Navigating the Complexity of Ethnicity: State-Sanctioned Narratives and Han Perception of Xinjiang in Contemporary China

Abstract

In a nation-state composed of multiple ethnic groups like contemporary China, the complexities of relationships between the Han majority and minority groups become a critical subject of inquiry. This paper delves into these complexities, mainly focusing on the intertwined processes of collective memory formation and state narratives. Specifically, it explores t how the Chinese state has shaped Han Chinese perceptions and memories of Xinjiang, a representative region in China's broader ethnic landscape. It delves into the role of the Communist Party of China’s propaganda and historical narratives in constructing a dominant public memory. In doing so, it elucidates how the Han Chinese comprehend Xinjiang as a territorial concept, influenced mainly by state narratives claiming Xinjiang as an integral part of China since the Han Dynasty. The framework of this understanding is rooted in nationalism, which has integrated Western “terrorism” discourse in its evolution, effectively shaping the Han Chinese perceptions of Xinjiang. Therefore, China’s Xinjiang narrative can be considered a hybrid of nationalism and “terrorism” under a state context. Furthermore, the paper highlights how these narratives, while marginalizing indigenous voices, are reinforced by the Han Chinese through their everyday actions and expressions, adhering to state-approved narratives. This process ultimately forms a collective memory of Xinjiang, substituting the actual situation in Xinjiang with a state-orchestrated version. This paper seeks to deconstruct the complex interplay between state narratives, collective memory, and Han Chinese views, thus offering a more intricate insight into the modern context of China’s ethnic relationships.