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China is a diverse nation, home to almost 55 ethnic minorities. The Uighurs, a group inhabiting the Xinjiang region of China, believe their ancestors migrated to China long before the ancestors of the majority Han Chinese people got there. Examination of Bronze Age mummies in Xinjiang seems to support the Uighurs’ claim, adding to the historical conflict between Uighurs and the Chinese government over who has the rightful claim to the land. Listen to learn more about the Uighur people and what the mummies show about their origins.
Story Length: 3:59
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History tells us that peaceful empires are very rare. In the 21st century, China is the fastest-growing world power. China claims that its rise is peaceful: it has no plans to invade and conquer new territory. But is it possible for any nation to grow without causing any conflicts? In the 15th century the Chinese explorer Zheng He sailed across the Eastern Hemisphere from Taiwan to India to Arabia to Africa. He was on a trade mission, but the kingdoms he encountered were not really free to choose whether or not they would become part of the Chinese trade empire. This public radio story looks at China’s past to draw some conclusions about its future.
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