Zero Tolerance
Repression and Political Violence on China's New Silk Road

Zero Tolerance analyzes the cycles of repression and violence that grip Xinjiang, clarifying the policies and interests that drive China's mistreatment of its Uyghur minority.

Philip B. K. Potter (Author), Chen Wang (Author)

9781009114905, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 15 December 2022

244 pages, 47 b/w illus. 5 maps 18 tables
22.9 x 15.2 x 1.8 cm, 0.46 kg

'In Zero Tolerance, Potter and Wang provide a sophisticated but accessible analysis of China's security policy regarding its Uyghur minority.  Using rich historical analysis, discussion of past and current Chinese government policy trends and analysis of unique data, the authors paint a chilling portrait of repression and violent backlash as China expands its engagement internationally.  In the book, Potter and Wang convincingly argue that as China expands its relations with other countries, it will become increasingly vulnerable to domestic extremist threats. This will reinforce China's trend of repression against Uyghurs and dissidents. Presenting a chilling vision of the future, Zero Tolerance is a must read for anyone seeking to understand contemporary Chinese international relations and domestic security policy.' James A. Piazza, Liberal Arts Professor of Political Science, The Pennsylvania State University

China's mistreatment of its Uyghur minority has drawn international condemnation and sanctions. The repression gripping Xinjiang is also hugely costly to China in Renminbi, personnel, and stifled economic productivity. Despite this, the Chinese Communist Party persists in its policies. Why? Drawing on extensive original data, Potter and Wang demonstrate insecurities about the stability of the regime and its claim to legitimacy motivate Chinese policies. These perceived threats to core interests drive the ferocity of the official response to Uyghur nationalism. The result is harsh repression, sophisticated media control, and selective international military cooperation. China's growing economic and military power means that the country's policies in Xinjiang and Central Asia have global implications. Zero Tolerance sheds light on this problem, informing policymakers, scholars, and students about an emerging global hotspot destined to play a central role in international politics in years to come.

1. Introduction
2. Political Violence in Xinjiang
3. Political Sensitivities
4. Securitization and Repression in Xinjiang
5. Foreign Policy
6. Conclusion
7. Technical Appendix
8. Technical Appendix
9. Technical Appendix
10. Technical Appendix
References.

Subject Areas: Political oppression & persecution [JPVR], Human rights [JPVH], International relations [JPS], Genocide & ethnic cleansing [HBTZ]