China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region has taken iron-fisted measures against the “three forces” of separatism, terrorism and religious extremism to protect its economic development, the region’s top leader said yesterday. Speaking at a press conference to announce plans for the Autonomous Region’s 50th anniversary, Wang Lequan, secretary of the Communist Party of China’s (CPC) Xinjiang Committee, said the regional government has “reliable” evidence showing a Uygur fugitive, who was freed on bail and fled to the United States, had close connections with foreign terrorists. Full Story