Pakistan's&nbsp;army is running two&nbsp;indoctrination camps built along&nbsp;the lines of Uighurs re-education camps of China for Baloch fighters in a bid to control the situation in its restive southwestern province of Balochistan. Pakistan's biggest province is dealing with its local insurgency over Islamabad's strong hand as locals say the resources are being drained the region.

What WION has learned is that the layout of the camps closely aligns with those run by Chinese authorities in its westernmost province of Xinjiang. The main objective of these clandestine camps is psychological, social and cultural conditioning of Baloch fighters and forcefully instil 'values' in them by "transforming them into law-abiding" citizens, a document seen by WION on the camps stated.

Related story:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/china-dismisses-european-rights-concerns-about-xinjiang-camps-324231" hreflang="en">China dismisses European rights concerns about Xinjiang camps</a>

The document lists Pakistani studies, religious- patriotism and jihad as the key subjects at the camps and focus is to remove any remnants of Balochi nationalism. The camps run by Pakistani army extensively use mullahs or religious preachers especially those affiliated to Jamaat e Islami. Guests speakers are also invited to conduct guest lectures which include politicians like Mubeen Khan Khilji and Nawabzada Gohram Bugti and Jamaat e Islami's Maulana Abdul Haq Hashmi.

Xinjiang has been in the news as Chinese authorities try to rein in the largely Muslim local population in a forceful manner via government-backed camps.

The idea of such indoctrination camps was suggested by Lt Gen Asim Saleem Bajwa former director-general of the media wing of the Pakistani army. He was in the eye of the storm recently as his name cropped up in shady financial dealings.

Related story:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/chinese-authorities-demolish-mosque-in-xinjiang-build-public-toilet-321313" hreflang="en">Chinese authorities demolish mosque in Xinjiang, build public toilet</a>

He is currently the Special Assistant to Pakistani PM Imran Khan on Information and Broadcasting and also the Chairman of China Pakistan Economic Corridor or CPEC.&nbsp;General Bajwa has close ties with the Chinese communist party for multiple reasons, one being CPEC.

The duration of camp education is around three&nbsp;months. The first batch was from December 17, 2018 to March 9, 2019 and consisted of 50 fighters, out of which five were regional commanders and 45-foot soldiers. The 2nd batch from April 29 to July 27, 2019 had 128 fighters. The age group of most of the fighters are between 18 to 40 with most from Dera Bugti, followed by Sibi and Kohlu districts.

Currently, the camps are being run by Major Gen Irfan Ahmad Malik of GOC 41 Division. He succeeded Major Gen Abid Latif Khan on October 19, 2019.

Pakistan's army is running two indoctrination camps built along the lines of Uighurs re-education camps of China for Baloch fighters in a bid to control the situation in its restive southwestern province of Balochistan.

Pakistan's army is running two indoctrination camps built along the lines of Uighurs re-education camps of China for Baloch fighters in a bid to control the situation in its restive southwestern province of Balochistan. Pakistan's biggest province is dealing with its local insurgency over Islamabad's strong hand as locals say the resources are being drained the region. What WION has learned is that the layout of the camps closely aligns with those run by Chinese authorities in its westernmost province of Xinjiang. The main objective of these clandestine camps is psychological, social and cultural conditioning of Baloch fighters and forcefully instil 'values' in them by "transforming them into law-abiding" citizens, a document seen by WION on the camps stated. Related story: China dismisses European rights concerns about Xinjiang camps The document lists Pakistani studies, religious- patriotism and jihad as the key subjects at the camps and focus is to remove any remnants of Balochi nationalism. The camps run by Pakistani army extensively use mullahs or religious preachers especially those affiliated to Jamaat e Islami. Guests speakers are also invited to conduct guest lectures which include politicians like Mubeen Khan Khilji and Nawabzada Gohram Bugti and Jamaat e Islami's Maulana Abdul Haq Hashmi. Xinjiang has been in the news as Chinese authorities try to rein in the largely Muslim local population in a forceful manner via government-backed camps. The idea of such indoctrination camps was suggested by Lt Gen Asim Saleem Bajwa former director-general of the media wing of the Pakistani army. He was in the eye of the storm recently as his name cropped up in shady financial dealings. Related story: Chinese authorities demolish mosque in Xinjiang, build public toilet He is currently the Special Assistant to Pakistani PM Imran Khan on Information and Broadcasting and also the Chairman of China Pakistan Economic Corridor or CPEC. General Bajwa has close ties with the Chinese communist party for multiple reasons, one being CPEC. The duration of camp education is around three months. The first batch was from December 17, 2018 to March 9, 2019 and consisted of 50 fighters, out of which five were regional commanders and 45-foot soldiers. The 2nd batch from April 29 to July 27, 2019 had 128 fighters. The age group of most of the fighters are between 18 to 40 with most from Dera Bugti, followed by Sibi and Kohlu districts. Currently, the camps are being run by Major Gen Irfan Ahmad Malik of GOC 41 Division. He succeeded Major Gen Abid Latif Khan on October 19, 2019.

Taking a leaf out of China's book, Pak army develops Xinjiang style indoctrination camps in Balochistan

A genocide of Uighur Muslims is underway in Xinjiang, but the Islamic world has chosen China's money over China's Muslims. The principle of 'Muslim brotherhood' is being used based on economic interests. On Gravitas Plus, Palki Sharma Upadhyay challenges top 5 Islamic leaders to break their silence.

Gravitas Plus: Uighur genocide: Speak up, Islamic world

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi has justified the Uighur camps in Xinjiang probes. Wang Yi also justified the abuse of Uighur muslims on his first European tour.

China denies ill-treatment of Uighur, FM rebuffs human rights concerns

China's crackdown on Uighur Muslims in Xinjiang is one of the worst humanitarian crisis in the world. Slowly but steadily, the global community is waking up against it.

Video: Protests in Dhaka against Uighur camps

3 countries pulled up China during an UNSC briefing on counter-terrorism. Beijing was warned against using terrorism as a pretext to jail Uighurs in Xinjiang. Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you what happened.

Gravitas: UNSC slams China on Xinjiang

President of the World Uyghur Congress Dolkun Isa tells Palki Sharma Upadhyay that Xi Jinping is likely to repeat a Tiananmen Square if the world does not stop him. Here is an exclusive conversation.

Gravitas: Exclusive: President of Uighur Congress on WION

A Uighur woman got separated from her family. WION spoke to her son Ferkat Jawdat, who is a Uighur activist. Watch this video to know more.

