Ethnic Minorities and Ethnic Policies in China

The statement that China has 54 national minorities making up 6% of the population & occupying 60% of the land needs considerable modification. Linguistically defined population groups are identified, & their numbers & geographic distribution considered. The inclusion of these groups is the product of a long history of Chinese expansion. The Chinese offer various forms of regional autonomy to minorities, but their policy essentially involves the falling into disuse of any traditions interfering with Chinese plans for economic & social development -- particularly those of Islam & Buddhism. 1 Table. W. H. Stoddard.