STATE security forces reported smashing 115 terrorist gangs in the last six months before they could unleash violence in a crackdown on separatism in China's Xinjiang province.

However, state media outlets have also reported at least 175 deaths in the past six months in eight violent incidents, including a massive attack on local government facilities that left 96 dead.

That compares with just 46 reported people killed during the same period last year.

Beijing blames the violence on separatist terrorists fuelled by religious extremism and with ties abroad.

It argues that it has invested generously to boost Xinjiang's economy and improve its quality of life.

The government announced a one-year security clampdown in Xinjiang in May. It followed a series of high-profile attacks on civilians, blamed on Uighur extremists, both in Xinjiang and elsewhere.

That followed heightened security measures in place since deadly riots broke out in the Xinjiang capital of Urumqi in 2009.