Associated Press

Published by: THE WORLD UYGHUR NETWORK NEWS, July 1, 1997

BEIJING (AP) -- China's defense minister has ordered soldiers to increase drills and patrols in a region of northwestern China shaken by separatist violence, according to the Xinhua News Agency.

Defense Minister Chi Haotian, who inspected the region last weekend, said soldiers should remain on high alert, Xinhua reported late Tuesday.

Authorities have stepped up efforts nationwide to forestall any trouble that might disrupt Hong Kong's return to China on Tuesday. Xinjiang, in the northwest, is of particular concern because Uighurs, the Muslim ethnic majority, have grown increasingly angry about living under Chinese rule.

At least 10 people died and 140 were injured in February riots in the northwestern city of Yining. Bus bombs in Urumqi Feb. 25 killed nine passengers and injured 58, according to official reports.

The region's Communist leaders have urged a crackdown on separatists and stronger control over religious affairs.