'Old Bottle, New Wine'? Xinjiang Bingtuan and China's ethnic frontier governance. Issue 97 (2nd January 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhu, Yuchao; Blachford, Dongyan
• Is Part Of: Journal of contemporary China. Volume 25:Issue 97(2016)
• Page Start: 25
• Page End: 40
• Publication Date: 2016-01-02
• Subjects: China -- Periodicals; China -- Politics and government -- 1976- -- Periodicals; Chine -- Périodiques; Chine -- Politique et gouvernement -- 1976- -- Périodiques; 306.0951
• DOI: 10.1080/10670564.2015.1060760
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1067-0564

Abstract

Abstract : Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps (Xinjiang Shengchan Jianshe Bingtuan— shortened form Bingtuan) is a distinctive military agricultural settlement and production institution in China's western region, Xinjiang. It is also a modern form of China's traditional ethnic frontier governing mechanism. This article discusses Bingtuan's historical precedents, modern development and innovative change for Xinjiang governance. In an examination of Bingtuan's main functions for China's ethnic frontier governance, this article argues that in addition to economic sustainability and territorial security, Bingtuan played an important but multifaceted role in ethnic relations in Xinjiang, such as territorial fragmentation, ethnic separation and redefinition of regional identity; therefore Bingtuan not only makes its administrated area China's 'frontier of settlement' but also acts as a key state agency for whatever future Xinjiang might have.