China's long-simmering problems with Uyghur separatism and terrorism in the western region of Xinjiang has been thrust again into the international spotlight. The U.S. State Department has criticized China's "lack of transparency" regarding its claims of Uyghur terrorism in Xinjiang, questioned Beijing's stated desire for greater counter-terrorism cooperation with the U.S., and said Chinese policies in the region "may have exacerbated ethnic tension" and contributed to "increased violent extremism."
State media in Xinjiang reported this week that some Uyghur inhabitants would be required to provide DNA samples, fingerprints and a "three-dimensional image," when applying for passports or other travel documents. Read more