Uighur woman separated from family by China, Son appeals for release

A group of Indian-Americans from in and around the national capital held a protest here against China's aggression towards India and the human rights violations of Uyghur minority groups in the country's restive Muslim-majority Xinjiang region.

Maintaining social distancing and wearing masks, the peaceful protestors on Sunday gathered at the historic national mall facing the US Capitol and displayed anti-China posters, banners and raised slogans against the Communist Party of China (CPC) and its leaders.

"This summer while the world was fighting coronavirus, China was trying to encroach upon other's land. It's not only in Ladakh in India but also against its other neighbours as well. It's time that the world unites against this Chinese aggression," said Adapa Prasad from Overseas Friends of BJP USA.

Indian and Chinese troops have been locked in a bitter standoff in several areas along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh since May 5. The situation deteriorated after the June 15 Galwan Valley clashes in which 20 Indian Army personnel were killed and an unconfirmed number of Chinese soldiers died.

"China's Communist party has infringed on the religious rights of the Uyghur community and violated human rights of people of Hong Kong,"&nbsp;Puneet Ahluwalia, who is an Indian-American Republican and founder of the Proud American Political Action Committee, said.

Ahluwalia, who is exploring to run for the post of Lieutenant Governor of Virginia, said US President Donald Trump's hard measures against China was in the right direction.

"China has to play international rules," he said.

"We have seen what they have done in Africa. We have seen that they are doing in Iran...Most importantly, they recently backstabbed India,? Ahluwalia said, alleging that China is spying on Americans through various social media applications and by stealing data and information.

Sunil Singh, an eminent Indian-American from the Greater Washington DC area, praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for banning Chinese applications in India.

Noting that people of India have stopped buying China made goods, he said there was also a need for the Americans to make a similar move.

This was the second major anti-China protest by Indian-Americans here in Washington DC.

A group of Indian-Americans from in and around the national capital held a protest here against China's aggression towards India and the human rights violations of Uyghur minority groups in the country's restive Muslim-majority Xinjiang region.

A group of Indian-Americans from in and around the national capital held a protest here against China's aggression towards India and the human rights violations of Uyghur minority groups in the country's restive Muslim-majority Xinjiang region. Maintaining social distancing and wearing masks, the peaceful protestors on Sunday gathered at the historic national mall facing the US Capitol and displayed anti-China posters, banners and raised slogans against the Communist Party of China (CPC) and its leaders. "This summer while the world was fighting coronavirus, China was trying to encroach upon other's land. It's not only in Ladakh in India but also against its other neighbours as well. It's time that the world unites against this Chinese aggression," said Adapa Prasad from Overseas Friends of BJP USA. Indian and Chinese troops have been locked in a bitter standoff in several areas along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh since May 5. The situation deteriorated after the June 15 Galwan Valley clashes in which 20 Indian Army personnel were killed and an unconfirmed number of Chinese soldiers died. "China's Communist party has infringed on the religious rights of the Uyghur community and violated human rights of people of Hong Kong," Puneet Ahluwalia, who is an Indian-American Republican and founder of the Proud American Political Action Committee, said. Ahluwalia, who is exploring to run for the post of Lieutenant Governor of Virginia, said US President Donald Trump's hard measures against China was in the right direction. "China has to play international rules," he said. "We have seen what they have done in Africa. We have seen that they are doing in Iran...Most importantly, they recently backstabbed India,? Ahluwalia said, alleging that China is spying on Americans through various social media applications and by stealing data and information. Sunil Singh, an eminent Indian-American from the Greater Washington DC area, praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for banning Chinese applications in India. Noting that people of India have stopped buying China made goods, he said there was also a need for the Americans to make a similar move. This was the second major anti-China protest by Indian-Americans here in Washington DC.

Indo-Americans protest China's aggression against India, human rights violations of Uyghurs

Rare footage and text messages secretly sent by a detained Uighur man show chilling evidence of human rights violations by China

Uighur man gives rare glimpses inside China detention camp

Uighurs have been subjected to the most unimaginable forms of cruelty at the hands of the brutal regime by China. Watch this report to get a rare glimpse from inside China's detention system.

Fineprint: Chilling first-hand account of China's detention system | Uighur Muslims in China

The plight of Uighur Muslims in China: A rare glimpse inside internment

China needs to come up with Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) in Xinjiang and a "better understanding of the religion" will be helpful for Chinese authorities in "understanding the people's aspirations and concerns" are the key findings of the internal assessment carried out by Pakistan to understand the mood of the public on the situation of Uighur Muslims in China.

The internal assessment by Pakistan on public sentiment on the atrocities against Uighurs Muslims carried out by the Chinese government in the restive western province of Xinjiang saw religious Urdu journals being more vocal about it.

The assessment recommended that "reliable and mature religious" leaders need to be kept on frequent communication. And these religious leaders should feel the "closeness" in which they may give a suggestion to Chinese authorities on the issue.&nbsp;

But largely a relook by Chinese authorities of "governance" is what is needed--this includes revisiting approach of compulsory and forcible re-education of Uighur Muslims.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/atrocities-against-uighurs-china-asks-pakistan-to-manage-negative-sentiments-domestically-317527">Atrocities against Uighurs: China asks Pakistan to manage negative sentiments domestically</a>

While Pakistani internal assessment has lauded Chinese leadership in the long term strategy of mainstreaming and integration of people of Xinjiang, the report suggests the common population should not be seen as a collective threat. It hopes fasting, prayers, recitation of Quran should be allowed since these are important tenets of Islam and restrictions over them is a cause discomfort.&nbsp;

The internal report has recommended that Muslims should be allowed the freedom to perform their rituals which will give a positive message inside and outside of China. &nbsp;

In fact, the news of curbs and restrictions on the Muslim way of life in other parts of China as well is seen as extremely disturbing for anyone in Pakistan, the report concurs.

It is important to know, Pakistan has banned online publication of extremist journals Hittin. The primary cause has been that it has been very critical of Chinese influence in Pakistan and Beijing should not be seen as a well-wisher to people of the region.&nbsp;

It has talked about the mammoth infrastructure project the China Pakistan economic corridor in the same context and highlighted the "plight of Muslims in East Turkistan". Xinjiang is also referred to as East Turkestan especially by extremist and terror groups -- East Turkestan Islamic Movement.

China needs to come up with Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) in Xinjiang and a "better understanding of the religion" will be helpful for Chinese authorities in "understanding the people's aspirations and concerns" are the key findings of the internal assessment carried out by Pakistan to understand the mood of the public on the situation of Uighur Muslims in China.

