ABSTRACT
In terms of ideology, the CPC’s rule in China can be divided into four distinct phases – prereform period (1949–1976) marked by the emergence of radical socialist transformation and revolutionary integration of minority regions; the period of pragmatic reform and economic transition with commitment for greater openness, rationale and inclusiveness of masses including the minority peoples (1978–1989); the period marked by isolation after the 1989 Tian’anmen Square student protests and debacle of the socialist world following the disintegration of the Soviet Union (1989–1991); and the period of pragmatic reform with conservatism and rapid economic development with an emphasis on the socialist market economy (1992 till date). The ideological orientation of the CPC towards national minorities is a synthesis of various traditions of reformist, nationalist and revolutionary underpinnings, as well as Sinicised Marxist and Leninist ideologies and the Soviet nationalities policies. In course of the revolutionary struggle, the CPC dealt with the issue of self-determination for the minorities by adopting the ethno-regional autonomy, which has already evolved into a strong political institution in China. It also throws light on nationality works under the five generations of CPC leadership and the latest discourse on ethnic minorities in the context of Xinjiang.
