Chinese authorities offer cash to promote interethnic marriages

[Razor]

I could not find a thread on this topic. Also the Chinese members, surprisingly or unsurprisingly haven't brought it up either.

Chinese authorities offer cash to promote interethnic marriages

Parts of China's troubled north-west region of Xinjiang have begun offering cash to interethnic couples as part of a drive to assimilate the culturally distinct Uighur minority.

Qiemo county, part of the 460,000 sq km Bayinguoleng autonomous Mongolian prefecture, announced the policy in late August, calling it a "big celebratory gift package" for couples in which one member is an ethnic minority and the other is Han Chinese.

The package includes annual cash payments of 10,000 yuan (£980) for interethnic couples during the first five years of their marriage, as well as housing, healthcare and education subsidies, according to a statement on the Qiemo county government's website.

While ethnic intermarriage is fairly common across China, it is rare between Uighurs and Han Chinese, underscoring the groups' deep-rooted cultural, religious and linguistic differences. The region's cities are often clearly divided along ethnic lines, with Han residents frequenting separate shops and restaurants from their Uighur counterparts.

The region has seen a sharp rise in violent incidents in recent years, including attacks on police stations and government offices, and increasingly, terror attacks in major urban centres.

According to the US-based broadcaster Radio Free Asia, Qiemo county officials have counted 57 mixed-race couples within their jurisdiction , in a county with a total population of about 60,000. The policy is experimental, and subject to change.

China also recently began promoting interethnic marriages in Tibet, its other politically recalcitrant ethnic frontier, according to a slew of state media reports published this summer.

Source: Chinese authorities offer cash to promote interethnic marriages | World news | The Guardian

Is this a smooth form cultural genocide/assimilation ? This seems directed primarily against Uighur and Tibetan ethinc groups.
Or will this turn out to be a good move for China ?
Thoughts.

Also it is interesting to note that long back in Paraguay, they had a law which greatly encouraged/forced inter-racial marriages (whites/natives/blacks) to preserve the unity of the country, but this was in early 19th century

Also do any other nations have such models ?

Also would like to hear the chinese perpective.

 

[Peter]

I could not find a thread on this topic. Also the Chinese members, surprisingly or unsurprisingly haven't brought it up either.

Chinese authorities offer cash to promote interethnic marriages







Source: Chinese authorities offer cash to promote interethnic marriages | World news | The Guardian

Is this a smooth form cultural genocide/assimilation ? Or will this turn out to be a good move for China ? Thoughts.

Also it is interesting to note that long back in Paraguay, they had a law which greatly encouraged/forced inter-racial marriages (whites/natives/blacks) to preserve the unity of the country, but this was in early 19th century

This is only a nefarious ploy to enforce the Hans` belief of cultural supremacy.

 

[Razor]

This is only a nefarious ploy to enforce the Han`s belief of cultural supremacy.

General observations tell us that the longer a people are resident in a region, the greater the diversity. Hence the diversity of Africa, India, Europe. But China seems like a much more unified block. Exactly such a notion (bolded above) might be the reason why Han are the largest ethnic group in the world.

A lot of the other ethnic groups of China are effectively Hanized. For eg the language of the third largest ethnic group in China: the Manchus (the rulers of the Qing Empire), is nearly extinct.
Also of all the 56 officially recognized ethnic groups in China (there are many more "unofficial" ones though) the Tibetans and especially the Uighurs are the ones present in large numbers and not Hanized. Hence the policies, I guess.
But how will the Uighurs react I wonder. Will this work out well for China ?

 

[amoy]

General observations tell us that the longer a people are resident in a region, the greater the diversity. Hence the diversity of Africa, India, Europe. But China seems like a much more unified block. Exactly such a notion (bolded above) might be the reason why Han are the largest ethnic group in the world.

A lot of the other ethnic groups of China are effectively Hanized. For eg the language of the third largest ethnic group in China: the Manchus (the rulers of the Qing Empire), is nearly extinct.
Also of all the 56 officially recognized ethnic groups in China (there are many more "unofficial" ones though) the Tibetans and especially the Uighurs are the ones present in large numbers and not Hanized. Hence the policies, I guess.
But how will the Uighurs react I wonder. Will this work out well for China ?

