Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Beijing sacks party boss in riot-hit area

Scott McDonald
Monday 26 April 2010 00:00 BST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

China has replaced the head of the Communist Party in the restive far-western region of Xinjiang, months after deadly ethnic riots. State media reports gave no immediate reason for removing the unpopular Wang Lequan, 65, in office since 1995. He was in charge last July when riots in the regional capital of Urumqi pitted minority Uighurs against ethnic majority Han Chinese. Almost 200 people were killed, mostly Han.

The Uighurs see Xinjiang as their homeland and resent the Han, who have moved in. Dilxat Raxit, an Uighur activist, said the leadership change was not enough and Uighurs needed more political rights.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in