China needs to come up with Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) in Xinjiang and a "better understanding of the religion" will be helpful for Chinese authorities in "understanding the people's aspirations and concerns" are the key findings of the internal assessment carried out by Pakistan to understand the mood of the public on the situation of Uighur Muslims in China. The internal assessment by Pakistan on public sentiment on the atrocities against Uighurs Muslims carried out by the Chinese government in the restive western province of Xinjiang saw religious Urdu journals being more vocal about it. The assessment recommended that "reliable and mature religious" leaders need to be kept on frequent communication. And these religious leaders should feel the "closeness" in which they may give a suggestion to Chinese authorities on the issue. But largely a relook by Chinese authorities of "governance" is what is needed--this includes revisiting approach of compulsory and forcible re-education of Uighur Muslims. Also read: Atrocities against Uighurs: China asks Pakistan to manage negative sentiments domestically While Pakistani internal assessment has lauded Chinese leadership in the long term strategy of mainstreaming and integration of people of Xinjiang, the report suggests the common population should not be seen as a collective threat. It hopes fasting, prayers, recitation of Quran should be allowed since these are important tenets of Islam and restrictions over them is a cause discomfort. The internal report has recommended that Muslims should be allowed the freedom to perform their rituals which will give a positive message inside and outside of China. In fact, the news of curbs and restrictions on the Muslim way of life in other parts of China as well is seen as extremely disturbing for anyone in Pakistan, the report concurs. It is important to know, Pakistan has banned online publication of extremist journals Hittin. The primary cause has been that it has been very critical of Chinese influence in Pakistan and Beijing should not be seen as a well-wisher to people of the region. It has talked about the mammoth infrastructure project the China Pakistan economic corridor in the same context and highlighted the "plight of Muslims in East Turkistan". Xinjiang is also referred to as East Turkestan especially by extremist and terror groups -- East Turkestan Islamic Movement.

Pakistan's Uighur Muslims internal study hopes China takes CBMs; seeks better understanding of Islam

The United States on Friday imposed sanctions on a powerful Chinese company and two officials for what it said were human rights abuses against Uighurs and other ethnic minorities.

The move intensifies its economic pressure on China’s Xinjiang province.

This comes a week after US President Donald Trump closed the Chinese consulate in Houston, prompting Beijing to shutter the America consulate in Chengdu.

The US Treasury Department said in a statement it blacklisted the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, also known as XPCC, along with Sun Jinlong, former party secretary of XPCC, and Peng Jiarui, XPCC’s deputy party secretary and commander, over accusations they are connected to serious human rights abuse against ethnic minorities in Xinjiang.

China, however, denies mistreatment of the minority group and says the camps holding many Uighurs provide vocational training and are needed to fight extremism.

Washington’s action freezes any US assets of the company and officials; generally prohibits Americans from dealing with them; and bars Sun Jinlong and Peng Jiarui from traveling to the United States.

The Treasury also issued a license, authorising certain wind-down and divestment transactions and activities related to blocked XPCC subsidiaries until Sept. 30.

Washington recently imposed sanctions on the autonomous region of Xinjiang’s Communist Party Secretary Chen Quanguo, the highest-ranking Chinese official to be targetted, blacklisting the member of China’s powerful Politburo and current first party secretary of the XPCC, as well as other officials and the Xinjiang Public Security Bureau.

XPCC is a quasi-military group created in 1954. It was initially made up of demobilised soldiers who spent time in military training while developing farms on the region’s arid land.

Civilian members from eastern China later joined the corps, which now numbers 3.11 million people, or more than 12% of the region’s population. It is almost entirely made up of Han Chinese in a region that is home to the Muslim Uighur people.

The United States on Friday imposed sanctions on a powerful Chinese company and two officials for what it said were human rights abuses against Uighurs and other ethnic minorities.

The United States on Friday imposed sanctions on a powerful Chinese company and two officials for what it said were human rights abuses against Uighurs and other ethnic minorities. The move intensifies its economic pressure on China’s Xinjiang province. This comes a week after US President Donald Trump closed the Chinese consulate in Houston, prompting Beijing to shutter the America consulate in Chengdu. The US Treasury Department said in a statement it blacklisted the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, also known as XPCC, along with Sun Jinlong, former party secretary of XPCC, and Peng Jiarui, XPCC’s deputy party secretary and commander, over accusations they are connected to serious human rights abuse against ethnic minorities in Xinjiang. China, however, denies mistreatment of the minority group and says the camps holding many Uighurs provide vocational training and are needed to fight extremism. Washington’s action freezes any US assets of the company and officials; generally prohibits Americans from dealing with them; and bars Sun Jinlong and Peng Jiarui from traveling to the United States. The Treasury also issued a license, authorising certain wind-down and divestment transactions and activities related to blocked XPCC subsidiaries until Sept. 30. Washington recently imposed sanctions on the autonomous region of Xinjiang’s Communist Party Secretary Chen Quanguo, the highest-ranking Chinese official to be targetted, blacklisting the member of China’s powerful Politburo and current first party secretary of the XPCC, as well as other officials and the Xinjiang Public Security Bureau. XPCC is a quasi-military group created in 1954. It was initially made up of demobilised soldiers who spent time in military training while developing farms on the region’s arid land. Civilian members from eastern China later joined the corps, which now numbers 3.11 million people, or more than 12% of the region’s population. It is almost entirely made up of Han Chinese in a region that is home to the Muslim Uighur people.

US imposes human rights sanctions on Chinese company, individuals

Chinese mission in Islamabad has asked Pakistani authorities to manage negative sentiments domestically when it comes to atrocities against Uighur Muslims which could take a toll on bilateral ties.

