Online published on 18 November, 2015.
China's Xinjiang province is mainly inhabited by the Muslim Uyghur minority. The prevailing atmosphere of tension in light of acts of violence met with harsh repression, has generated varied opinions. This paper begins with a historical overview of the problem. It then analyses the formal stance of Arab states as well as informal attitudes towards the Uyghur issue. It also highlights the steps China should undertake to resolve the internal conflict while maintaining good relations with Arab states. The study concludes that due to strong, multiple economic ties, official Sino–Arab relations have not been greatly affected by the violence caused by Uyghur separatism.
