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Islam in China Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: Islam in China: History and Demographics

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Islam in China: History and Demographics Study Guide

Early Introduction and Historical Roots (Tang, Song Dynasties)

Islam was introduced to China exclusively through overland routes via the Silk Road.

Answer: False

Explanation: Islam was introduced to China through both overland routes via the Silk Road and maritime routes from the southeast.

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The Silk Road was instrumental in spreading Islam into China between the 7th and 10th centuries.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Silk Road facilitated the spread of Islam into China from the 7th to the 10th centuries through trade and cultural exchange.

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Traditional accounts credit Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqas with introducing Islam to China, arriving around 637 CE.

Answer: True

Explanation: Traditional accounts state that Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqas arrived in China around 637 CE, contributing to the introduction of Islam.

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Modern secular historians confirm that Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqas personally visited China multiple times.

Answer: False

Explanation: Modern secular historians generally find no evidence that Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqas personally visited China.

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The Great Mosque of Xi'an is widely considered the first mosque built in China.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Huaisheng Mosque in Guangzhou is traditionally considered the first mosque built in China.

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The Guangzhou massacre of 879 CE led to increased government persecution of Muslims.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Guangzhou massacre may have contributed to the government's relative indifference towards Muslims during subsequent persecutions, rather than increased persecution.

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The Battle of Talas in 751 CE resulted in a Tang Dynasty victory, expanding their influence westward.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Battle of Talas in 751 CE resulted in an Abbasid Caliphate victory, marking the end of Tang Dynasty's westward expansion.

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During the Song Dynasty, Muslims held key positions in the import and export industry, including the Director General of Shipping.

Answer: True

Explanation: Muslims played a significant role in the Song Dynasty's import and export industry, with the position of Director General of Shipping consistently held by a Muslim.

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During the Song Dynasty, Islam was referred to as 'Huihui Jiao' from the beginning.

Answer: False

Explanation: Initially, Islam was called 'Dashi fa' (law of the Arabs) during the Song Dynasty, later being renamed 'Huihui Jiao' (Religion of the Huihui).

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The term 'Huihui Jiao' replaced the earlier name 'Dashi fa' for Islam in China.

Answer: True

Explanation: The term 'Huihui Jiao' replaced the earlier term 'Dashi fa' for Islam in China during the Song Dynasty.

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According to traditional accounts, when did the first Muslim missionaries reportedly arrive in China?

Answer: As early as 616-618 CE.

Explanation: Traditional accounts suggest the first Muslim missionaries arrived in China as early as 616-618 CE.

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Which two primary routes facilitated the introduction of Islam into China?

Answer: Maritime routes from the southeast and overland routes from the west.

Explanation: Islam was introduced to China primarily via maritime routes from the southeast and overland routes from the west, including the Silk Road.

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What event marked the end of Tang Dynasty's westward expansion and led to Muslim control over Transoxiana?

Answer: The Battle of Talas in 751 CE.

Explanation: The Battle of Talas in 751 CE resulted in an Abbasid victory, ending Tang Dynasty's westward expansion and leading to Muslim control over Transoxiana.

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Which mosque is traditionally considered the first in China?

Answer: The Huaisheng Mosque in Guangzhou

Explanation: The Huaisheng Mosque in Guangzhou is traditionally considered the first mosque built in China.

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What significant economic role did Muslims play during the Song Dynasty?

Answer: Holding the position of Director General of Shipping and leading import/export.

Explanation: During the Song Dynasty, Muslims were significantly involved in the import and export industry, holding the position of Director General of Shipping.

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How did the name 'Islam' in China evolve during the Song Dynasty, according to the text?

Answer: It changed from 'Dashi fa' to 'Huihui Jiao' by Prince Amir Sayyid "Su-fei-er".

Explanation: During the Song Dynasty, the name for Islam evolved from 'Dashi fa' to 'Huihui Jiao' under Prince Amir Sayyid "Su-fei-er".

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The Guangzhou massacre in 879 CE primarily resulted in the deaths of which group?

Answer: Foreigners, predominantly Arabs and Persians

Explanation: The Guangzhou massacre in 879 CE resulted in the deaths of approximately 120,000 to 200,000 foreigners, predominantly Arabs and Persians.

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What does the source suggest about the historical arrival of Muslim diplomats and merchants in Tang Dynasty China?