Chinese mission in Islamabad has asked Pakistani authorities to manage negative sentiments domestically when it comes to atrocities against Uighur Muslims which could take a toll on bilateral ties. Pakistani authorities had done an internal study to gauge the public mood on the atrocities against Uighurs by Chinese government in the restive western province of Xinjiang. The report found that religious journals in Pakistan have been talking about it vocally and widely covering the situation in the westernmost Chinese province which one journal described as "police state". The main objective of the Pakistani assessment was to manage the reaction and control any activity that may cause embarrassment for both Pakistan and China on the Uighur issue. Journals like Ishraq, Ahl-E-Hadith, Mohaddis, Peyam, Al Burhan, Al Aitisam, Uswah Hasana and Tarjuman Ul Quran have been discussing the matter since November 2019. WION broke the story on Friday. The report was handed over to the Chinese mission, with the mission seeking more feedback on the matter. The Chinese mission in Pakistan is worried about the religious sections of Pakistani society, which are considered not only staunch but uncompromising. It sees the role of mainstream English media such as Dawn who have reported on China's expanding sphere of influence also concerning. While major mainstream media in Pakistan have been focusing on growing cooperation and goodwill between Islamabad and Beijing, "certain English media" gives space to disturbing news from China, the mission has discussed with Pakistani authorities. Feedback on Urdu media has been asked, as religious segments rely on Urdu media for information. When it comes to Urdu media versus English media, the Chinese mission believes the latter caters only to a certain section of the elite and doesn't have a significant role in shaping public opinion. Also read: Pakistan assessment finds seething anger in religious journals over situation of Uighurs Muslims in China What the Chinese mission seeks to understand is if concerns regarding Xinjiang are taking "shape of emotions" and this could be detrimental to the interest of both countries, especially with the mega infrastructure project China Pakistan Economic Corridor or CPEC passing through the South Asian country. Both sides have concurred that "chances of emotions taking shape" may increase as western sources give more reportage to the crisis in Xinjiang but with documentary evidence. The Chinese response to western stories on Xinjiang is not seen as convincing and one that is lacking transparency. For example, while initially, China denied that acknowledge the presence of detention centres, Beijing later adjusted its position to pronounce them as re-education and de-radicalisation centres. Also read: French claims on imprisonment of Uighur are 'lies', says China People to people connectivity is another aspect the Chinese mission has asked feedback on as Pakistanis might be forming personal opinions and getting information first hand. One is the frequent visit of people from Pakistan to Urumqi, Kashgar in Xinjiang with some married to Uighur Muslims and concerned about the safety of their families. Another is increased connect between Pakistani and Turkish nationals at public and official level and that might get expose the former with Uighur right activities. Feedback has also been asked on current questions being raised on the silence of Pakistani nationals over conditions of Uighurs vis a vis being vocal on "other communities such as in Palestine or Kashmir." Pakistani Establishment and Prime Minister Imran Khan have been silent on Uighur issue and when asked have been muted to any criticism against "all-weather" ally China.

Atrocities against Uighurs: China asks Pakistan to manage negative sentiments domestically

Growing discontentment and religious journals seething with anger is what authorities in Pakistan have found when they tried to gauze public mood on the atrocities against Uighurs by Chinese govt in the restive western province of Xinjiang.

Pakistan's assessment over Uighur Muslims' situation in China finds anger among religious journals

Why do Muslim countries stay silent over China's abuse of the Uighurs? WION's Palki Sharma tells you why Muslim countries joined China in defending its cultural genocide of the Uighurs.

Gravitas: Why the Islamic world won't speak out for Uighurs

Chinese government has already attracted widespread criticism for its treatment of Uighurs in the northwest region of Xinjiang, where up to one million members of mostly Muslim Turkic-speaking minority groups are held in internment camps.&nbsp;

China's government considers many members of the Uighur ethnic minority to be "terrorists" and "separatists." It has imprisoned them on a mass scale and has turned Xinjiang into one of the world's most tightly controlled police states.

According to a report of The Telegraph, Turkey is helping China repatriate Uighur Muslims by sending them to third countries from which they can be extradited by Beijing. The Telegraph documented several cases in which Turkey had sent Uighurs to countries like Tajikistan, where it is easier for China to secure their extradition.&nbsp;

China has stridently maintained that Uighurs and Xinjiang affairs are its internal matter. China is taking extreme measures to silence anyone who speaks out against its government.

Reports leaked last month suggested that China detained Muslim minority Uighurs for beards, wearing veils, visiting foreign countries and having "too many" children.

Uighurs' birth rates have dropped by more than 60 per cent from 2015 to 2018. Across the Xinjiang region, birth rates fell 24 per cent last year as compared to just 4 per cent in the rest of the country.

Beijing has maintained that vocational training being carried is meant to help stamp out Islamist extremism and separatism and to teach locals new skills.

(With inputs from agencies)

Chinese government has already attracted widespread criticism for its treatment of Uighurs in the northwest region of Xinjiang, where up to one million members of mostly Muslim Turkic-speaking minority groups are held in internment camps.

Chinese government has already attracted widespread criticism for its treatment of Uighurs in the northwest region of Xinjiang, where up to one million members of mostly Muslim Turkic-speaking minority groups are held in internment camps. China's government considers many members of the Uighur ethnic minority to be "terrorists" and "separatists." It has imprisoned them on a mass scale and has turned Xinjiang into one of the world's most tightly controlled police states. According to a report of The Telegraph, Turkey is helping China repatriate Uighur Muslims by sending them to third countries from which they can be extradited by Beijing. The Telegraph documented several cases in which Turkey had sent Uighurs to countries like Tajikistan, where it is easier for China to secure their extradition. China has stridently maintained that Uighurs and Xinjiang affairs are its internal matter. China is taking extreme measures to silence anyone who speaks out against its government. Reports leaked last month suggested that China detained Muslim minority Uighurs for beards, wearing veils, visiting foreign countries and having "too many" children. Uighurs' birth rates have dropped by more than 60 per cent from 2015 to 2018. Across the Xinjiang region, birth rates fell 24 per cent last year as compared to just 4 per cent in the rest of the country. Beijing has maintained that vocational training being carried is meant to help stamp out Islamist extremism and separatism and to teach locals new skills. (With inputs from agencies)

Turkey deports Uighur Muslims back to China via third countries: Reports

More than a million Uighur Muslims are being detained by China and what is described as re-education camps. China does not allow the media nor human rights organizations to visit these re-education camps. Watch report.

Uighur's expose China's oppression: Uighur's live in fear even outside China

China on Wednesday said that the French claims about the imprisonment of ethnic and religious minorities in China's Xinjiang region were unacceptable. China's response came a day after Paris demanded it let independent human rights observers visit the northwestern region, where rights groups and experts estimate over one million Uighurs and other Turkic-speaking minorities have been rounded up into a network of internment camps.

