China warns of more unrest in Xinjiang

A Chinese official warned that the security situation in Xinjiang, a Chinese province home to 8 million muslims, would be "more severe" this year. AFP

BEIJING (AFP) — A top official warned Friday the security situation in China's restive region of Xinjiang would be "more severe" this year, sparking further concern of unrest ahead of sensitive anniversaries.

The vast desert area of Xinjiang in China's remote northwest is home to more than eight million Uighurs, Muslims who have complained for decades of political and religious repression.[...]

"The (security) situation will be more severe, the task more arduous, and the struggle more fierce in the region this year," said Nur Bekri, chairman of the Xinjiang regional government, according to the official Xinhua news agency.