Based on the OP it's a cash incentive, but not compulsory. Nothing new indeed, in Ming Dynasty it was a must to inter-marry btwn Mongols, and Central Asians, Arabs with locals (like Han) for the sake of integration. Some "unofficial" diaries at that time even claimed Ming emperors were muslim in closet.

Cut the craps of political correctness, isn't it common that a superior culture generally overwhelms the inferior? Just like Britishers took up the burden to civilize and transform the backward subcontinent and Indians readily embraced their advanced culture/ systems/ language. In the same vein, Manchus were impressed and adopted Han civilization.

56 or 560 depends anthropological criteria that're applied... if u wish, Uyghurs may be further divided so is Han... Some eggheads suggest that ethnically Uzbek, Uyghur and... shall be grouped together, but artificially separated. But what's the point?

 

[Ray]

Based on the OP it's a cash incentive, but not compulsory. Nothing new indeed, in Ming Dynasty it was a must to inter-marry btwn Mongols, and Central Asians, Arabs with locals (like Han) for the sake of integration. Some "unofficial" diaries at that time even claimed Ming emperors were muslim in closet.

Cut the craps of political correctness, isn't it common that a superior culture generally overwhelms the inferior? Just like Britishers took up the burden to civilize and transform the backward subcontinent and Indians readily embraced their advanced culture/ systems/ language. In the same vein, Manchus were impressed and adopted Han civilization.

56 or 560 depends anthropological criteria that're applied... if u wish, Uyghurs may be further divided so is Han... Some eggheads suggest that ethnically Uzbek, Uyghur and... shall be grouped together, but artificially separated. But what's the point?

Why can't you come to the point that Sinicisation historically has been to convert the 'barbarians' (as you called non Han) to become Han.

In the olden days, Han Chinese could browbeat, coerce and force people to marry Han so that they became Han.

These days with the world watching that is not possible.

So, you bribe folks to become Han.

Zhōngguóhuà 中国化 is a process whereby non-Han Chinese societies come under the influence of dominant Han Chinese state and society. Areas of influence include alphabet, diet, economics, industry, language, law, lifestyle, politics, religion, sartorial choices, technology, culture, and cultural values. In the bargain all became Han.

The integration policy is a type of nationalism aimed at strengthening of the Chinese identity among population by obliterating the non Han root and culture.

integration destroyed the ethnic diversity, language diversity, and cultural diversity.

There are many examples in the Chinese history how people were forced to become Han.

 

[Razor]

Cut the craps of political correctness, isn't it common that a superior culture generally overwhelms the inferior? Just like Britishers took up the burden to civilize and transform the backward subcontinent and Indians readily embraced their advanced culture/ systems/ language. In the same vein, Manchus were impressed and adopted Han civilization.

No "craps of PC." I understand what is exactly happening. Might is right.
Since culture is subjective, it is difficult to say what is superior culture and what is not. In this case of han what you call superior culture is basically a numerical superiority which has translated over generations. Whenever an ethnic/cultural group has a clear upper hand it will try to impose its values on others. This is what is happening here. It is good for the Han (and possibly stability of China) and bad for the Uighur/Tibet.

PS: Brits took up the burden of robbing India and they did what it took to prevent India from slipping out of control. Penetration of Brit culture into India is comparatively minimal. As for systems, I think you mean technological systems, in which case the better ones need to be adopted, just like China and other nations have too. As for language, there is no majority of any language in India and therefore for the time being at least a link language is needed. So adoption of English is not because Indian languages are inferior (far from it, but you probably won't understand as you still use pictographs and ideographs, which we abandoned several thousand years back.)
As for "backward subcontinent", there have been times when Bharat was at the pinnacle of civilization and there have been have been times when we were low. Cyclical nature of life. You must also know of this since I hear there is great wisdom in Chinese philosophies.

 

[Ray]

Examples of conversion of non Han to Han

Austronesian peoples[
Before sinicization, Austronesian speakers spread down the coast of southern China past Taiwan as far as Gulf of Tonkin. In times, the southward spread of Han Chinese led to the sinicization of all Austronesian speakers population that remained on the mainland, whether in the Yangzi Valley or in coastal areas from the mouth of the Yangzi to the gulf of Tonkin.

