Description: This study explores Chinese language policy and language use in Inner Asia, as well as the relation of language policy to the politics of Uyghur identity. The study traces the evolution of the China minorities-language policy by evaluating both principal actors as well as peripheral actors. The author concludes that in Chinese Inner Asia, any solution to ethnic conflict must include linguistic and cultural autonomy for major ethnic groups. According to the study, supporting the maintenance of Uyghur language and identity is not antithetical to the Chinese goal of nation building.