Xinjiang officials must keep up the pressure in the run-up to China’s National Day, says local party chief Chen Quanguo
- Security forces urged to ensure stability in region where an estimated million Muslims have been interned in re-education camps
- Communist Party keen to ensure nothing will overshadow celebrations of 70th anniversary of People’s Republic on October 1
The Communist Party chief in Xinjiang has told security forces and officials to “maintain high pressure” in the region ahead of the 70th anniversary celebrations for the People’s Republic of China.
“We should … keep the alarm bells ringing and stay constantly vigilant, maintaining high pressure, allowing the region to reap the benefits of stability, and taking effective steps to ensure the overall social situation in Xinjiang continues to be harmonious and stable,” Chen said.
Observers said his comments were a reminder that officials and the security forces had to maintain order in the run-up to the National Day celebrations on October 1 – a milestone event for which the government has meticulously prepared.
“[Chen] seems determined to deter possible unrest or complacency in the lead up to the 70th anniversary celebrations,” said James Leibold, associate professor of politics and Asian studies at La Trobe University in Australia.
