"I'm Uyghur, my religion is the Chinese Communist Party"
Part I: Scripted videos of Uyghur women married to Han-Chinese men denounce Islam and pledge their loyalty to the government
A noticeable pattern has emerged across Chinese social media platforms. Videos featuring Uyghur women speaking about their marriages to Han Chinese men are appearing with increasing frequency. At first glance, these clips present themselves as personal testimonies. Look closer, and the similarities between them raise serious questions.
Video Transcript of “@Dili&ZhuZhuVlog” screen-recorded from Douyin account:
“So many people have criticized me for marrying a Han Chinese man, saying I’ve betrayed my parents, my ancestors, my religion, and my people. Some even say terrible things about what will happen to me when I die. Today I want to respond sincerely: my parents have wholeheartedly blessed my choice. As a daughter of China, I have a clear conscience. Because my ethnicity and ancestors are part of the Chinese nation—we’re all one family, nothing makes us different or special. Some people bring up religion. Yes, I’m Uyghur, but I don’t believe in Islam. There are many Uyghur Party members like me. We firmly believe in the Communist Party and will always follow its lead. Life eventually comes to an end. I’ve never worried about what happens when I die. But I do know this: I need to live well in the present, grounded and purposeful. Do good deeds, contribute to my country—that’s my belief and my pursuit.”
The women in these videos speak in a strikingly consistent tone. Each begins with a familiar premise. They claim to be under attack or criticism online for marrying a Han Chinese man. They describe being accused of betraying their families, their people, and their religion. Then comes the response, almost identical across videos.
Video Transcript of “@Nabao” screen-recorded from Douyin account:
“Hi everyone, I’m a Xinjiang Uyghur girl married to a Han Chinese man. To those who criticize me for having no religion, I just think you’re jealous of me living better than you. And about having no religion - my religion is my happy life, and my faith is the Chinese Communist Party. It’s that simple. Some say I’m using this to gain attention. Think whatever you want - yes, I am seeking attention. What can you do about it? Marrying a Han Chinese is a good thing. It promotes unity among ethnic groups. This should be encouraged more. I don’t think I’m wrong. The ones who are wrong are those who criticize me. Others say, ‘If you didn’t post, who would criticize you?’ Why can’t I post? This is my Douyin, this is my life, this is my own business. Why can’t I post? Don’t forget - Douyin records beautiful life, OK?”
They reject Islam. They dismiss criticism. They praise the Chinese state.
One woman states that she has a “clear conscience” because all ethnic groups are part of one Chinese family. Another says plainly that her “faith is the Communist Party.” A third frames her marriage as a contribution to ethnic unity. A fourth declares that her belief lies in the “five-star red flag,” presenting the state itself as a source of identity and purpose.
Across these videos, key themes repeat with little variation:
Denial of religious identity: Each speaker emphasizes that she does not practice Islam. Religion is replaced with allegiance to the state. The language is explicit. Faith is no longer spiritual but political. In others, it is positioned as a broader trend among Uyghur youth.
Promotion of intermarriage as “unity”: Marriage to Han Chinese men is framed not as a personal relationship alone, but as a social good that strengthens national cohesion.
Dismissal of criticism: The women describe their critics as jealous, ignorant, or extreme. They insist that any disapproval is illegitimate. Phrases like “this is my life” and “this is my personal freedom” are repeated. Yet these claims are framed within the boundaries of what the state defines as acceptable expression.
Video Transcript of “@Heimeigui” screen-recorded from Douyin account:
“What's wrong with marrying a Han Chinese? Just because I married a Han Chinese, is it necessary to curse at me like this? I really don't understand. Some people even call me a traitor to my people. I'm just looking for my own love, how does that make me a traitor? Others say I'm using this as a publicity stunt. Think whatever you want, yes I'm using it as publicity. Is there a problem? Me marrying a Han Chinese is a good thing for ethnic unity. This should be celebrated more often. When you marry a Han Chinese, the insults are unbearable. But when a man marries a Han girl, you say, 'Wow, he's such a good son, marrying someone from another ethnicity, how amazing.' That's just how you all are. Some people say, if you don't post this stuff, who would curse you? Why can't I post it? This is my Douyin, this is my own business. Douyin is a platform for recording beautiful life moments. Others can post, why can't I? I'm living my own life and not bothering anyone, what's wrong with that? Anyway, I don't think I'm wrong, and even if I am, it's none of your business. If you want to watch, watch. If not, just block me.”
As documented in previous reporting, the Chinese authorities maintain strict control over online speech. Comments that touch on religion, identity, or personal behavior can be flagged as signs of “extremism.” Individuals have been punished for far less than publicly criticizing someone’s marriage or lifestyle.
In that context, the idea of large-scale, visible online attacks against these women becomes difficult to reconcile with the reality of digital surveillance and censorship. If such criticism were truly widespread, it would likely be removed quickly, and those responsible could face consequences.
Video Transcript of “@He&Na” screen-recorded from Douyin account:
“After marrying a Han Chinese man, I somehow became the enemy of countless strangers. How did this happen? I'm Uyghur, my husband is Han Chinese I said I have no religious beliefs Actually, many young people in Xinjiang really have no concept of religion But then, so many people stood up to attack me saying I'm uneducated and don't understand the value of religion They also said I should wear a headscarf, that it's for my own protection Even worse, some people sent me private messages cursing me saying I married a Han man and will definitely go to hell They also cursed me as a traitor to my people Some people claim they're doing it for your own good when they're actually trying to control you But I know clearly in my heart, my faith is the five-star red flag I've always believed that whether to wear a headscarf or not whether to believe in religion or not, is entirely personal freedom This is a right granted to every citizen by the state Any form of coercion goes against science and is a violation of freedom I am Uyghur, but I don't believe in Islam As I always say, only what you choose yourself is true faith Otherwise, it's just bondage.”
Over the past decade, there have been consistent reports that Uyghur women have been forced to marry Han Chinese men. Refusal could carry serious consequences, including the risk of detention or the targeting of family members. These accounts point to a system where personal relationships are shaped by coercion, not choice.
What we are witnessing is not simply a trend. It is a narrative being constructed in real time. It is a narrative where dissent is preemptively dismissed, where identity is redefined, and where the boundaries of personal choice are carefully drawn. It is a narrative that asks viewers to accept its claims at face value, without questioning the conditions under which those claims are made.
The challenge is not just to watch these videos, but to read between them.
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We will take back ,what was ours ?
Very sad reading