Answer: They arrived within decades of the Muslim era, according to secular historians.

Explanation: Secular historians suggest that Muslim diplomats and merchants began arriving in Tang Dynasty China within decades of the Muslim era.

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Imperial Era Developments (Yuan, Ming, Qing Dynasties)

The Yuan Dynasty, founded by Mongols, generally suppressed Muslim influence and status in China.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Yuan Dynasty, founded by Mongols, generally elevated the status of Muslims, granting them significant roles in administration and finance.

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Genghis Khan mandated the public performance of Islamic rituals like halal butchering during the Yuan Dynasty.

Answer: False

Explanation: Genghis Khan and his successors prohibited certain Islamic practices, such as halal butchering and circumcision, compelling Muslims to perform them in secret.

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Muslims played a crucial role in the military founding of the Ming Dynasty, with several serving as trusted generals.

Answer: True

Explanation: Muslim generals were instrumental in the founding of the Ming Dynasty, with six of the Hongwu Emperor's most trusted generals reportedly being Muslim.

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Zheng He, the famous Ming explorer, was not Muslim.

Answer: False

Explanation: Zheng He, the renowned Ming Dynasty explorer and admiral, was a Muslim.

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Nanjing was a significant center for Islamic studies during the Ming Dynasty, offering more freedom than other religions.

Answer: True

Explanation: Nanjing became an important center for Islamic studies during the Ming Dynasty, and Muslims in Beijing enjoyed relative freedom of worship.

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The Qing Dynasty actively suppressed all Muslim sects equally without favoring any.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Qing Dynasty often favored loyalist Muslim sects, such as the Khafiya, in suppressing rival sects like the Jahriyya.

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Muslim generals were not significantly involved in the founding of the Ming Dynasty.

Answer: False

Explanation: Muslim generals played a crucial and significant role in the military founding of the Ming Dynasty.

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Zheng He's voyages demonstrated China's engagement with the wider world during the Ming Dynasty.

Answer: True

Explanation: Zheng He's extensive maritime voyages showcased China's engagement with the wider world during the Ming Dynasty.

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The Mongol conquest led to a decline in cultural exchange between China and Western Asia regarding Islam.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Mongol conquest facilitated unprecedented cultural exchange between China and Western Asia, including aspects related to Islam.

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What was a key characteristic of the Yuan Dynasty's policy towards Muslims?

Answer: Granting elevated status and roles to Muslims due to Mongol minority status.

Explanation: The Yuan Dynasty granted elevated status and roles to Muslims, as the Mongol rulers were themselves a minority.

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Which famous Ming Dynasty figure, known for leading major maritime expeditions, was a Muslim?

Answer: Zheng He

Explanation: Zheng He, the renowned Ming Dynasty admiral and explorer, was a Muslim.

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How did Ming Dynasty policies influence the assimilation of Muslims?

Answer: Leading to assimilation by adopting Chinese language, names, culture, and Chinese-style mosque architecture.

Explanation: Ming Dynasty policies led to assimilation, with Muslims adopting Chinese language, names, culture, and Chinese-style mosque architecture.

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What was a notable aspect of Islamic education in Nanjing during the Ming Dynasty?

Answer: Nanjing became an important center for Islamic studies.

Explanation: Nanjing emerged as a significant center for Islamic studies during the Ming Dynasty.

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How did the Qing Dynasty manage internal conflicts between Muslim sects like the Khafiya and Jahriyya?

Answer: By supporting loyalist sects (Khafiya) to suppress rival sects (Jahriyya).

Explanation: The Qing Dynasty often supported loyalist Muslim sects, such as the Khafiya, to suppress rival sects like the Jahriyya.

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What historical role did Muslim generals play in the founding of the Ming Dynasty?

Answer: They were among the founder's most trusted generals, aiding in military campaigns.

Explanation: Muslim generals were among the founder's most trusted commanders and played a crucial role in military campaigns during the founding of the Ming Dynasty.

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The Yuan Dynasty's policy towards Muslims was influenced by:

Answer: The Mongol rulers being a minority themselves and elevating foreign groups.

Explanation: The Yuan Dynasty's policy towards Muslims was influenced by the Mongol rulers, who, as a minority, elevated foreign groups, including Muslims.

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What restrictions did Genghis Khan and his successors place on Islamic practices?

