After a series of noteworthy acts of violence committed by Uighur separatists in 2014, President Xi sent an invitation to his party mates. They must be "as tough as them and show no mercy," it says.

This according to a report by The New York Times, which is based on a comprehensive leak of internal Chinese documents.

Extensive leak

It is about 400 pages that in different ways affect the country's repressive attitude towards Muslim minority groups in Xinjiang Province. 96 of the pages consist of private speeches, held by Xi, addressed to party colleagues.

This shows, among other things, how the president called for a "fight against terrorism, infiltration and separatism" and how he talked about using "the tools of the dictatorship".

In one of the speeches, Xi seems to refer to what are today the notorious detention camps in Xinjiang. He does not speak specifically about mass internment but says: “There must be an effective education-based transformation of criminals. And their education and transformation must continue, even after they are released. "

"Where are my parents"

The leak also contains a startling document with instructions, addressed to local leaders in Xinjiang. It is about how to meet young people whose parents have been taken to detention camps.

The document begins with instructions on how to answer the basic question: "Where are my parents". The answer: "They are in a training school organized by the government."

It also contains a number of more or less disguised threats aimed at limiting further investigations. Leaders should point out that children's behavior affects relatives' internment.

"I am sure you will support them, it is for their own good," the leaders are urged to say, "and for your own good."