While the Han,who make up 90 per cent of Chinas population,are traditionally from the eastern parts of the country,they have been moving to parts of the country that had been dominated by the minorities. The prominent minority groups: UIGHUR The Uighurs of Xinjiang have called for independence since the inception of the Peoples Republic of China. Their concerns are economic and social. Recent clashes have put the spotlight back on their secessionist claimsthese can be traced back to the 1912. KAZAKH They occupy the northwestern part of China,bordering Kazakhstan. Their customs and language are similar to those of Central Asia. They share cordial relations with the Hans,largely due to lucrative gas deals signed between Kazakhstan and China. Kazakhstan has and continues to build gas pipelines that satisfy Chinas growing energy needs. TIBETAN The Tibetans have for long complained of human rights violations by the Chinese government. They claim that China is trying to alter the demography of the region by encouraging the Han to settle down in the region. The Tibetans and their spiritual leader,the Dalai Lama,have sought greater autonomy from Chinas control. In March 2008,capital Lhasa flared up as rioting broke out between the Tibetans and Han. MONGOLIAN Fiercely proud of their heritage,the Mongols in China have,over the years,retained their customs and traditions despite Chinese pressures. ZHUANG Chinas second largest ethnic group,numbering 16 million,live in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. Historically,the Zhuang have maintained close ties with the Han majority and support Communist rule.