Answer: Prohibition of halal butchering and circumcision, forcing secret practice.

Explanation: Genghis Khan and his successors prohibited Islamic practices like halal butchering and circumcision, forcing them to be performed in secret.

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Demographics and Ethnic Distribution

The estimated number of Muslims in China is less than 1% of the total population.

Answer: False

Explanation: Estimates suggest Muslims constitute approximately 1.8% of China's total population, which is more than 1%.

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Xinjiang is the only region in China with a significant Muslim population.

Answer: False

Explanation: While Xinjiang has a significant Muslim population, other regions like Ningxia, Gansu, and Qinghai also have substantial Muslim communities.

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All of China's 55 officially recognized minority peoples are predominantly Muslim.

Answer: False

Explanation: Out of China's 55 officially recognized minority groups, only ten are predominantly Muslim.

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The 'Quran Belt' refers to regions in China with a high concentration of Muslim populations, bordering Central Asia.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 'Quran Belt' is a term used for predominantly Muslim regions in China, particularly in the northwest bordering Central Asia, Tibet, and Mongolia.

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The 2000 census reported approximately 40 million Muslims in China.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 2000 census reported approximately 20.3 million members of Muslim nationalities, with other estimates varying but generally lower than 40 million.

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The Hui people constituted the largest Muslim ethnic group in China according to the 2000 census.

Answer: True

Explanation: According to the 2000 census, the Hui people were the largest Muslim ethnic group in China, followed by the Uyghurs.

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The 'Quran Belt' is located primarily in eastern China along the coast.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'Quran Belt' is located primarily in the northwest of China, bordering Central Asia, Tibet, and Mongolia.

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What percentage of China's total population is estimated to be Muslim?

Answer: Less than 2 percent.

Explanation: Estimates suggest that Muslims constitute less than 2 percent of China's total population.

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Besides Xinjiang, which other provinces are mentioned as having substantial Muslim populations?

Answer: Ningxia, Gansu, and Qinghai.

Explanation: Besides Xinjiang, Ningxia, Gansu, and Qinghai provinces are mentioned as having substantial Muslim populations.

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How many of China's 55 officially recognized minority groups are predominantly Muslim?

Answer: Ten

Explanation: Ten of China's 55 officially recognized minority groups are predominantly Muslim.

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What does the term 'Quran Belt' refer to in China?

Answer: Predominantly Muslim regions bordering Central Asia, Tibet, and Mongolia.

Explanation: The 'Quran Belt' refers to predominantly Muslim regions in China, located in the northwest bordering Central Asia, Tibet, and Mongolia.

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Based on the 2000 census, which was the second largest Muslim ethnic group in China?

Answer: Uyghurs

Explanation: According to the 2000 census, the Uyghurs were the second largest Muslim ethnic group in China, following the Hui.

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Cultural Expressions of Islam in China

During the Ming Dynasty, mosque architecture began to adopt traditional Chinese styles.

Answer: True

Explanation: During the Ming Dynasty, as Muslims assimilated, mosque architecture began to incorporate traditional Chinese styles.

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Han Kitab literature synthesized Islamic beliefs with Buddhist principles.

Answer: False

Explanation: Han Kitab literature synthesized Islamic beliefs with Confucian philosophy and ethics, not Buddhist principles.

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Bajiquan and Piguazhang are martial arts styles associated with Hui Muslims.

Answer: True

Explanation: Bajiquan and Piguazhang are among the Chinese martial arts styles associated with the Hui people.

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Sini calligraphy is characterized by thin, flowing strokes similar to Arabic script.

Answer: False

Explanation: Sini calligraphy is characterized by thick, tapered strokes, resembling Chinese calligraphy, rather than thin, flowing strokes.

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Xiao'erjing is a method of writing Chinese languages using the Latin alphabet.

Answer: False

Explanation: Xiao'erjing is a method of writing Sinitic languages (like Mandarin) using the Arabic script, not the Latin alphabet.

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Mosques in western China typically follow traditional Chinese architectural styles, while eastern mosques resemble Middle Eastern ones.

Answer: False

Explanation: Mosques in western China often resemble Middle Eastern styles, while eastern mosques tend to adopt traditional Chinese architectural styles.

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During the Ming Dynasty, Islam in China remained doctrinally separate from Confucianism and Taoism.

