This paper looks at the nature of ethnic, religious and militant influences on the Uyghur?Chinese state relationship. It further delves into the policies adopted by China to overcome the menace of ‘the three evils’ – extremism, terrorism and separatism – and the importance of the Xinjiang question in its foreign policy in reference to China’s immediate neighbourhood. It also examines the problems that have remained persistent and outlines possible solutions for the purpose of establishing peace in the region.