China on Wednesday said that the French claims about the imprisonment of ethnic and religious minorities in China's Xinjiang region were unacceptable. China's response came a day after Paris demanded it let independent human rights observers visit the northwestern region, where rights groups and experts estimate over one million Uighurs and other Turkic-speaking minorities have been rounded up into a network of internment camps. France's foreign affairs minister Jean-Yves le Drian said China's actions were "unacceptable" and said they "condemn them firmly". Beijing has defended its strategy in Xinjiang as necessary to avoid extremism. Also read: 'Nothing but rumours and slander': China to UK on Uighurs abuse Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin told a regular press briefing on Wednesday that "China has repeatedly responded to and clarified false reports and accusations on Xinjiang-related issues". "About so-called lies that Xinjiang restricts religious freedom and suppresses Muslims... the truth is that recently, some politicians and media in the US and the west have stigmatised Xinjiang's lawful fight against terrorism and extremism," Wang said. "We firmly oppose the politicisation of religious issues and the use of religious issues to interfere in China's internal affairs," he added. Meanwhile, a prominent group of British lawyers suggested nations use sanctions, corporate accountability mechanisms, and international treaties preventing racial discrimination to pressure Beijing. Also read: Uighur community suffering in China, says United Kingdom's Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab The international community is legally obliged to take action on China’s alleged abuse of Uighur and other Turkic minorities, the Bar Human Rights Committee of England and Wales (BHRC) said in a report released on Wednesday. China’s refusal to be held legally accountable for the widespread and documented allegations did not absolve the global community of responsibility, BHRC) said in a report released on Wednesday. “All states, including China, have unequivocally accepted that slavery and racial discrimination, torture and genocide are prohibited,” it said. “They have committed to not carry out those proscribed acts; they have committed to their prevention; and they have committed to punishment of perpetrators where they have found individuals to have committed those proscribed acts. There can be no derogation from those commitments.” (With inputs from AFP)

French claims on imprisonment of Uighur are 'lies', says China

China is now accused of putting Uighurs in labour programs that have been deemed controversial. According to investigations by the New York Times, several Chinese companies are using Uighur labour for the production of personal protective equipment. Watch report.

Uighurs put to work against their will in China

China is not seeking to replace or to confront the United States as the world's top technological power,&nbsp;a foreign ministry spokesperson said Friday.

Responding to a litany of recent accusations from the Trump administration, Hua Chunying said China will fight back against "malicious slander" and attacks from Washington.

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''China's long-term economic growth fundamentals have remained unchanged after withstanding the impact of the novel coronavirus outbreak, despite what critics say is an increasingly aggressive foreign policy that looks to expand Chinese influence in the military, technology, economic and other spheres,'' Chunying said Friday at a regular press briefing.

"As an independent sovereign state, China has the right to safeguard its own sovereignty, security and development interests, to defend the achievements made by the Chinese people with hard work, to refuse any bullying and injustice against China, and to fight back against malicious slander and attacks by the US&nbsp;against China," Hua added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-attorney-general-blasts-american-firms-for-kowtowing-to-beijing-313919">US attorney general blasts American firms for 'kowtowing' to Beijing</a>

Her comments came in response to a speech Thursday by US Attorney General William Barr blasted American firms with Chinese links for 'kowtowing' to Beijing.

Barr took aim at Hollywood companies, including Walt Disney Co on Thursday as well as large technology firms like Apple, Alphabet's Google and Microsoft Corp over company actions with China.

"Corporations such as Google, Microsoft, Yahoo, and Apple have shown themselves all too willing to collaborate with the (Chinese Communist party)," Barr said.

He added that Hollywood has routinely caved into pressure and censored their films "to appease the Chinese Communist Party."

"I suspect Walt Disney would be disheartened to see how the company he founded deals with the foreign dictatorships of our day," Barr said in a speech at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum in Michigan.

Barr chided US companies for being too willing to take steps to ensure access to the large Chinese market.

In recent months, US-China ties have dipped to their lowest ebb in decades, strained over issues ranging from the global coronavirus pandemic and China's massive trade surpluses, to Beijing’s suppression of pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong, its military buildup in the South China Sea and treatment of minority Muslims.

China is not seeking to replace or to confront the United States as the world's top technological power, a foreign ministry spokesperson said Friday. Responding to a litany of recent accusations from the Trump administration, Hua Chunying said China will fight back against "malicious slander" and attacks from Washington.

China is not seeking to replace or to confront the United States as the world's top technological power, a foreign ministry spokesperson said Friday. Responding to a litany of recent accusations from the Trump administration, Hua Chunying said China will fight back against "malicious slander" and attacks from Washington. ''China's long-term economic growth fundamentals have remained unchanged after withstanding the impact of the novel coronavirus outbreak, despite what critics say is an increasingly aggressive foreign policy that looks to expand Chinese influence in the military, technology, economic and other spheres,'' Chunying said Friday at a regular press briefing. "As an independent sovereign state, China has the right to safeguard its own sovereignty, security and development interests, to defend the achievements made by the Chinese people with hard work, to refuse any bullying and injustice against China, and to fight back against malicious slander and attacks by the US against China," Hua added. Also read: US attorney general blasts American firms for 'kowtowing' to Beijing Her comments came in response to a speech Thursday by US Attorney General William Barr blasted American firms with Chinese links for 'kowtowing' to Beijing. Barr took aim at Hollywood companies, including Walt Disney Co on Thursday as well as large technology firms like Apple, Alphabet's Google and Microsoft Corp over company actions with China. "Corporations such as Google, Microsoft, Yahoo, and Apple have shown themselves all too willing to collaborate with the (Chinese Communist party)," Barr said. He added that Hollywood has routinely caved into pressure and censored their films "to appease the Chinese Communist Party." "I suspect Walt Disney would be disheartened to see how the company he founded deals with the foreign dictatorships of our day," Barr said in a speech at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum in Michigan. Barr chided US companies for being too willing to take steps to ensure access to the large Chinese market. In recent months, US-China ties have dipped to their lowest ebb in decades, strained over issues ranging from the global coronavirus pandemic and China's massive trade surpluses, to Beijing’s suppression of pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong, its military buildup in the South China Sea and treatment of minority Muslims.

Not trying to replace US as world's top technological power, says China

Beijing has said it would protect Chinese companies after Washington said enterprises may face legal trouble if they help carry out abuses in the Muslim northwestern region of Xinjiang, citing the warning was "bad for the whole world."

The US has time and again cited complaints of abuse by the ruling Communist Party against ethnic Muslims including mass detention and forced labour. The warning also came amid mounting tension with Beijing over human rights, trade and Hong Kong. 
&nbsp; 
In retaliation, China's commerce ministry accused the US government of meddling in China’s affairs. It said Washington was misusing complaints about human rights to “suppress Chinese companies.”

“This is bad for China, bad for the United States and bad for the whole world,” said a ministry statement.

“China strongly urges the US to stop its bad acts,” the ministry said. “China will take necessary measures to resolutely safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises.”

The US warning -- issued on July 1 -- said companies that handle goods made by forced labour or supply technology that might be used in labour camps or for surveillance might face unspecified “reputational, economic and legal risks.”

Beijing has said it would protect Chinese companies after Washington said enterprises may face legal trouble if they help carry out abuses in the Muslim northwestern region of Xinjiang, citing the warning was "bad for the whole world.

