In a horrifying account revealed by female survivors who have come forward with gut-wrenching testimonials detailing the torture they endured while being imprisoned in a so-called ‘re-education camp' across the Xinjiang province in the People’s Republic of China. Their stories published by the Daily Mail, alleges sadistic conditions – systematic torture, mass sterilisation, mysterious injections, organ extractions and gang rape.&nbsp;Prisoners' testimony shows they were being wrapped in a ‘tiger chair’ with their legs tied to a bench as bricks attached to the bottom of their feet forced their legs backwards, causing them unimaginable pain.&nbsp;<h2>Testimony of survivors</h2>Sayragul Sauytbay, a Uyghur Muslim, in 2017, was forced into a camp to teach other prisoners Mandarin. After being released in a 2019 interview with the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, she detailed the horrific world inside the prison. The prisoners were shackled, sleep deprived and subjected to humiliating punishments. She also described that those punishments were carried out in a 'black room'. She compared the savagery of those prisons in the Xinjiang region with that of the Jewish concentration camps.&nbsp;She described a gruesome incident where an elderly woman's skin was removed from her body slowly, for a minor act of defiance. Other tortures included being forced to sit on a chair covered with nails, beatings with electrified truncheons and having fingernails torn out.&nbsp;She also said there was constant surveillance with cameras and a centralised control room just like the 'panopticon' conceived by Jeremy Bentham.&nbsp;Women were raped and others were forced to watch the act and guards were monitoring their reaction.&nbsp;'While they were raping her they checked to see how we were reacting. People who turned their head or closed their eyes, and those who looked angry or shocked, were taken away and we never saw them again,' said Sauytbay ‘It was awful. I will never forget the feeling of helplessness, of not being able to help her.’Mihirgul Tursun, a prisoner who escaped a detention camp, detailed the torture and abuse she experienced at the hands of Chinese authorities. In a 2018 press conference in Washington, she said that she was interrogated for four days without sleep. She was forced to shave her head and was subjected to intrusive medical examinations. She recalled one incident where she was taken to a room where she was placed in a high chair, and her legs and arms were locked in place.&nbsp;'The authorities put a helmet-like thing on my head, and each time I was electrocuted, my whole body would shake violently and I would feel the pain in my veins,' Tursun said.'I don't remember the rest. White foam came out of my mouth, and I began to lose consciousness,' Tursun said. 'The last word I heard them saying is that you being a Uyghur is a crime.'A more chilling incident, Cheng Pei Ming, a survivor who was persecuted by the Chinese authorities for his religious beliefs. He was taken to a hospital where the doctors pressured him to sign a consent form; on refusing to do so, he was injected with a substance which made him unconscious. When he woke up, he saw a large incision down the left side of his chest. On thorough examination, he figured out that part of his lung and liver had been taken. &nbsp;China denies any claims of wrongdoing; however, &nbsp;according to the report by Daily Mail, they admitted that organs were taken from executed prisoners up until 2015.<h2>Human rights situation of Uyghur Muslims</h2>According to rights groups, since 2014, China has committed serious human rights abuses against Uyghurs and other Turkic Muslim minorities in Xinjiang. Over a million people are suffering in concentration camps, which the Chinese authority calls re-education camps. In addition to the detention camps, there were cases of forced sterilisation, forced contraception, and forced abortion. According to the statistics of the Chinese government, the birth rate of Uyghurs fell by 60 per cent in 2017-18.Speaking at the 59th Session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, World Uyghur Congress former president and a leading Uyghur rights advocate, Dolkun Isa, said, "The situation of Uyghurs in East Turkestan is still dire. Still, a million people are suffering in concentration camps. Forced labour is still an issue. There are still one million Uyghur children separated from their families and subjected to forced labour. Forced separation is still the case in East Turkestan.""In the last couple of years, the Chinese government has been organising propaganda tours, bringing some journalists, particularly from Global Sources and even some Western countries, inviting them and just showing them around. They use these delegations as propaganda tools, trying to whitewash the ongoing genocide in East Turkestan against the Uyghurs," he saidChinese security agencies started an orchestrated campaign against Uyghurs in 1996, after alleged separatism and illegal religious activities, prompting many to flee to Afghanistan, Pakistan, and the Central Asian Republics. Many critics say US security agencies were involved in stirring up unrest in the Xinjiang region. The crackdown by the Chinese Communist Party has been hard, while many equate it to another genocide.&nbsp;

Surrviovor testimony reveal sadistic conditions; torture, rape and organ Harvesting in China’s secret prisons for Uyghur Muslim which Chinese government calls  ‘re-education camp'.

