Some Western scholars have criticized China’s integration-oriented ethnic policies and compared them to the assimilation policies that the West used to implement. However, those familiar with the development of China’s ethnic policies can assert that the country’s promotion of ethnic integration does not seek to eliminate ethnic boundaries, erase ethnic differences or pursue “ethnic assimilation.”
Instead, it is based on the conscious, voluntary and autonomous participation of all ethnic groups to share strengths, complement each other’s weaknesses and benefit together. This approach not only conforms to historical patterns but also meets current needs.
What is ‘assimilation?’
The theory of assimilation is an important concept in Western studies of ethnic relations.
