Beijing security expert calls for greater openness and transparency in Xinjiang

A top security expert at a government-affiliated think tank has called for openness and transparency in the mainland's war against terrorism in Xinjiang, where officials have been blamed for maintaining an "information blockade".

Li Wei, head of the security and arms control unit of the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, also defended China's religious policies, arguing that they have not led to an eruption of violence.

"We need to show to the public openly and transparently that the fight against terrorism is necessary in Xinjiang, so people will understand what we are doing," Li told reporters in Beijing on Thursday. "It's important that people have the right to be informed about these kind of things."

Li blamed the East Turkestan separatist movement for most of the violence in the autonomous region that borders eight countries. He said more information would help people understand the rationale behind the government's measures.

"Terrorism exists in China mainly through the presence of terrorists in Xinjiang … who sow panic and instability," Li said. "They're the biggest terrorist threat to China."

The institute is affiliated with the Ministry of State Security and overseen by the Central Committee of the Communist Party.