Answer: False

Explanation: During the Ming Dynasty, Islam in China began to synthesize with Confucianism and Taoism, influencing its doctrinal expression.

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The Han Kitab literature primarily used the Arabic script to convey Islamic teachings.

Answer: False

Explanation: Han Kitab literature was written in Chinese, using Chinese characters, to convey Islamic teachings.

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Xiao'erjing involves writing Arabic using Chinese characters.

Answer: False

Explanation: Xiao'erjing involves writing Sinitic languages (like Mandarin) using the Arabic script, not the other way around.

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The tradition of female imams (ahong) in China is primarily found among the Han Chinese population.

Answer: False

Explanation: The tradition of female imams (ahong) is primarily found among the Hui Muslim population, not the Han Chinese.

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What was the primary characteristic of Han Kitab literature?

Answer: It synthesized Islamic beliefs with Confucianism.

Explanation: Han Kitab literature was characterized by its synthesis of Islamic beliefs with Confucian philosophy and ethics.

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What is Sini calligraphy?

Answer: A Chinese Islamic calligraphic style for Arabic script with thick, tapered strokes.

Explanation: Sini calligraphy is a Chinese Islamic calligraphic style for Arabic script, distinguished by thick, tapered strokes.

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What unique practice does Xiao'erjing represent?

Answer: Writing Sinitic languages (like Mandarin) using the Arabic script.

Explanation: Xiao'erjing represents the practice of writing Sinitic languages, such as Mandarin dialects, using the Arabic script.

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How does Islamic architecture typically differ between western and eastern China?

Answer: Western mosques use domes and minarets; eastern mosques resemble temples/pagodas.

Explanation: Mosques in western China often feature Middle Eastern elements like domes and minarets, while eastern mosques tend to adopt traditional Chinese architectural styles resembling temples or pagodas.

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Which of the following is NOT a Sinitic language mentioned as being written using Xiao'erjing?

Answer: Uyghur language

Explanation: Xiao'erjing is used for writing Sinitic languages like Mandarin dialects, Dungan, and Salar, but not typically for Uyghur, which uses its own script.

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What is the significance of the 'Han Kitab' in Chinese Islamic history?

Answer: It is a collection of Chinese Islamic texts from the Qing Dynasty synthesizing Islam with Confucianism.

Explanation: The Han Kitab is significant as a collection of Chinese Islamic texts from the Qing Dynasty that synthesized Islam with Confucianism.

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Modern History and Contemporary Issues

Muslim Ming loyalists actively supported the Qing Dynasty's invasion in 1644.

Answer: False

Explanation: Muslim Ming loyalists revolted against the Qing Dynasty's invasion in 1644, seeking to restore the Ming prince.

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The Dungan Revolt occurred during the Qing Dynasty and involved multiple regions including Xinjiang.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Dungan Revolt was a major Muslim uprising during the Qing Dynasty, affecting regions such as Xinjiang, Shaanxi, and Gansu.

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During the Second Sino-Japanese War, Chinese Muslims largely remained neutral.

Answer: False

Explanation: During the Second Sino-Japanese War, Chinese Muslims, particularly the Hui, actively fought against Japan and suffered significant casualties and mosque destruction.

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The Cultural Revolution led to increased religious freedom for Muslims in China.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Cultural Revolution led to severe repression of religious practices, including the attack on places of worship.

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Policies towards Muslims began to relax significantly after the end of the Cultural Revolution and Deng Xiaoping's reforms.

Answer: True

Explanation: Following the Cultural Revolution and Deng Xiaoping's reforms, policies towards Muslims began to relax, allowing for greater religious and cultural freedoms.

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China officially denies the existence of ethnic separatist movements in Xinjiang.

Answer: False

Explanation: China acknowledges and actively combats ethnic separatist movements, particularly concerning the Uyghur population in Xinjiang.

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The Islamic Association of China was established independently by Muslim community leaders.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Islamic Association of China was established by the government, not independently by community leaders.

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Muslims in China are permitted to perform the Hajj pilgrimage.

Answer: True

Explanation: Muslim communities in China have been granted permission to perform the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca.

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Historical tensions between Hui and Uyghur Muslims are primarily due to recent economic competition.

