PRESS RELEASE – For Immediate Release
East Turkistan Government in Exile (ETGE)
East-Turkistan.Net
contact@East-Turkistan.Net
13 November 2024
The East Turkistan Government in Exile (ETGE) and the East Turkistan Parliament in Exile successfully concluded the East Turkistan Political Action Conference and commemorative sessions in the Washington, DC metropolitan area, from November 12-13, 2024. This significant event marked the 91st anniversary of the First East Turkistan Republic, the 80th anniversary of the Second East Turkistan Republic, and the 20th anniversary of the ETGE. It brought together current and former government officials, scholars, strategists, and members of the East Turkistani diaspora to discuss strategies to advance the fight for independence amid China’s ongoing genocide.
During the conference, ETGE President Dr. Mamtimin Ala officially unveiled the White Paper Book titled “East Turkistan Was Never a Part of China and Restoring its Independence is the Only Way Forward.” This comprehensive 376-page document, published by the ETGE and the newly established East Turkistan Policy Institute, exposes China’s campaign of colonization, genocide and occupation, counters Beijing’s disinformation, and outlines the moral and strategic imperatives for supporting East Turkistan’s independence. “This White Paper is a significant milestone in our struggle. It makes clear that restoring East Turkistan’s independence is the only path to ensure the survival of Uyghurs and other Turkic peoples,” Dr. Ala stated.
In addition to the White Paper, the ETGE introduced the East Turkistan National Identity Card initiative. This program aims to formally document East Turkistan’s citizens in exile, strengthening their national identity and uniting around the cause of independence. Prime Minister Abdulahat Nur emphasized that this card is a step toward asserting East Turkistan’s sovereignty and providing the diaspora with a sense of belonging.
ETGE Foreign Minister Salih Hudayar presented on East Turkistan’s rich history of over 9,000 years, including over 2,000 years of statehood, detailing the resilience of the East Turkistani people. Foreign Minister Hudayar urged the international community to recognize East Turkistan as an Occupied County and support its fight to reestablish its independence. He stressed, “Only through the restoration of our national sovereignty and independence can we end the prolonged suffering and secure a future for our people.”
Dr. Sayragul Sautbay, Vice President of the ETGE and a survivor of China’s concentration camps, shared her personal experiences as a teacher in the camps, she also highlighted the torture, forced sterilizations, and the separation of Uyghur children. “China’s genocidal policies are not just targeting our culture and identity; they are physically eradicating Uyghurs, Kazakhs and other Turkic peoples,” Dr. Sautbay emphasized. She also warned about China’s desire for global supremacy and called for urgent international intervention, asserting that restoring East Turkistan’s independence is the only means of ending the ongoing genocide and ensuring peace and security for the entire world.
Investigative journalist Ethan Gutmann presented compelling evidence on the mass organ harvesting of Uyghur and Kazakh detainees, revealing that between 25,000 to 50,000 are killed annually for their organs. “By 2025, this practice could result in the deaths of at least 175,000 individuals,” Gutmann stated. He called for immediate global action to stop this horrifying abuse.
Dr. Muhter Chong Rahman, an Uyghur geographer, spoke on the critical geopolitical importance of East Turkistan and the environmental crisis caused by Chinese exploitation. He warned that Beijing’s systematic extraction of resources is destroying the East Turkistan’s environment, leading to desertification and pollution. “The environmental devastation is happening as result of the colonization and exploitation aimed at stripping East Turkistan of its natural and mineral wealth,” Dr. Rahman noted.
During the conference, former Pentagon China Director Joseph Bosco emphasized the fact that East Turkistan was an independent nation prior to its occupation by China, he emphasized that supporting East Turkistan is essential to halting China’s expansionist agenda. Sinologist Ben Lowsen echoed this sentiment, stating that supporting East Turkistan’s independence is both a moral and strategic necessity for countering China’s growing main influence.
Jason Jones, President of the Vulnerable People’s Project, urged global solidarity with East Turkistan. “The fight for East Turkistan’s independence is about defending human dignity against an authoritarian regime,” he stressed. Jones emphasized the need for international support to end the decades long campaign of colonization and genocide.
The ETGE also took the opportunity to honor key allies for their support. Korean American journalists Sehoon Kim and Ethan Gutmann were awarded the Order of Friendship for their advocacy in exposing China’s atrocities and for their steadfast support for East Turkistan’s independence. Mr. Abdussemi Abdussalam and Mr. Haji Mahmut received the Order of Loyalty for their lifelong dedication to East Turkistan’s independence.
The East Turkistan Parliament in Exile convened its 11th session of the 9th Parliament. The ETGE leadership, including the President, Vice President, Prime Minister, and ministers of six ministries, presented their annual reports to the Parliament. Additionally, a strategy session was held focusing on addressing critical issues facing East Turkistan and its diaspora, while outlining new strategies for advancing the East Turkistan cause in the coming years.
To further amplify their calls for action, the ETGE, alongside the East Turkistan National Movement, held a demonstration in front of the U.S. Capitol on November 12th. They urged the Senate to pass the Uyghur Policy Act, including a Special Coordinator on East Turkistani/Uyghur issues. Dr. Mamtimin Ala also called for the introduction and passage of an East Turkistan Policy Act to formally recognize East Turkistan as an occupied country. “The U.S. Congress must act to counter China’s genocide. Recognizing and condemning Chinese occupation of East Turkistan is the first step for ensuring justice,” President Ala urged. The ETGE also called on the U.S. Congress to stiffly introduce and pass an East Turkistan Policy Act.

In a congratulatory message, the ETGE extended its congratulations to President Donald Trump on his re-election. Dr. Ala expressed optimism that under Trump’s renewed leadership, the U.S. would take decisive actions to counter China’s genocidal policies. “We believe the Trump administration will prioritize ending the ongoing genocide and take important steps to support East Turkistan’s rightful struggle to restore independence,” Dr. Ala remarked.
The East Turkistan Government in Exile remains unwavering in its mission to advocate for the rights and independence of the East Turkistani people. The conference concluded with renewed commitments to enhance international outreach, strengthen diaspora engagement, and advance the national cause of East Turkistan on the global stage.