and period studied.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: Central Asia occupies a growing role in Chinese security policy. However, an examination of China’s Central Asian policies reveals that they are essentially external projections of Beijing’s vital interest of internal security in neighboring Xinjiang. Accordingly this article examines Xinjiang’s importance for China’s overall security policies. Through this examination it becomes clear that the Xinjiang problem very much resembles that of other discontented provinces within a multinational state with a continuing imperial vocation. Therefore China’s problems in Xinjiang will continue and have important repercussions for its domestic and foreign policies , and other key issues like Taiwan.