01/10/2026
OFFICIAL STATEMENT
East Turkistan Australian Association commemorates the Anniversary of China's Occupation of East Turkistan
Adelaide, Australia | 1 October 2026
On 1 October, the East Turkistan Australian Association (ETAA) commemorates the anniversary of the establishment of the People’s Republic of China in 1949 and the subsequent military takeover and incorporation of East Turkistan into the PRC.
In 1949, the People’s Liberation Army entered East Turkistan and overthrew the East Turkistan Republic. On 13 October 1949, the region came under Chinese control. While the Chinese government describes these events as the “Peaceful Liberation” of Xinjiang (Xinjiang is a colonial name given by China, meaning New Territory), many Uyghurs reject this narrative and regard the incorporation of their homeland as occurring through military force and without the consent of its people.
For more than seven decades, Uyghurs and other Turkic peoples of East Turkistan have faced policies that have severely restricted their culture, language, religion, identity and fundamental rights.
International governments, human rights organisations, researchers and legal experts have documented serious allegations including mass detention, forced labour, family separation, restrictions on religious freedom, coercive assimilation and the destruction of cultural heritage. These allegations demand continued international scrutiny and accountability.
ETAA Calls for International Action
The East Turkistan Australian Association calls upon the Australian Government and the international community to:
• Support independent international investigations into allegations of genocide, crimes against humanity, forced labour and other serious human-rights violations.
• Impose targeted sanctions against individuals and entities credibly implicated in serious abuses.
• Strengthen business accountability and human-rights due diligence to ensure supply chains are free from forced labour.
• Increase public awareness and international advocacy concerning the situation in East Turkistan.
ETAA reaffirms that East Turkistan is the historic homeland of the Uyghur people and other Turkic peoples, and that its future should be determined by its people, free from oppression, occupation and colonisation.
We stand in solidarity with the victims of persecution and with all those who peacefully advocate for justice, human rights, freedom and independence.
We will continue to raise the voice of East Turkistan until the Uyghur people can live with dignity, freedom and security in their homeland.
East Turkistan — Freedom, Justice and Independence.
East Turkistan Australian Association (ETAA)
For Media Enquiries: [email protected]
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About the East Turkistan Australian Association:
The East Turkistan Australian Association is a dedicated organisation committed to advocating for the rights and dignity of the Uyghur people and raising awareness about the ongoing occupation of East Turkistan and the genocide against the Uyghurs