In a horrifying account revealed by female survivors who have come forward with gut-wrenching testimonials detailing the torture they endured while being imprisoned in a so-called ‘re-education camp' across the Xinjiang province in the People’s Republic of China. Their stories published by the Daily Mail, alleges sadistic conditions – systematic torture, mass sterilisation, mysterious injections, organ extractions and gang rape. Prisoners' testimony shows they were being wrapped in a ‘tiger chair’ with their legs tied to a bench as bricks attached to the bottom of their feet forced their legs backwards, causing them unimaginable pain. Testimony of survivors Sayragul Sauytbay, a Uyghur Muslim, in 2017, was forced into a camp to teach other prisoners Mandarin. After being released in a 2019 interview with the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, she detailed the horrific world inside the prison. The prisoners were shackled, sleep deprived and subjected to humiliating punishments. She also described that those punishments were carried out in a 'black room'. She compared the savagery of those prisons in the Xinjiang region with that of the Jewish concentration camps. She described a gruesome incident where an elderly woman's skin was removed from her body slowly, for a minor act of defiance. Other tortures included being forced to sit on a chair covered with nails, beatings with electrified truncheons and having fingernails torn out. She also said there was constant surveillance with cameras and a centralised control room just like the 'panopticon' conceived by Jeremy Bentham. Women were raped and others were forced to watch the act and guards were monitoring their reaction. 'While they were raping her they checked to see how we were reacting. People who turned their head or closed their eyes, and those who looked angry or shocked, were taken away and we never saw them again,' said Sauytbay ‘It was awful. I will never forget the feeling of helplessness, of not being able to help her.’ Mihirgul Tursun, a prisoner who escaped a detention camp, detailed the torture and abuse she experienced at the hands of Chinese authorities. In a 2018 press conference in Washington, she said that she was interrogated for four days without sleep. She was forced to shave her head and was subjected to intrusive medical examinations. She recalled one incident where she was taken to a room where she was placed in a high chair, and her legs and arms were locked in place. 'The authorities put a helmet-like thing on my head, and each time I was electrocuted, my whole body would shake violently and I would feel the pain in my veins,' Tursun said. 'I don't remember the rest. White foam came out of my mouth, and I began to lose consciousness,' Tursun said. 'The last word I heard them saying is that you being a Uyghur is a crime.' A more chilling incident, Cheng Pei Ming, a survivor who was persecuted by the Chinese authorities for his religious beliefs. He was taken to a hospital where the doctors pressured him to sign a consent form; on refusing to do so, he was injected with a substance which made him unconscious. When he woke up, he saw a large incision down the left side of his chest. On thorough examination, he figured out that part of his lung and liver had been taken. China denies any claims of wrongdoing; however, according to the report by Daily Mail, they admitted that organs were taken from executed prisoners up until 2015. Human rights situation of Uyghur Muslims According to rights groups, since 2014, China has committed serious human rights abuses against Uyghurs and other Turkic Muslim minorities in Xinjiang. Over a million people are suffering in concentration camps, which the Chinese authority calls re-education camps. In addition to the detention camps, there were cases of forced sterilisation, forced contraception, and forced abortion. According to the statistics of the Chinese government, the birth rate of Uyghurs fell by 60 per cent in 2017-18. Speaking at the 59th Session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, World Uyghur Congress former president and a leading Uyghur rights advocate, Dolkun Isa, said, "The situation of Uyghurs in East Turkestan is still dire. Still, a million people are suffering in concentration camps. Forced labour is still an issue. There are still one million Uyghur children separated from their families and subjected to forced labour. Forced separation is still the case in East Turkestan." "In the last couple of years, the Chinese government has been organising propaganda tours, bringing some journalists, particularly from Global Sources and even some Western countries, inviting them and just showing them around. They use these delegations as propaganda tools, trying to whitewash the ongoing genocide in East Turkestan against the Uyghurs," he said Chinese security agencies started an orchestrated campaign against Uyghurs in 1996, after alleged separatism and illegal religious activities, prompting many to flee to Afghanistan, Pakistan, and the Central Asian Republics. Many critics say US security agencies were involved in stirring up unrest in the Xinjiang region. The crackdown by the Chinese Communist Party has been hard, while many equate it to another genocide.

