tirsdag 30. mars 2021

China to step up use of Mandarin in Xinjiang schools in face of growing international outcry over policies

The authorities in Xinjiang are stepping up efforts to promote Mandarin-language education and to sinicise Islam despite the growing international outcry over its policies in the far Western region. International fashion chains that have said they will stop using cotton produced in the region due to concerns about forced labour this week faced calls for a consumer boycott from Chinese consumers and celebrities.

Xinjiang Daily reported on Thursday that the regional government had called an extended conference for local officials following a visit by one of the most senior figures in the central government. During his trip, Wang Yang, a member of the Politburo Standing Committee, ordered Xinjiang party officials to “optimise” governance to achieve long-term stability.