Authorities in Xinjiang said they were confident of containing any possible disturbance in the autonomous region in a year laden with sensitive anniversaries.

'No one can be sure that nothing will happen in Xinjiang, but we can guarantee that nothing big will happen,' said Nur Bekri, chairman of the autonomous region.

Describing separatists in the region as 'a few flies', Mr Bekri said authorities had made all necessary preparations in the event of any disturbance.