Turkic peoples
Descendants of Uyghurs who migrated to Taoyuan County, Hunan have largely assimilated into the Han Chinese and Hui population and practice Chinese customs, speaking Chinese as their language.

Tang dynasty
During the 8th and 9th centuries in the Tang dynasty, Chinese soldiers moved into Guizhou (Kweichow) and married native women, their descendants are known as Lao-han-jen (original Chinese) (one wonders how mixed parentage can be called 'original Chinese'!), in contrast to new Chinese who colonized Guizhou at later times. Many immigrants to Guizhou were descended from these soldiers in garrisons who married non-Chinese women.

Yuan dynasty
The Mongol Yuan dynasty appointed a Muslim from Bukhara, Sayyid Ajjal Shams al-Din Omar, as governor of Yunnan after conquering the Kingdom of Dali. Sayyid Ajjall then promoted Sinicization and Confucianization of the non-Han Chinese peoples in Yunnan during his reign. Sayyid Ajjal founded a "Chinese style" city where modern Kunming is today, called Zhongjing Cheng. He ordered that a Buddhist temple, a Confucian temple, and two mosques be built in the city. Advocating Confucianism was part of his policy. The Confucian temple that Sayyid Ajjall built in 1274, which also doubled as a school, was the first Confucian temple ever to be built in Yunnan.

Both Confucianism and Islam were promoted by Sayyid Ajall in his "civilizing mission" during his time in Yunnan.[6] Sayyid Ajall viewed Yunnan as "backward and barbarian" and utilized Confucianism, Islam, and Buddhism for "civilizing" the area. (Using a third party to Sinicise is a devilishly sly and cunning way, which is so typically Han

Ming dynasty
Massive military campaigns were launched by the Ming dynasty during the Miao Rebellions against the southern aboriginal Miao, Yao, and other tribes, settled thousands of Han and Hui in their land after crushing and killing the aboriginals.

During the Ming conquest of Yunnan Chinese military soldiers were settled in Yunnan, and many married the native women.

Kuomintang
The Kuomintang pursued a sinicization policy, it was stated that "the time had come to set about the business of making all natives either turn Chinese or get out." by foreign observers on the Kuomintang policy. It was noted that "Chinese colonization" of "Mongolia and Manchuria" led to the conclusion "to a conviction that the day of the barbarian was finally over."

Ma Clique
Hui Muslim General Ma Fuxiang created an assimilationist group and encouraged the integration of Muslims into Chinese society. Ma Fuxiang was a hardcore assimilationist and said that Hui should assimilate into Han.

 

[Ray]

The manner in which they pursue Sinicisation and convert non Han people to Han, indicates their zero tolerance to other races, communities, culture, language and so on.

Sheer racism!

And to imagine the go to town in calling other people as racists!

Chinese tussi bara great ho!

 

[amoy]

Why can't you come to the point that Sinicisation historically has been to convert the 'barbarians' (as you called non Han) to become Han.

In the olden days, Han Chinese could browbeat, coerce and force people to marry Han so that they became Han.

These days with the world watching that is not possible.

So, you bribe folks to become Han.



There are many examples in the Chinese history how people were forced to become Han.

As pointed out superior cultures invariably subdued the backward ones, in China's case "sinicization" , in India's case Brits took the white men's burden to civilize Indians and so on, with or without bribes?!

So, what's your point in barbarians?

 

[Ray]

As pointed out superior cultures invariably subdued the backward ones, in China's case "sinicization" , in India's case Brits took the white men's burden to civilize Indians and so on, with or without bribes?!

So, what's your point in barbarians?

What a gas!

Superior culture?

Han?

Give us a break.

Marauding brigands even till today stealing everyone's land and waters!

What a culture.

 

[Ray]

 

[amoy]

What a gas!

Superior culture?

Han?

Give us a break.

Marauding brigands even till today stealing everyone's land and waters!

What a culture.

That's only your opinion NOT a fact.

