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Xinjiang

The latest news, analysis and opinion on Xinjiang. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.

Capital

Ürümqi

Head of Government

Party Secretary of Xinjiang Ma Xingrui

last updated:

25 September, 2024

Xinjiang cotton has been in the global spotlight since 2020. Photo: Getty Images

SCMP Highlights

Calvin Klein parent firm slammed, Xi’s opening-up call: SCMP daily highlights

From clothing company PVH Group coming under fire to China’s nuclear fusion advance, here’s a round-up from today’s China and economy coverage.

16 Jan 2025 - 10:08PM

US-China relations

China hits back at US curbs with multifront probes into American firms

17 Jan 2025 - 2:32AM

China’s Communist Party

China’s Xinjiang hosts foreign university students to debunk Western narratives

16 Jan 2025 - 6:15PMvideocam

US-China relations

US targets China textile giant Huafu Fashion over Uygur forced labour concerns

Mining and solar energy firms also had their imports banned, bringing the total number of companies on the trade blacklist to 144.

15 Jan 2025 - 3:00AMvideocam

Workers harvest cotton in Wujiaqu, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, in September 2024. Photo: Xinhua

China-Middle East relations

China concerned by reports of Uygur militants given senior roles in Syrian army

Country’s UN ambassador Fu Cong says new government in Damascus must prevent terrorist forces from threatening other countries.

9 Jan 2025 - 6:11PMvideocam

Britain

Shein lawyer evades questions on China cotton at UK hearing, angering lawmakers

The fast-fashion giant is accused of forced labour in its supply chains as it reportedly prepares for a US$62 billion listing in London.

8 Jan 2025 - 8:33AMvideocam

Pakistan

At least 6 killed in Pakistan suicide bombing

Baloch Liberation Army claimed responsibility for attack. Group is behind a surge in recent attacks targeting soldiers and Chinese workers.

5 Jan 2025 - 2:21AMvideocam

Pakistan’s national flags. On Saturday, at least six people including Pakistani paramilitary troops were killed in a bombing claimed by separatists in Balochistan. Photo: AFP

Middle East

Syria appoints foreign Islamist fighters, including Uygurs, to military: sources

Appointments include Uygur fighters from a group that China labels a terrorist organisation.

31 Dec 2024 - 1:21PMvideocam

US-China relations

Trump’s first 100 days: can Beijing stop downwards spiral in US-China ties?

Early contact with new administration seen as an important ‘window of opportunity’ for Beijing to help set the course of future relations.

7 Jan 2025 - 7:57PMvideocam

Infrastructure in Asia

Chinese tunnel crews punch through mountains for Xinjiang expressway project

The Tianshan Shengli Tunnel is expected to be the longest of its kind and help link the region with neighbouring countries.

1 Jan 2025 - 4:29PMvideocam

Workers drive a construction vehicle out of the Tianshan Shengli Tunnel on Monday. Photo: Xinhua

US-China tech war

Chinese surveillance tech firm Dahua exits projects in Xinjiang

The company was added to a US trade blacklist in 2019 on claims it aided in human rights abuses in Xinjiang.

24 Dec 2024 - 1:43PM

A Dahua security camera. Photo: AP Photo

China economy

My Take | China’s extended visa-free tourist stays drive momentum for opening

Its latest foreign-visitor policy shows that China is willing to be pragmatic, rather than adhering strictly to ideologies.

24 Dec 2024 - 7:00AM

China trade

Western trade helps buoy Xinjiang’s exports but signs emerge of slowing growth

The region’s trade volume has risen by roughly a quarter this year, with electrical products and garments leading the way.

22 Dec 2024 - 8:00PMvideocam

China-Middle East relations

China warns leaders in Syria not to threaten security elsewhere

Chinese envoy addresses UN briefing days after Turkestan Islamic Party publishes video encouraging Xinjiang Muslims to wage jihad.