Beijing has said it would protect Chinese companies after Washington said enterprises may face legal trouble if they help carry out abuses in the Muslim northwestern region of Xinjiang, citing the warning was "bad for the whole world." The US has time and again cited complaints of abuse by the ruling Communist Party against ethnic Muslims including mass detention and forced labour. The warning also came amid mounting tension with Beijing over human rights, trade and Hong Kong. In retaliation, China's commerce ministry accused the US government of meddling in China’s affairs. It said Washington was misusing complaints about human rights to “suppress Chinese companies.” “This is bad for China, bad for the United States and bad for the whole world,” said a ministry statement. “China strongly urges the US to stop its bad acts,” the ministry said. “China will take necessary measures to resolutely safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises.” The US warning -- issued on July 1 -- said companies that handle goods made by forced labour or supply technology that might be used in labour camps or for surveillance might face unspecified “reputational, economic and legal risks.”

US Xinjiang warning ‘bad for the whole world’, says China

6 years of persecution - and at least 2 million detained Uighurs later, the world has finally broken its silence on the crisis in Xinjiang, China. What explains the sudden sanctions and calls to punish Beijing? WION's Palki Sharma has a report.

Gravitas: The world finally wakes up to the plight of the Uighurs

China retaliated to United States’ sanctions by slapping its own against American officials on Monday.

Washington had recently taken out sanctions against senior Chinese officials over the mistreatment of Uighur Muslims in China’s Xinjiang. The ethnic minority has been forcefully put into internment camps, aimed at&nbsp;deradicalising them. China calls them “education centres”.

The sanctions by China target many US officials, including two senators.

'Corresponding sanctions'

Hua Chunying, the spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry said that the sanctions target US Senators Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio, US Representative Chris Smith,&nbsp; Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom Sam Brownback and the Congressional-Executive Commission on China. Chunying referred to China’s actions as “corresponding sanctions”.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/amid-pandemic-us-sanctions-chinese-officials-over-uighur-abuses-312365" hreflang="en">Amid pandemic, US sanctions Chinese officials over Uighur abuses</a>

The Congressional-Executive Commission is meant to trace and record human rights in China, and whether their laws enable protection of human rights. As part of this commission’s work, an annual report is submitted to US president and the US Congress every year.

'Internal affair'

While talking about the US sanctions, the Chinese representative accused the US of attempting to interfere in China’s internal affairs, and called it a violation of international relations.

"The US actions seriously interfere in China's internal affairs, seriously violate the basic norms of international relations and seriously damage Sino-US relations," she said during a briefing.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/china-to-hit-us-with-reciprocal-measures-over-xinjiang-sanctions-312234" hreflang="en">China to hit US with 'reciprocal measures' over Xinjiang sanctions</a>

Additionally, she threatened more response if the situation escalates. "China will make further responses based on how the situation develops”, she added.

The US had sanctioned Chinese officials including the Communist Party secretary in the region of Xinjiang, and also froze many US assets. Additionally, Americans are now disallowed from travelling to the region, and also banned from doing any business with the officials.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/us-imposes-sanctions-on-chinese-officials-over-abuse-of-muslim-minorities-in-xinjiang-312101" hreflang="en">US imposes sanctions on Chinese officials over 'abuse' of Muslim minorities in Xinjiang</a>

The Chinese representative, however, did not clarify what the sanctions propose.

According to the United Nations and various human rights organisations, Uighurs and others Muslim minorities are forcefully held in detention centres. What China calls skill development centres are essentially camps where human rights violations may be occurring without any accountability. China claims this is done to weed out terrorism and extremism, but activists are wary.

(With inputs from Reuters)

China retaliated to United States’ sanctions by slapping its own against American officials on Monday. Washington had recently taken out sanctions against senior Chinese officials over the mistreatment of Uighur Muslims in China’s Xinjiang.

China retaliated to United States’ sanctions by slapping its own against American officials on Monday. Washington had recently taken out sanctions against senior Chinese officials over the mistreatment of Uighur Muslims in China’s Xinjiang. The ethnic minority has been forcefully put into internment camps, aimed at deradicalising them. China calls them “education centres”. The sanctions by China target many US officials, including two senators. 'Corresponding sanctions' Hua Chunying, the spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry said that the sanctions target US Senators Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio, US Representative Chris Smith, Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom Sam Brownback and the Congressional-Executive Commission on China. Chunying referred to China’s actions as “corresponding sanctions”. Also read: Amid pandemic, US sanctions Chinese officials over Uighur abuses The Congressional-Executive Commission is meant to trace and record human rights in China, and whether their laws enable protection of human rights. As part of this commission’s work, an annual report is submitted to US president and the US Congress every year. 'Internal affair' While talking about the US sanctions, the Chinese representative accused the US of attempting to interfere in China’s internal affairs, and called it a violation of international relations. "The US actions seriously interfere in China's internal affairs, seriously violate the basic norms of international relations and seriously damage Sino-US relations," she said during a briefing. Also read: China to hit US with 'reciprocal measures' over Xinjiang sanctions Additionally, she threatened more response if the situation escalates. "China will make further responses based on how the situation develops”, she added. The US had sanctioned Chinese officials including the Communist Party secretary in the region of Xinjiang, and also froze many US assets. Additionally, Americans are now disallowed from travelling to the region, and also banned from doing any business with the officials. Also read: US imposes sanctions on Chinese officials over 'abuse' of Muslim minorities in Xinjiang The Chinese representative, however, did not clarify what the sanctions propose. According to the United Nations and various human rights organisations, Uighurs and others Muslim minorities are forcefully held in detention centres. What China calls skill development centres are essentially camps where human rights violations may be occurring without any accountability. China claims this is done to weed out terrorism and extremism, but activists are wary. (With inputs from Reuters)

China slaps retaliatory sanctions against US officials including two senators

China on July 13 has hit retaliatory sanctions on three senior Republican lawmakers and a US envoy in a deepening row over Beijing’s treatment of Uighurs in the western Xinjiang region.

China slaps tit-for-tat sanctions on 3 US lawmakers; Watch live report

China on July 13 has hit retaliatory sanctions on three senior Republican lawmakers and a US envoy in a deepening row over Beijing’s treatment of Uighurs in the western Xinjiang region. Watch report.

China sanctions three US lawmakers | Responds to US Uighur sanctions

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo did not disclose the names of the officials in-line with US policy not to publicly discuss individual visa matters

US sanctions senior CCP officials over human rights violations in Xinjiang

Chinese authorities are considering to sue a researcher and think tank who are behind reports that claim Beijing has been torturing its ethnic minority community -- Uighur Muslims.

