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Ethnic Tensions Smolder in China

Government blocks foreign journalists from reporting on Han-Hui riot

By Jehangir Pocha

The silence in this dusty brick-making town seems idyllic. But it’s really the calm after a storm—a storm that residents fear will soon return. “Everyone here’s gone mad. … people who used to live together now want to kill each other,” says a local restaurant owner who would give his name only as Mr. Ma. “I’m worried that when the police… return to article

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  • Zoom OutZoom In Reader Comments (4)

    Page 1 of 1 pages

    I understood Han and Hui to be of the same ethnic background, for the most part, but of different religious persuasions. Did I miss something here?

    United States Posted by Brian Cady on Dec 31, 2004 at 6:26 PM

    Maybe saturation of law enforcement till automation with a security watching streets via camera would create jobs for sure in security sector just let them know the shit disterbers have caused a loss in there freedom. they know they get caught it over they finaly give if not something worse will hapen there start terroristic type activitys should be watched for and recorded for offical use. who knows?

    United States Posted by Jim on Jan 8, 2005 at 10:33 PM

    This situation in China is like many in Africa and anywhere else. We humans like all other animals do not know how to live with each other. Just like lions, lepards and cheetas, although all cats, do not live in harmony, we do not either. It is the way of the world and the more freedom you give to people the worse these situations will become. Race, religion etc. will always create diferences and we will always react with violence.

    United States Posted by Oscar Gomez-Montes on Jan 12, 2005 at 8:19 AM

    The Han and Hui are ethnically the same.  The Hui’s Muslim ancestors can from Persia, but over the centuries intermarried with and converted
    Han.  They are distinguished from Muslim groups in China that are both ethnically and religiously different such as the Kazaks, Uygurs, and other ethno-religious groups.

    United States Posted by Al on Jan 13, 2005 at 6:02 AM
    Page 1 of 1 pages

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