Ethnic tensions brewing for decades culminated in bloody riots recently. I came across a good article in Singapore’s major Chinese paper 联合早报 (Lianhe Morning Post) which provided some good assessment of the very complex issue. The article addresses a key problem as laid out in the title ‘the most generous ethnic policy in China results in clash’. Generous indeed. This is the essence and problem of the policy. Xin/jiang has received many favorable policies in economic development, education and employment. It’s not too dissimilar to affirmative action in the US, which has created somewhat similar problems. Neither the Uighur nor the Han Chinese feel the system is fair. Taking employment as an example, state run enterprises have a quota that stipulates they must have a certain amount of Uighur employees. Since it is not based on merits but ethnicity, some Han Chinese feel they are denied of a job that they are more qualified for. Quite often, this can create a culture where Uighurs do not work as hard because their job is secured by the favorable policy. It in turn creates a biased thinking amongst Han Chinese that Uighurs are lazy employees. So private businesses don’t hire them. Of course, that further perpetuates prejudice and tension. But it’s flawed to think that the tension is caused by Uighurs disgruntled over the Han Chinese’s grip of money and resources. In fact, the central government has poured money to the region and the majority of Uighurs are financially better off than in the past. What they are really concerned about is the restriction concerning their faith. Although mosques are prevalent, preaching is censored. There are also other restrictions limiting the role of religion. But this is an area that Beijing is determined to keep its control over. Thus the article makes the argument that the biggest mistake of in the policy is equating faith to benefits. They think by creating wealth in the region, people will be willing to pay the price, i.e. religion. Now, policy makers have to bear the consequences.

After reading the article, it got me thinking about the give and take game. Why does it work so well with the Han Chinese though? Why are we so pragmatic? I guess the lack of faith for a lot of people is a key condition. In the absence of a higher being, we answer to ourselves and loved ones. After many decades of turmoil, we are primarily concerned with stability and comfort. The price we have to pay seems small compared to what we could have. But the future generations who are born into prosperity and wealth might aspire to something different.