The fact is Han like Brits have contributed to civilizing the world of "barbarians" (See why Both China and UK are sitting in UNSC?)

The superiority of Chinese civilization and culture is recognized by the world. I have no more comment if u defy it.

 

[Ray]

That's only your opinion NOT a fact.

The fact is Han like Brits have contributed to civilizing the world of "barbarians" (See why Both China and UK are sitting in UNSC?)

The superiority of Chinese civilization and culture is recognized by the world. I have no more comment if u defy it.

What you indicate is despicable arrogance of a culture that promoted brigandry and subjugation of people (Non Han).

And the world is applauding that?

Culture is not only few artefacts and esoteric meandering and fluff.

Culture is interactivity as humans.

If that is 'culture', then 'culture' takes a new meaning!

Viewing "culturalism" (or universalism) as a "Chinese culturalism" is to see it not as a form of cultural consciousness per se, but rather to see culture - a specific culture of the imperial state and Confucian orthodoxy - as a criterion defining a community. Membership in this community was defined by participation in a ritual order which embodied allegiance to Chinese ideas and ethics centred around the Chinese emperor. While this representation of political community may seem rather distant from nationalism, one should consider the fact that the territorial boundaries and peoples of the contemporary Chinese nation correspond roughly to the Qing empire that was held together ideologically precisely by these ritual practices.

 

[Ray]

The photo above shows Chinese civilians kowtowing to Japanese infantry marching by.

And this is obviously the British to who the Han is kowtowing.

 

[Ray]

So, what's your point in barbarians?

Just this

Outside this circle were the tributary states which offered tribute (貢品) to the Emperor of China and over which China exercised suzerainty. Under the Ming Dynasty, when the tribute system entered its peak, these states were classified into a number of groups. The southeastern barbarians (category one) included some of the major states of East Asia and Southeast Asia, such as Korea, Japan, the Ryūkyū Kingdom, Annam, Đại Việt, Siam, Champa, and Java. A second group of southeastern barbarians covered countries like Sulu, Malacca, and Sri Lanka. Many of these are independent states in modern times.

In addition, there were northern barbarians, northeastern barbarians, and two large categories of western barbarians (from Shanxi, west of Lanzhou, and modern-day Xinjiang), none of which have survived into modern times as separate or independent states.

Han culturism differentiates between the culture of the Han, the inner people (nei ren) and the barbarians, the outer people (wai ren). This concept is a hand me down from the time of the Shang Dynasty, who political centre was located North of the Yellow River.

The Chinese differentiate between raw barbarians (shengfan) or the unassimilated people and the "cooked barbarians" (shufan) or those who were assimilated and yet were not the Han people e.g. the Han Chinese separated the 'cooked' Li of the coast of Hainan from the 'uncooked' Li of the central forest.

Barbarians were given generic names in the Chinese classics and histories: the Yi barbarians to the East, the Man to the South, Rong to the West and Di to the North.

Until the 1930s, the names of the outgroups (wai ren) were commonly written in characters with the animal radical: the Di, a northern tribe were linked to the dog; the Man and Min of the South were characterised with reptiles; the Qiangs were written with a sheep radical. This reflected the Han Chinese conviction that civilisation and culture were linked with humanity; alien groups living outside the pale of Han society were regarded as inhuman savages.

The custom of sharply distinguishing between the inner and outer people went along with the calling China the Middle Kingdom (zhong guo) , which began by ruling the Central plain (zhongyang) in North China. Rather than using outright military conquest, the theory of 'using the Chinese ways to transform the barbarians (yongxiabianyi)' was promulgated. By cultural absorption or racial integration through intermarriage, a barbarian could become a Han Chinese (Hanhua).

Excerpted from:

An Ethnohistorical Dictionary of China
An Ethnohistorical Dictionary of China - James Stuart Olson - Google Books

I hope that clears the cobwebs spun by the Communist Chinese Govt in your thoughts.

One must try to sift the wheat from the chaff so that one becomes an independent thinking person and not merely robotic to conditioned reflexes.

What I have appended is not my thoughts or opinion. It is by scholars.

Now, disprove what is being said

And of course as per you I have not seen China or studied it.