Artificial Intelligence as an Oppression Tool: The Case of China and Uyghur Conflict

Today, there is a long-standing asymmetric conflict between China and Uyghurs in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. The region has strategic geopolitical importance and is also abundant in natural resources, especially oil and gas. For this reason, China has wanted to dominate the region and attempted to invade many times throughout history. The occupation, which continues today, took place in 1949 with the support of the USSR. Following its assimilation policy, China enforces strict policies regarding religion, education, language, health, and security for the residents of the area. In recent years, China has used its ability to develop digital technologies and artificial intelligence as a means of surveillance in the region. Many projects are being carried out by the People’s Republic of China such as facial recognition systems, massive databases, Integrated Joint Operations Platform, etc. This work is a qualitative study in which we will examine how the People’s Republic of China us artificial intelligence, as a tool of oppression against the Uyghurs through the policies implemented in this region in the last 10 years. The data derived from interviews will be analyzed in the light of human rights.