While China presents itself globally as a protector of humanity, its own government stands accused of religious persecution within its borders.
According to multiple human rights monitoring reports, the Chinese Communist government is systematically targeting Uyghur Muslims in the Xinjiang region based on religion.
Over 16,000 mosques demolished in China
The Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI), in its latest report backed by satellite imagery and statistical analysis, revealed that China has destroyed or partially damaged nearly 16,000 mosques across the country. Of these, approximately 8,450 mosques have been completely demolished.
ASPI’s report highlights that nearly 65% of all mosques in Xinjiang have been affected. Many had their domes and minarets removed as part of the Chinese government’s crackdown on Islamic structures.
Destruction intensified after 2017
The report further claims that this demolition campaign escalated rapidly after 2017. Among the destroyed religious sites was the entrance gate of the historic Grand Kargilik Mosque, built in the 16th century.
Authorities demolished the gate in late 2018. After global attention was drawn to the case, the entrance was rebuilt, but in a different architectural style.
ASPI states that the current number of mosques in Xinjiang has dropped to its lowest level since China’s Cultural Revolution (1966–1976), during which more than 26,500 mosques were destroyed across the country.
Religious heritage sites targeted
In addition to mosques, the Chinese government has also targeted around 30% of Uyghur Muslim religious heritage sites in Xinjiang, including cemeteries and pilgrimage routes.
These sites were legally protected under Chinese law but were still demolished.
China’s two major muslim ethnic groups
China is home to two major Muslim ethnic groups.
The Hui are descendants of Muslims who arrived during the Tang Dynasty in the 8th century.
The other group, the Uyghurs, primarily reside in the Xinjiang province and have faced increasing repression in recent years.
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