Answer: False

Explanation: Historical tensions between Hui and Uyghur Muslims stem from deeper historical roots, including past dominance and suppression of revolts, rather than solely recent economic competition.

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The Chinese government refers to the Xinjiang internment camps as 'Vocational Education and Training Centers'.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Chinese government officially refers to the facilities in Xinjiang, where Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities have been detained, as 'Vocational Education and Training Centers'.

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Reports suggest that Hui Muslims face stricter religious controls than Uyghurs in Xinjiang.

Answer: False

Explanation: Reports suggest that Uyghurs in Xinjiang face stricter religious controls than Hui Muslims, who generally experience more freedoms.

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Tensions between Tibetans and Muslims in Tibet are a recent phenomenon post-2000.

Answer: False

Explanation: Tensions between Tibetans and Muslims in Tibet have historical roots predating the year 2000.

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China officially supports groups like the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM).

Answer: False

Explanation: China officially opposes and combats groups like the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM).

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A 2020 report indicated that a significant majority of mosques in Xinjiang were destroyed or damaged.

Answer: True

Explanation: A 2020 report indicated that approximately 65% of mosques in Xinjiang were destroyed or damaged since 2017.

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Chinese state-run media supported Charlie Hebdo's right to publish cartoons insulting Muhammad.

Answer: False

Explanation: Chinese state-run media criticized Charlie Hebdo and advocated for limiting speech that insults religious figures.

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Who led Muslim Ming loyalists in revolting against the Qing Dynasty's invasion in 1646?

Answer: Milayin and Ding Guodong

Explanation: Milayin and Ding Guodong led Muslim Ming loyalists in revolting against the Qing Dynasty in 1646.

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Which of the following was NOT listed as a major Muslim revolt during the Qing Dynasty?

Answer: The Taiping Rebellion

Explanation: The Milayin rebellion, the Jahriyya revolt, and the Dungan Revolt are listed as major Muslim revolts during the Qing Dynasty; the Taiping Rebellion is not.

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What impact did the Second Sino-Japanese War have on Chinese Muslims?

Answer: Japanese forces destroyed mosques and caused casualties, but Hui Muslims actively fought against Japan.

Explanation: During the Second Sino-Japanese War, Chinese Muslims suffered mosque destruction and casualties, while many actively fought against Japan.

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What major event during the Cultural Revolution significantly impacted Hui Muslims?

Answer: The Shadian incident, a large-scale ethnic rebellion.

Explanation: The Shadian incident in 1975 was a notable large-scale ethnic rebellion by Hui Muslims during the Cultural Revolution.

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Which of the following is a reported concern regarding Uyghurs in Xinjiang?

Answer: The operation of 're-education' camps and restrictions on religious practices.

Explanation: Reported concerns regarding Uyghurs in Xinjiang include the operation of 're-education' camps and significant restrictions on religious practices.

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What is the stated purpose of the government-established Islamic Association of China?

Answer: To provide authoritative interpretations of Islamic creed and vet clerics' sermons.

Explanation: The Islamic Association of China aims to provide authoritative interpretations of Islamic creed and vet clerics' sermons.

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Which historical event contributed to historical friction between Hui and Uyghur Muslims?

Answer: The suppression of Uyghur revolts by Hui forces and past Hui dominance.

Explanation: Historical friction between Hui and Uyghur Muslims is linked to past Hui dominance and the suppression of Uyghur revolts by Hui forces.

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What did the Chinese government's response to the Charlie Hebdo shooting in 2015 reveal about its stance on blasphemy?

Answer: Criticism of the magazine and advocacy for limiting speech that insults religious figures.

Explanation: The Chinese government's response to the Charlie Hebdo shooting criticized the magazine and advocated for limiting speech that insults religious figures.

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According to a 2020 report, what proportion of Xinjiang's mosques were reportedly destroyed or damaged since 2017?

Answer: About 65%

Explanation: A 2020 report indicated that approximately 65% of mosques in Xinjiang were destroyed or damaged since 2017.

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Which of the following is a reported difference in religious freedom between Hui and Uyghur Muslims?

Answer: Hui state employees are generally allowed to fast, and Hui find it easier to get passports for Hajj compared to Uyghurs.

Explanation: Reports indicate that Hui Muslims generally experience more religious freedoms, such as state employees being allowed to fast and easier passport acquisition for Hajj, compared to Uyghurs.

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