Recent uprisings across Tibetan regions of China as well as purported terror plots planned by Uighur separatists seeking independence for Xinjiang have highlighted the challenges that the Chinese Communist Party faces in governing a Han-dominant but multiethnic China. How China handles the “nationalities question” will be a crucial determinant of social stability going forward. Chinese top leaders have long recognized the value to the Party of having ethnic minority cadres among the Party-state elites, both for propaganda purposes as well as to inspire minority peoples to view the system as containing opportunities for their own advancement. Yet the Party has also maintained a firm grip on power in the ethnic minority-dominant political units by appointing ethnic Hans to the most important positions. An understanding of the changing role of ethnic minorities in Chinese politics is essential for comprehending the dynamics of China’s rapidly transforming political landscape.

Download article (CLM25CL.pdf ~395 KB)