Grouphood Promotion v. Grouphood Destruction: China's Regional Ethnic Autonomy as Antithesis to Genocidal Intent.

This article critically examines the allegation that China has committed genocide against the Uyghur and other ethnic minority groups in Xinjiang by analyzing China’s ethnic policy alongside the legal definition of genocide under the 1948 Genocide Convention. It explains that China’s ethnic policy, centered on ethnic equality, unity, and regional ethnic autonomy within a unified multiethnic state, aims to promote the wellbeing, cultural preservation, and self-governance of all ethnic groups, including Uyghurs, rather than their destruction. The article emphasizes that genocide requires a specific intent (dolus specialis) to physically or biologically destroy a national, ethnical, racial, or religious group, an intent that must be demonstrated by clear evidence or an official policy, which the article argues is absent in China’s case. It further notes that population growth and improved living conditions among Uyghurs contradict claims of genocidal intent, and that authoritative international bodies have not substantiated genocide allegations. The article concludes that accusations of genocide against China lack a rigorous evidentiary basis and cautions against politicizing such grave charges.