19 Dec 2024 - 1:05PMvideocam

A Chinese envoy to the UN says China respects choices made by the Syrian people and does not seek to interfere in internal Syrian affairs. Photo: Reuters

Belt and Road Initiative

Opinion | Hong Kong and Xinjiang could be the core of Kazakhstan’s China strategy

As the centre of global economic activity shifts from West to East, strengthening ties with China will remain one of Kazakhstan’s top priorities.

16 Dec 2024 - 10:53AM

Almas Seitakynov, consul general of Kazakhstan in Hong Kong, poses with his country’s flag, in Central on October 4. Photo: Edmond So

US-China tech war

Sanctioned camera maker Hikvision ends five government contracts in Xinjiang

The surveillance camera maker, blacklisted by Trump in 2019, did not say why it was now ending contracts for projects completed in 2018.

14 Dec 2024 - 4:00PMvideocam

China-EU relations

EU-China agenda stalls under Trump’s long shadow

Holding pattern could break next week as EU decides if China crossed red line in arming Russia, a move that would force Beijing to respond.

13 Dec 2024 - 12:23PMvideocam

E-commerce

Shein’s UK IPO slowed by challenge from Uygur NGO alleging Xinjiang cotton use

Britain’s Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner has also raised concerns over allegations about the fast-fashion firm’s labour practices.

13 Dec 2024 - 10:31AMvideocam

Shein is facing hurdles in its pursuit of a London IPO in part because of allegations about its China sourcing and labour practices. Photo: Reuters

Canada

Canada sanctions 8 Chinese officials, citing human rights violations

China’s foreign ministry said it is opposed to and strongly condemns Canada’s sanctions.

11 Dec 2024 - 4:52PMvideocam

China’s Communist Party

Xi calls for wider use of Mandarin in China’s border areas amid security push

Leader tells Politburo study session that the unity of all ethnic groups ‘like pomegranate seeds tightly held together’ should be promoted.

10 Dec 2024 - 8:00PMvideocam

Science

Xinjiang power swing threatened China’s nationwide electricity supply in August

‘Severe threat’ to grid’s stability this summer may be linked to the region’s large-scale renewable energy sources.

6 Dec 2024 - 4:16PMvideocam

A wind farm along the highway from Turpan to Urumqi in Xinjiang, China. Photo: Shutterstock

US-China relations

3 Uygurs freed as part of US-China prisoner exchange: report

The Biden administration reportedly drove ‘a fairly tough bargain’ with Beijing in gaining the release of the Uygurs.

4 Dec 2024 - 5:07AMvideocam

Ayshem Mamut and US Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns after her release from Chinese custody last week. Photo: via X

Belt and Road Initiative

Xinjiang eyes closer ties with Pakistan and Central Asia to offset US sanctions

Far west region boosts role as belt and road gateway by opening Pakistan border for the winter and growing ties with Kazakhstan’s Zhetysu.

3 Dec 2024 - 10:05AMvideocam

Central Asia

China seeks to boost energy ties with Turkmenistan

Foreign Minister Wang Yi also said he would seek to boost investment in the country at a meeting with his Central Asian counterparts.

1 Dec 2024 - 7:58PM

China manufacturing

China wants to turn Xinjiang’s vast deserts into a string of pearls

Millions of pearls are already being harvested in the Taklimakan Desert, as China tries to turn the arid region into a hub for aquaculture.

29 Nov 2024 - 5:45PM

Millions of pearl oysters are being cultivated in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. Photo: Shutterstock

Electric & new energy vehicles

Volkswagen’s controversial Xinjiang plant sale signals strategic shift in China

VW sells assets to address political risks and cut excess capacity, while extending its partnership with SAIC to regain market share in China.

29 Nov 2024 - 8:00AM

The SAIC Volkswagen plant in Urumqi in China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region has been sold to a state-owned company. Photo: AP

Science

China surrounds ‘sea of death’ Taklamakan Desert with giant green belt

Just completed multi-decade project in Xinjiang region is intended to help prevent desertification and boost local economies.

29 Nov 2024 - 2:02PM

Blinken urges G7 countries to maintain unity in face of China risks

US secretary of state cites Beijing’s economic policies, human rights record and support for Russia in the war against Ukraine.

27 Nov 2024 - 6:47AMvideocam

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