Xinjiang tops headlines as Beijing faces corruption probes and new ethnic laws, while observers flag human rights concerns in the region’s governance. (Note: Ma Xingrui, former Xinjiang party chief, is under investigation for discipline and law violations.)
China's new law promotes ethnic unity by mandating Mandarin in education and public life, criminalising separatism, and extending its reach outside borders. It emphasizes social cohesion but raises concerns over minority rights and cultural suppression, especially for Uyghurs, Tibetans, and Mongolians. The law is set to be passed today.
Russia's cattle culling since February, linked to suspected foot-and-mouth disease, has expanded to China, which reports a highly contagious, vaccine-resistant strain entering Xinjiang. Authorities are implementing culling and disinfection measures, raising concerns over potential regional disease spread and concealment of outbreaks.
Ma Xingrui, a senior Chinese official and member of the Central Committee, has been removed from his position amid an investigation into alleged violations. He previously served as Xinjiang party secretary during a period marked by international scrutiny over the region's detention policies. The move follows a broader anti-corruption campaign by Beijing.