The “Firm Establishment( Zhulao)” of a Sense of the Chinese National Community : Rhetorical and Substantive Characteristics of Ethnic Minority Policies in the Xi Jinping Era

This study argues that the characteristics of the Xi Jinping’s ethnic minority policies, which differ from previous ethnic policies centered on economic development, can be found in the emphasis on “the firm establishment of a sense of the Chinese national community” (铸牢中华民族共同体意识, hereafter referred to as ‘firm establishment’). We suggest that the purpose of these policies lies in weakening the ethnic identity of minorities, which could be the potential threats to the system. Since the reform and opening, the Chinese government has offered economic growth and development to ethnic minorities as a means of promoting national integration. However, conflicts between the Han majority and ethnic minorities persist. The concept of “firm establishment,” which was devised during Xi Jinping’s leadership and has gradually developed into the “main line” of ethnic minority policy, emphasizes the spiritual aspects of policy, starting from its rhetorical dimensions. The concept of “firm establishment” thus reflects a hallmark of Xi Jinping’s era, where China’s ethnic minority policy places greater emphasis on fostering a sense of the Chinese national community beyond mere economic development. Moreover, it is noteworthy that this “firm establishment,” aimed at weakening the ethnic identity of minorities, is being expanded to encompass all Chinese people facing identity issues, including those in Taiwan and Hong Kong.