China – Xinjiang

Small-scale uprisings, a longterm low-level conflict. Muslim Uighurs vs Han Chinese government.
 
Historical background: Chinese annexation of East Turkestan (Sinkiang) in 1876-84. Uprisings in 1933 and 1944, with occasional unrest since then. Xinjiang is populated by Turkic Uighurs, who claim China suppresses their culture and Sunni Muslim faith, with human rights abuses such as mass abortions, forced termination of marriages and Han Chinese colonisation (now 40% of population) and domination.
 
Most Uighurs seek autonomy within China, while some support Muslim extremism and independence. Since 2001 China has suppressed Uighurs as an anti-terror measure. Deaths unknown (a few thousands), emigration in last 50 years 100,000+. Recent outbreaks and suppression in 2008, in connection with the Olympic Games in Beijing.
 

LINKS:

Wikipedia: the Uighurs
The Uighurs