Surrviovor testimony reveal sadistic conditions; torture, rape and organ harvesting in China’s secret prisons for Uyghur Muslim in Xinjiang, which Chinese government calls &nbsp;‘re-education camp'.

Inside China's secret prison: Mass sterilisation, organ extractions and gang rape

US President Joe Biden on Wednesday wished Muslims across the world 'Ramadan Kareem' as the holy month of fasting began. However, surprising many, Biden expressed solidarity with China's embattled 'Uyghur' minority population facing an existential crisis.

US President Joe Biden on Wednesday wished Muslims across the world 'Ramadan Kareem' as the holy month of fasting began. However, surprising many, Biden expressed solidarity with China's embattled 'Uyghur' minority population facing an existential crisis. "Today, Jill and I extend our best wishes to Muslim communities across the country and around the world as they begin the Islamic holy month of Ramadan - a time of fasting, renewal, charity, worship and growth," said Biden in the address. "Together with our partners, the United States stands in solidarity with Muslims who continue to face oppression, including Uyghurs in the People's Republic of China, Rohingya in Burma, and other Muslim communities facing persecution around the world," he added. ALSO READ | China faces heat at UNGA over report of atrocities on Uyghurs in Xinjiang The White House resident also referred to earthquake as well as flood victims in Turkey, Syria and Pakistan by adding, “During this sacred time of reflection, the United States also reaffirms our support to Muslim communities suffering hardships and devastation." Biden mentioning the Uyghur Muslims comes at a time when relations between Washington and Beijing are at an all-time low. If the spy balloon saga had barely died down, the recent visit to Russia by Chinese President Xi Jinping has further driven the wedge between the relations. For a long time, China has been accused by the western world, especially the US of undertaking a genocide of the Uyghur Muslim populace in the Xinjiang province. In a report released by the UN last year, China's actions in Xinjiang were dubbed as 'crimes against humanity'. The report had been in the works for years and was released despite Chinese efforts to delay or block it. WATCH | Gravitas Plus: Uyghur genocide: Speak up, Islamic world × Chinese President Xi Jinping on multiple occasions has made it clear that Islam can only exist in China if it is reformed according to Chinese orientation. The country has admitted that it runs concentration camps, which it dubs 'vocational training camps'. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Joe Biden mentions 'Uyghur Muslims' in his Ramadan wish, expresses solidarity

In response to a proposal about the relocation of Uyghur Muslims, China urged Canada on Thursday (February 2), to abstain from utilising&nbsp;Xinjiang-related concerns for "political manipulation." On Wednesday, (February 1), the Canadian Parliament unanimously passed a non-binding proposal for the two-year relocation of 10,000 Uyghur Muslim migrants from China's Xinjiang region into&nbsp;Canada, as per a Reuter's report.

A non-binding proposal to relocate 10,000 Uyghur Muslim migrants from China's Xinjiang province to Canada over the course of two years was approved by the Canadian parliament on Wednesday with a unanimous vote. The House of Commons approved Sameer Zuberi's bill, which also urged the government to acknowledge that Uyghurs and other ethnic Turkic Muslims who have migrated to other countries face "pressure and intimidation" from China to do so, by a vote of 322-0.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-india-enter-deal-that-aims-to-counter-china-on-ai-and-military-557726">US, India enter deal that aims to counter China on AI and military</a>

"At present, Xinjiang's society is safe and stable. The development continues to improve, and people are living and working in peace and happiness. The level of human rights protection for people of all ethnic groups has been continuously improved.&nbsp;We urge the Canadian side to respect the truth, stop political manipulation with ulterior motives on Xinjiang-related issues, stop spreading false information, and misleading the public," Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a regular press briefing.

Also watch |&nbsp;China: Beijing says city has achieved 'temporary herd immunity'

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The region's human rights laws for all ethnic groups are increasing steadily, according to Mao, who also noted that the people of Xinjiang live in peace and work satisfactorily.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

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In response to a proposal about the relocation of Uyghur Muslims, China urged Canada on Thursday (February 2), to abstain from utilising Xinjiang-related concerns for "political manipulation.

