Massive show of force staged in China’s Xinjiang region after terrorist attack

Thousands of armed police and military vehicles have taken part in a parade in China’s restive Xinjiang region in a massive show of force two days after a deadly attack that authorities blamed on terrorists.

The event was staged in Hotan on Thursday – the second parade of its kind in the region this year – in response to Tuesday’s knife attack in nearby Pishan county that left eight people dead, the state-run People’s Daily reported.

Thousands of paramilitary troops marched in the parade in a show of strength meant to deter other potential attacks and ensure stability in the region, the report said.

“Continued vigilance and high-pressure deterrence against terrorists have forced them to the end of the road, like a cornered beast driven to desperate action,” Xinjiang’s deputy Communist Party secretary Zhu Hailun was quoted as saying.

Five people died after knife-wielding assailants attacked a residential compound in Pishan county. The three attackers were shot dead by police.