Beijing, China - Chinese President Hu Jintao on Tuesday called for officials from the dominant Han community to work harder to understand ethnic minorities, after the past two years which have seen violent unrest in Tibet and Xinjiang.
China recognises 56 ethnic groups, from Muslim Uighurs and Buddhist Tibetans to the shamanistic Oroqen, but a vast majority of the population are Han Chinese, who also generally hold the most senior positions of power in minority areas.
Some of these groups, especially in Tibet and the far western region of Xinjiang, complain their culture, language and religion have been marginalised, which has led to protests. Around 200 people died in inter-ethnic violence in Xinjiang in July.
"Han comrades who work in ethnic minority areas must work hard to study their languages, understand the local people's history and culture, and have close relations with minorities," state news agency Xinhua quoted Hu as saying in a speech. It didn't say where he was speaking.
"Cadres of all nationalities in minority areas must learn from each other, respect each other, come together and cooperate closely," Hu added.
But Hu gave no hint the ruling Communist Party, which celebrates 60 years in power on Thursday with a massive parade through Beijing, would relinquish its tight grip over minority areas, many of which are rich in natural resources.
"Every ethnic group is a valuable, integral member of the great family of the motherland," he said. There would be no policy shifts towards minorities either.
"The facts eloquently prove that our country has been successful at solving ethnic issues ... The Party's ethnic policies are totally correct," Hu added.
Only ethnic unity could guarantee development and economic growth, he said.
"If there is no struggle for ethnic unity, then there can be no prosperity," Hu added. "Promoting progress in ethnic unity is every citizen's sacred responsibility and glorious mission."