In response to a proposal about the relocation of Uyghur Muslims, China urged Canada on Thursday (February 2), to abstain from utilising Xinjiang-related concerns for "political manipulation." On Wednesday, (February 1), the Canadian Parliament unanimously passed a non-binding proposal for the two-year relocation of 10,000 Uyghur Muslim migrants from China's Xinjiang region into Canada, as per a Reuter's report. A non-binding proposal to relocate 10,000 Uyghur Muslim migrants from China's Xinjiang province to Canada over the course of two years was approved by the Canadian parliament on Wednesday with a unanimous vote. The House of Commons approved Sameer Zuberi's bill, which also urged the government to acknowledge that Uyghurs and other ethnic Turkic Muslims who have migrated to other countries face "pressure and intimidation" from China to do so, by a vote of 322-0. Also read | US, India enter deal that aims to counter China on AI and military "At present, Xinjiang's society is safe and stable. The development continues to improve, and people are living and working in peace and happiness. The level of human rights protection for people of all ethnic groups has been continuously improved. We urge the Canadian side to respect the truth, stop political manipulation with ulterior motives on Xinjiang-related issues, stop spreading false information, and misleading the public," Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a regular press briefing. Also watch | China: Beijing says city has achieved 'temporary herd immunity' The region's human rights laws for all ethnic groups are increasing steadily, according to Mao, who also noted that the people of Xinjiang live in peace and work satisfactorily. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

China urges Canada not to engage in 'political manipulation' over Uyghur Muslims

The West-led motion to hold a debate about alleged human rights abuses by China against Uyghurs and other Muslims in the Xinjiang province in UN rights council was rejected by vote on Thursday with Muslim majority nations like&nbsp;Qatar, Indonesia, the United Arab Emirates and Pakistan casting votes against the motion and pre-empting the discussion.

The defeat saw 19 votes polled against, 17 for and 11 abstentions in the voting. The United States, Canada and Britain were among the countries that had brought the motion.

India was one of the countries which abstained from vote, besides&nbsp;Brazil, Mexico, and Ukraine.

This was only the second instance of a motion being rejected in the council's 16-year history. Experts are looking at it as a setback to both accountability efforts, the West's moral authority on human rights and the credibility of the United Nations itself.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-invites-turkey-to-visit-xinjiang-the-ground-zero-of-uyghur-muslims-genocide-503992">China invites Turkey to visit Xinjiang, the ground zero of Uyghur Muslims genocide</a>

"This is a disaster. This is really disappointing," said Dolkun Isa, president of the World Uyghur Congress, whose mother died in a camp and whose two brothers are missing.

"We will never give up but we are really disappointed by the reaction of Muslim countries," he added.

Qatar, Indonesia, the United Arab Emirates and Pakistan were among those who rejected the motion. Pakistan said the vote risked alienating China. Phil Lynch, director of the International Service for Human Rights, called the voting record "shameful" on Twitter.

China's foreign ministry issued a statement late Thursday, saying, "Xinjiang-related issues are not human rights issues at all, but issues of counter-terrorism, de-radicalisation and anti-separatism."

The post further said that the motion was an attempt by the United States and some Western countries to "use the UN human rights body to interfere in China's internal affairs".

China's envoy had warned before the vote that the motion would create a precedent for examining other countries' human rights records.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/leaked-documents-reveal-chinas-plot-to-oppress-the-uyghur-muslims-493121">Leaked documents reveal China's plot to oppress the Uyghur Muslims</a>

"Today China is targeted. Tomorrow any other developing country will be targeted," said Chen Xu, adding that a debate would lead to "new confrontations".

The UN rights office had released a long-delayed report on August 31 that found serious human rights violations in Xinjiang that may constitute crimes against humanity.

Rights groups accuse Beijing of abuses against Uyghurs, a mainly Muslim ethnic minority that numbers around 10 million in the western region of Xinjiang, including the mass use of forced labour in internment camps.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

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The West-led motion to hold a debate about alleged human rights abuses by China against Uyghurs and other Muslims in the Xinjiang province in UN rights council was rejected by vote on Thursday with Muslim majority nations like Qatar, Indonesia, the United Arab Emirates and Pakistan casting votes against the motion and pre-empting the discussion.

