Zubayra Shamseden, co-executive director at the Network for Uyghur Rights in Washington DC, says the central government's policies to promote tourism in Xinjiang, as well as some relaxation of rules blocking many Uyghur people from leaving the region, is part of a familiar pattern from Beijing. "I wouldn't say it is confidence on the part of the Chinese government: It is a historic cycle [of] strong repression, then the crackdown, then they start again to focus on economic development," she says. Shamseden, who is Uyghur and has been unable to communicate with her family in the region for more than a decade, warns that foreign people and businesses linked to Xinjiang could be seen as supporting repression, including the loss of Uyghur culture, language and religion. "This all gives the picture that it's quite 'normal', so China can show the world that nothing has happened," she adds. "Companies, governments, entities, even tourists, should wake up and realise they are complicit."