The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is implementing a strategy in Xinjiang known as “文化润疆” – often translated as “Cultural Enrichment of Xinjiang” or “Cultural Assimilation of Xinjiang”.
Recently, Xi Jinping attended the 70th anniversary celebration of the founding of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, stressing the comprehensive implementation of the CCP’s governance strategy for Xinjiang in the “new era.” He called for strengthening the “sense of a unified Chinese national community,” promoting the Sinicization of religion, and advancing “Cultural Enrichment of Xinjiang” to instill what the Party calls “correct views” on nation, history, ethnicity, culture, and religion among all ethnic groups.
Articles in People’s Daily and Huanqiu Times frame this policy as a core part of the CCP’s national strategy, describing it as a program of cultural and linguistic assimilation. Beijing has mandated Mandarin language instruction and standardized national curricula even in minority regions, framing language as a central element of cultural identity and political loyalty.
Critics argue this policy constitutes a systematic program of cultural and demographic colonization, eroding Uyghur traditions, language, and identity. They contend that since Xi Jinping assumed power, the destruction of Uyghur culture has intensified to an all-encompassing stage, including the forced indoctrination of Uyghur children into Han Chinese culture – a process many describe as cultural genocide.
Sources:
1. People’s Daily, September 30, 2025
http://theory.people.com.cn/n1/2025/0930/c40531-40575275.html
2. Huanqiu Times, September 29, 2025
https://opinion.huanqiu.com/article/4OWmkjoHiUB
3. Uyghur Human Rights Project
https://chinese.uhrp.org/insights/中国以＂文化润疆＂加速殖民化的种族灭绝/