Fighting terrorism a long-term challenge for China(2)

RELIGIOUS EXTREMISM PENETRATION

The "three evil forces" of terrorism, separatism and extremism have been increasing their penetration into Xinjiang, a remote region with more than half of its population ethnic minorities with a Muslim belief.

The infiltration of Islamic fundamentalism and extremism into Xinjiang is threatening the region's social stability and economic and social development.

ETIM, together with other groups, are propagandizing religious extremism in Xinjiang and instigating ethnic hatred in order to seek independence.

South Xinjiang's Hotan, Kashgar and Aksu are areas overseas separatism forces intend to penetrate most, where the majority of the population are Muslim Uygurs.

Illegal religious activities have been rampant in these areas, which has caused a strong religious environment, an imam said on condition of anonymity.

More Uygur women wear black Islamic robes instead of their traditional colorful Uygur costumes. Alcoholic drinks are banned in shops in some areas otherwise owners will face attacks, as Xinhua reporters have discovered in recent years.

Violent terrorist attacks in the name of "jihad" have been increasing since 2009 and have become the biggest threat to the region. Some 190 terrorist attacks were recorded in Xinjiang in 2012, increasing by a significant margin from 2011, according to the regional public security department.

Most of the attackers were in their 20s or early 30s. They acted in small groups or individually as "a lone wolf." More than 95 percent of them have not graduated from middle school, according to the department.

With the rapid development of the Internet, crimes such as spreading religious extremism online, instigating terrorist attacks and fabricating rumors are also on the rise in Xinjiang and undermining stability in the region.

A total of 256 people suspected of spreading rumors and 139 people accused of spreading jihad were caught by police within two months after the terrorist attack in Shanshan County on June 26 when 24 people, including two police officers, were killed, according to the department.

OVERALL SOLUTION

Analysts have called for an overall solution to tackle terrorist threats. The establishment of a national security commission is a right step forward, but more still needs to be done.

The building of an anti-terrorism information network with sound intelligence gathering and judgment is key to prevent attacks, said Li Wei.

Early discovery and early warning is key to handle terrorist threats, said Li.

An anti-terrorism law at state level will also help beef up efforts, he said.

"Solving various kinds of social problems should also be included in the framework of anti-terrorism efforts," he said. "Social problems should never be used as excuses by terrorists to recruit members."

Xinjiang lags behind other provinces and faces challenges in capital, technology, skills, talent and management. Many Uygurs in south Xinjiang suffer from poverty and high unemployment.

In March 2010, the Chinese government initiated a "pairing assistance" program to support Xinjiang in building new infrastructures and promoting local industries. More than 4,000 officials and experts from 19 relatively-prosperous provinces and municipalities are contributing to the development of the poor vast western land.

Terrorism is not just a domestic issue. International support to East Turkistan separatism forces and the west's indulgence towards them with double standards are challenges we have to face, said Li.

"We have to realize that anti-terrorism is a long-term and complicated cause and will not be settled in a short period of time," he said. "It needs the overall efforts of the whole country, and even the whole world."

Liu Zhongkang, deputy head of the Xinjiang Regional Academy of Social Sciences, proposed that China strengthen anti-terrorism cooperation with the international community and reduce the space for the "three evil forces" to develop.

Liu also proposed research into the root causes of religious extremism in Xinjiang and a strategic plan to safeguard long-term stability and development in Xinjiang.