Title: The Vanishing Russian Town of Enhe in China: A Tale of Ethnic Unity or Cultural Erasure? In recent years, the small town of Enhe in northeast China has become an enigma to many. Once home to thousands of ethnic Russians, it now stands as a ghostly reminder of its past, with only nostalgia and props for tourists left behind. This transformation is largely attributed to Chinese President Xi Jinping’s push for ethnic unity within the country. Historically, Enhe was established in 1952 by Soviet authorities who settled Russian families there as part of a broader plan to develop the region. Over time, it became known for its unique blend of Russian and Chinese cultures, with log cabins dotting the landscape alongside Cyrillic signs adorned on shops and buildings. However, under Xi Jinping’s administration, efforts have been made to assimilate these ethnic minorities into mainstream Chinese society, leading to a gradual decline in their distinct cultural practices. The implications of this shift are multifaceted. On one hand, it reflects China’s commitment towards fostering national unity and preventing separatist movements among its diverse population. By encouraging assimilation, Beijing hopes to create a more cohesive society where everyone shares common values and identities. However, critics argue that such policies amount to cultural erasure, stripping minorities of their unique heritage and traditions in the name of national harmony. From my perspective, while it is essential for any nation to promote unity among its diverse communities, doing so at the expense of individual cultures raises serious concerns about human rights and freedom of expression. The disappearance of Enhe serves as a stark reminder that cultural diversity should be celebrated rather than suppressed in order to maintain harmony within society. In conclusion, the story of Enhe highlights both the challenges and opportunities presented by multiculturalism in today’s world. As nations grapple with how best to manage their diverse populations, striking a balance between unity and individuality will remain an ongoing challenge. Only time will tell if China’s approach proves successful or leads to further cultural erasure within its borders.
Source: [Original Article](https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/04/world/asia/china-russia-xi-putin.html)
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