China is marketing an “anti-terrorism” campaign to tighten its grip on East Turkistan

On the ninth anniversary of China's "Counter-terrorism Law," Chinese authorities resumed "counter-terrorism" campaigns and "educational" activities in East Turkistan. Experts indicate this is connected to Chinese government efforts to maintain control over East Turkistan.
The "Xinjiang Daily" reported on December 27 that a promotional event called "Countering Terrorism and Establishing Peace" was held at the Urumqi Cultural Center. Simultaneously, public security agencies conducted various counter-terrorism campaigns and "educational" activities.
Chen Minguo, deputy secretary of the party committee in the Uyghur region, political law committee secretary, and head of the counter-terrorism leadership group, emphasized the need for regular and sustainable "counter-terrorism" campaigns and maintaining stability.
He claimed "Xinjiang's overall social situation remains stable, showing new prosperity and active development."
Dr. Henryk Szadziewski from the Uyghur Human Rights Foundation responded to questions about why China continues these campaigns despite claims of success: He suggested it relates to maintaining control over East Turkistan, noting that authoritarian governments need to maintain fear and intimidation to justify repressive policies.
Dr. Rune Steenberg, an anthropologist at Palacký University Olomouc, suggested that China's new counter-terrorism campaign stems from internal and international changes rather than the law's anniversary. He warned that China might increase repression against Uyghurs and Kazakhs soon.
Chen Minguo emphasized maintaining "high-pressure" control and prevention, advocating for a "chess game" approach involving party and government agencies with societal participation.
Dr. Erkin Ekrem, Associate Professor at Turkey's Hacettepe University and Director of the Uyghur Research Institute in Ankara, noted that China continues using "terrorism" as a pretext to erase Uyghur identity and impose Chinese identity, suggesting this will continue until Uyghur identity is completely destroyed.