The Global Times has reported that German researcher Adrian Zenz and a think tank -- Australian Strategic Policy Institute -- will be sued for spreading "disinformation about China."

Recently, Zenz revealed in his research that the sudden decline in the birth rate among the ethnic minority communities in Xinjiang might be an indication of the fact that the targetted birth prevention strategy is being conducted.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo condemned the coercive family planning against Uighurs and said that continuous repression of minorities in Xinjiang reflects that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has no respect for human life and basic human rights.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-needs-to-face-economic-losses-for-genocide-on-uighurs-says-expert-312155">Also read |&nbsp;China needs to face economic losses for genocide on Uighurs, says expert</a>

"The United States condemns the use of forced population controls against Uyghur and other minority women and calls on the CCP to cease its campaign of repression. History will judge how we act today," he tweeted.

"German researcher Adrian Zenz's shocking revelations are sadly consistent with decades of the CCP practices that demonstrate an utter disregard for the sanctity of human life and basic human dignity," he said, adding "We call on the CCP to immediately end these horrific practices and ask all nations to join the United States in demanding an end to these dehumanising abuses."

Chinese authorities are considering to sue a researcher and think tank who are behind reports that claim Beijing has been torturing its ethnic minority community -- Uighur Muslims.

Chinese authorities are considering to sue a researcher and think tank who are behind reports that claim Beijing has been torturing its ethnic minority community -- Uighur Muslims. The Global Times has reported that German researcher Adrian Zenz and a think tank -- Australian Strategic Policy Institute -- will be sued for spreading "disinformation about China." Recently, Zenz revealed in his research that the sudden decline in the birth rate among the ethnic minority communities in Xinjiang might be an indication of the fact that the targetted birth prevention strategy is being conducted. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo condemned the coercive family planning against Uighurs and said that continuous repression of minorities in Xinjiang reflects that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has no respect for human life and basic human rights. Also read | China needs to face economic losses for genocide on Uighurs, says expert "The United States condemns the use of forced population controls against Uyghur and other minority women and calls on the CCP to cease its campaign of repression. History will judge how we act today," he tweeted. "German researcher Adrian Zenz's shocking revelations are sadly consistent with decades of the CCP practices that demonstrate an utter disregard for the sanctity of human life and basic human dignity," he said, adding "We call on the CCP to immediately end these horrific practices and ask all nations to join the United States in demanding an end to these dehumanising abuses."

China may sue researcher over report on forced sterilisation of Uighurs

The United Nations estimates that more than a million Uighur Muslims have been sent to forced detention camps in China. They are being tortured and brainwashed inside those prison camps. Watch report.

'Demographic genocide' in Xinjiang: Abortions, sterilisations, and disappearances

'Demographic genocide' in Xinjiang | Abortions, sterilisations, and disappearances

China needs to face reputational and economic losses for its "demographic genocide" on Uighur Muslims, says Adrian Zenz, senior fellow in China Studies at the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation.

Zenz, in an exclusive conversation with WION, said there was a need for the international community to speak up and stand up when countries like Pakistan have sided with China, and supported the policies against the Muslims in China, which is frankly selling out of basic human values.

Zenz is one of the world’s leading scholars on the People’s Republic of China (PRC) government policies towards Tibet and Xinjiang. His research is based on government data, policy documents and interviews of ethnic women.

He faced&nbsp;flak by the Chinese MOFA recently for his findings in his report published last month detailing a dramatic increase in recent years in the number of forced sterilisations and abortions targeting Uighurs in the region. According to him, what Beijing has done in Xinjiang so far qualifies for cultural genocide, according to the United Nations Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.

Here are a few excerpts from the interview --

WION: The concentration camps in Xinjiang and the draconian measures being taken upon them are increasing. What measures can be taken to reduce such atrocities, and how can this be probed?&nbsp;

Adrian Zenz: It's important that the international community speaks up firstly and clearly condemns what is going on.

Many Muslim countries have done the precise opposite, including Pakistan. They have actually sided with Beijing and supported the policies against the Muslims in China, which is really frankly selling out of basic human values.

It is important that the global human community stands up for humanity. For example, just this morning the United States Treasury announced global sanctions against Xinjiang party secretary and his right hand. These are very important steps. These were not outright to stop Beijing from continuing this atrocity. In fact, almost nothing will, but it's very important that Beijing encounters reputational and economic losses for its atrocity forced labour. It's important that companies and customers and consumers look at Chinese products and see could have been made with labour from Muslim minorities who are being coerced labour in industrial parks in the region and in other parts of China. Those are very important steps that anybody can take -- be it consumers, companies or politicians.

WION: What led you to the research and what are your key findings?

Zenz: Last year, I came across a fact -- that a lot of population growth figures in Xinjiang had declined dramatically. In 2017-18, the Uighurs used to have the highest population growth in Xinjiang. This changed dramatically,coinciding with the unprecedented campaign of putting the Uighurs into internment camps. I decided to pursue this further and initially, I thought that the declining population and birth growth rate were caused by the internment campaign.&nbsp;

However, I came across evidence of a systemic government campaign to prevent birth rate. This campaign relies on implanting intrauterine contraceptive devices in women in Xinjiang on a mass basis. The goal is for over 80 per cent of minority women to have IUD inserted or to be sterilised. The second aspect is a draconian punishment of illegal or extra births by placing violators into internment camps. The third strategy is to mass sterilisation of women.

I came across evidence. The documents planned for mass-sterilisation in 2019 in one Uighur county for 14 per cent of all women of free productive age. And at the same time, I have been able to get the evidence that up to 2 million Han Chinese settlers have been attracted to Xinjiang through promises of government job and free housing and free land. Overall, it is clear that Beijing pursuing a strategy of ethno racial supremacy in the region trying to dominate the Muslim minorities.

WION: Why do you think that the Chinese Communist party is forcibly putting Muslims women to forced sterilisation?

Zenz: The Uighurs have long been a very troublesome and problematic minority for Beijing culturally and spiritually they're much closer to the eastern border than to Beijing. In 1949, Mao Zedong invaded Xinjiang with the Chinese Army and ever since then, relations have been troubled and restive.&nbsp;

In 2009, the unrest boiled over with the uprising in the capital of Xinjiang which likely caused the deaths of thousands of Uighurs and also of a significant number of Han. In 2014, Uighur separatists carried out a range of attacks on places outside of Xijiang and since then-president Xi Jinping decided to crack down with no mercy in a very harsh and relentless manner.

In 2017, the Uighurs were placed into internment camps and 1 to 2 million adults -- mostly men -- were estimated to be put into extralegal camps. They have no legal recourse and there are reports of torture and mistreatment.

