BEIJING, March 6: China’s far-northwestern region of Xinjiang faces threats from violence rippling across south and Central Asia and enforcing stability there will be tough this year, a senior official said on Friday.

Xinjiang with a large Muslim population borders Pakistan and Afghanistan as well as Central Asian states.

Its governor Nuer Baikeli told reporters in Beijing that violence in Afghanistan and recent militant attacks in India and Pakistan showed Xinjiang had reason to fear what China calls the ‘three forces’ — terrorism, separatism and religious extremism.

“We are very concerned about this problem,” he said of violent militants in nearby countries.

“With instability and uncertainty increasing in neighbouring areas, will it affect us? But we can prevent this and have confidence we can properly control the border and keep terrorist attacks beyond our borders.”

Speaking at a briefing on the sidelines of the annual meeting of China’s parliament, he said: “The situation in South Asia, including the Mumbai attacks and attacks in Afghanistan and Pakistan, of course are a spur to the three forces and those who want to harm Xinjiang.”

“So this year our task is very arduous, but rest assured we have confidence.”

The governor said violent groups could try to upset celebrations later this year for the 60th anniversary of the founding of Communist China and its rule in Xinjiang.

“As we celebrate the birthday of our nation, we don’t believe that hostile forces from home and abroad will give up,” Nuer Baikeli said.

“I’m afraid we will face a more severe situation in maintaining stability than last year, our task will probably be heavier, and the struggle will probably be fiercer,” he added. —Reuters
Tags: