The Associated Press is reporting that in response to China's worst unrest in months the country is promoting anti-separatist laws.

The chairman of the Standing Committee of the Xinjiang Regional People's Congress has blamed the July 5 riots on extremism, terrorism and separatism. Police allege women dressed in head scarves and long, black Islamic robes were instigators.

Nearly 200 people died in the riots in the western area of Xinjiang that were started because of increasing friction between Han Chinese and Muslim Uighurs. Uighurs have complained of restrictions on their religion, language and culture. Han Chinese want the Uighurs to be happy with Xinjiang's quick economic development.