China’s Xinjiang region

This item appears on page 19 of the November 2009 issue.

The State Department alerts travelers to safety concerns in China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region.

On Sept. 3, thousands of Chinese took to the streets of Urumqi to demand increased security after reports of alleged needle stabbings. News sources reported five people killed and 14 wounded in the protests. A heavy security presence is in place in Urumqi, Kashgar, Hotan and other major cities.