China is trying to control the Uighur population in every possible respect and this includes population growth.

The Chinese want to capture the young generation of Uighurs. They are placing them already in boarding schools that are full-time with high walls and barbed wire and cameras, where they are separated from parents, but they learned to sing songs of praise to Xi Jinping but they're not allowed to speak their own language and they cannot practice their religion.

It's illegal to practise any form of religion in the state's schooling system. So the population control and the master sterilisation campaign is part of the strategy to forcibly assimilate the Uighurs, and also in a sense to break their soul to change who they are and to forcibly assimilate them into the Chinese regime.

WION: Why does what the Chinese government is doing in Xinjiang meet the criteria for Genocide as defined by the United Nations? Can you explain that more to us?

Zenz: What Beijing has done in Xinjiang so far has qualified as cultural genocide. This is not a legally defined term. But what scholars and anthropologists mean by this is when a government is targetting the culture of an ethnic group, the culture, the religion, the language that what makes a distinct. It's also referred to as ethnocide, cultural genocide, slow genocide -- different ways of calling the same thing.

Now, however for the first time with the systematic campaign to prevent births, and to sterilise Uighur women, we have evidence that Beijing's actions in Xinjiang meet one of the criteria of the United Nations Convention for the prevention and punishment of the crime of genocide, which is the prevention of births.

China needs to face reputational and economic losses for its "demographic genocide" on Uighur Muslims, says Adrian Zenz, senior fellow in China Studies at the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation.

China needs to face reputational and economic losses for its "demographic genocide" on Uighur Muslims, says Adrian Zenz, senior fellow in China Studies at the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation. Zenz, in an exclusive conversation with WION, said there was a need for the international community to speak up and stand up when countries like Pakistan have sided with China, and supported the policies against the Muslims in China, which is frankly selling out of basic human values. Zenz is one of the world’s leading scholars on the People’s Republic of China (PRC) government policies towards Tibet and Xinjiang. His research is based on government data, policy documents and interviews of ethnic women. He faced flak by the Chinese MOFA recently for his findings in his report published last month detailing a dramatic increase in recent years in the number of forced sterilisations and abortions targeting Uighurs in the region. According to him, what Beijing has done in Xinjiang so far qualifies for cultural genocide, according to the United Nations Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. Here are a few excerpts from the interview -- WION: The concentration camps in Xinjiang and the draconian measures being taken upon them are increasing. What measures can be taken to reduce such atrocities, and how can this be probed? Adrian Zenz: It's important that the international community speaks up firstly and clearly condemns what is going on. Many Muslim countries have done the precise opposite, including Pakistan. They have actually sided with Beijing and supported the policies against the Muslims in China, which is really frankly selling out of basic human values. It is important that the global human community stands up for humanity. For example, just this morning the United States Treasury announced global sanctions against Xinjiang party secretary and his right hand. These are very important steps. These were not outright to stop Beijing from continuing this atrocity. In fact, almost nothing will, but it's very important that Beijing encounters reputational and economic losses for its atrocity forced labour. It's important that companies and customers and consumers look at Chinese products and see could have been made with labour from Muslim minorities who are being coerced labour in industrial parks in the region and in other parts of China. Those are very important steps that anybody can take -- be it consumers, companies or politicians. WION: What led you to the research and what are your key findings? Zenz: Last year, I came across a fact -- that a lot of population growth figures in Xinjiang had declined dramatically. In 2017-18, the Uighurs used to have the highest population growth in Xinjiang. This changed dramatically,coinciding with the unprecedented campaign of putting the Uighurs into internment camps. I decided to pursue this further and initially, I thought that the declining population and birth growth rate were caused by the internment campaign. However, I came across evidence of a systemic government campaign to prevent birth rate. This campaign relies on implanting intrauterine contraceptive devices in women in Xinjiang on a mass basis. The goal is for over 80 per cent of minority women to have IUD inserted or to be sterilised. The second aspect is a draconian punishment of illegal or extra births by placing violators into internment camps. The third strategy is to mass sterilisation of women. I came across evidence. The documents planned for mass-sterilisation in 2019 in one Uighur county for 14 per cent of all women of free productive age. And at the same time, I have been able to get the evidence that up to 2 million Han Chinese settlers have been attracted to Xinjiang through promises of government job and free housing and free land. Overall, it is clear that Beijing pursuing a strategy of ethno racial supremacy in the region trying to dominate the Muslim minorities. WION: Why do you think that the Chinese Communist party is forcibly putting Muslims women to forced sterilisation? Zenz: The Uighurs have long been a very troublesome and problematic minority for Beijing culturally and spiritually they're much closer to the eastern border than to Beijing. In 1949, Mao Zedong invaded Xinjiang with the Chinese Army and ever since then, relations have been troubled and restive. In 2009, the unrest boiled over with the uprising in the capital of Xinjiang which likely caused the deaths of thousands of Uighurs and also of a significant number of Han. In 2014, Uighur separatists carried out a range of attacks on places outside of Xijiang and since then-president Xi Jinping decided to crack down with no mercy in a very harsh and relentless manner. In 2017, the Uighurs were placed into internment camps and 1 to 2 million adults -- mostly men -- were estimated to be put into extralegal camps. They have no legal recourse and there are reports of torture and mistreatment. China is trying to control the Uighur population in every possible respect and this includes population growth. The Chinese want to capture the young generation of Uighurs. They are placing them already in boarding schools that are full-time with high walls and barbed wire and cameras, where they are separated from parents, but they learned to sing songs of praise to Xi Jinping but they're not allowed to speak their own language and they cannot practice their religion. It's illegal to practise any form of religion in the state's schooling system. So the population control and the master sterilisation campaign is part of the strategy to forcibly assimilate the Uighurs, and also in a sense to break their soul to change who they are and to forcibly assimilate them into the Chinese regime. WION: Why does what the Chinese government is doing in Xinjiang meet the criteria for Genocide as defined by the United Nations? Can you explain that more to us? Zenz: What Beijing has done in Xinjiang so far has qualified as cultural genocide. This is not a legally defined term. But what scholars and anthropologists mean by this is when a government is targetting the culture of an ethnic group, the culture, the religion, the language that what makes a distinct. It's also referred to as ethnocide, cultural genocide, slow genocide -- different ways of calling the same thing. Now, however for the first time with the systematic campaign to prevent births, and to sterilise Uighur women, we have evidence that Beijing's actions in Xinjiang meet one of the criteria of the United Nations Convention for the prevention and punishment of the crime of genocide, which is the prevention of births.

China needs to face economic losses for genocide on Uighurs, says expert

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