The West-led motion to hold a debate about alleged human rights abuses by China against Uyghurs and other Muslims in the Xinjiang province in UN rights council was rejected by vote on Thursday with Muslim majority nations like Qatar, Indonesia, the United Arab Emirates and Pakistan casting votes against the motion and pre-empting the discussion. The defeat saw 19 votes polled against, 17 for and 11 abstentions in the voting. The United States, Canada and Britain were among the countries that had brought the motion. India was one of the countries which abstained from vote, besides Brazil, Mexico, and Ukraine. This was only the second instance of a motion being rejected in the council's 16-year history. Experts are looking at it as a setback to both accountability efforts, the West's moral authority on human rights and the credibility of the United Nations itself. Also Read | China invites Turkey to visit Xinjiang, the ground zero of Uyghur Muslims genocide "This is a disaster. This is really disappointing," said Dolkun Isa, president of the World Uyghur Congress, whose mother died in a camp and whose two brothers are missing. "We will never give up but we are really disappointed by the reaction of Muslim countries," he added. Qatar, Indonesia, the United Arab Emirates and Pakistan were among those who rejected the motion. Pakistan said the vote risked alienating China. Phil Lynch, director of the International Service for Human Rights, called the voting record "shameful" on Twitter. China's foreign ministry issued a statement late Thursday, saying, "Xinjiang-related issues are not human rights issues at all, but issues of counter-terrorism, de-radicalisation and anti-separatism." The post further said that the motion was an attempt by the United States and some Western countries to "use the UN human rights body to interfere in China's internal affairs". China's envoy had warned before the vote that the motion would create a precedent for examining other countries' human rights records. Also Read | Leaked documents reveal China's plot to oppress the Uyghur Muslims "Today China is targeted. Tomorrow any other developing country will be targeted," said Chen Xu, adding that a debate would lead to "new confrontations". The UN rights office had released a long-delayed report on August 31 that found serious human rights violations in Xinjiang that may constitute crimes against humanity. Rights groups accuse Beijing of abuses against Uyghurs, a mainly Muslim ethnic minority that numbers around 10 million in the western region of Xinjiang, including the mass use of forced labour in internment camps. (With inputs from agencies)

Qatar, Indonesia, UAE, Pakistan vote against UN debate on China's oppression of Uyghurs

It has been nearly three weeks since United Nations released the much-delayed report on China's human rights abuses in the Xinjiang region targeting Uyghur Muslims.

It has been nearly three weeks since United Nations released the much-delayed report on China's human rights abuses in the Xinjiang region targeting Uyghur Muslims. Now, as the world leaders and diplomats descend for the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) meeting in New York, China is facing the heat. Reportedly, diplomats and human rights activists are dialing up the pressure on Beijing by calling it to take responsibility for its actions. Fernand de Varennes, the UN’s special rapporteur on minority rights stated that 'inaction is no longer possible' on the issue. "If we allow this to go unpunished, what kind of message is being propagated?,” he added. Meanwhile, Jeffrey Prescott, deputy US ambassador to the UN questioned the credibility of the world body if the atrocities were not addressed. “How these atrocities are addressed goes ultimately to the credibility of that system, to the credibility of our international system itself. It’s deeply disheartening to see a country that has been so central to the creation of the modern UN system, and enjoys its status as a permanent member of the Security Council, so profoundly violating its commitments,” said Prescott. Read more: West mulling to table resolution at UN against China’s abuses in Xinjiang As reported extensively by WION, the report released earlier this month called China's action in Xinjiang 'crimes against humanity'. The report had been in the works for years and was released despite multiple Chinese efforts to delay or block it. After the report was released, China reacted aggressively by issuing a 122-page rebuttal, calling the report a 'patchwork of false information'. Beijing also cited carefully choreographed visits by journalists, diplomats, and, most recently, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet, as validating its claims. Read more: Why is China so angry over UN report on Xinjiang? Chinese President Xi Jinping on multiple occasions has made it clear that Islam can only exist in China if it is reformed according to Chinese orientation. The country has admitted that it runs concentration camps, which it dubs as 'vocational training camps'. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

China faces heat at UNGA over report of atrocities on Uyghurs in Xinjiang

A far-reaching bill aimed at barring products made with forced labour in China became law after President Joe Biden signed the bill Thursday.

But the next four months — during which the Biden administration will convene hearings to investigate how pervasive forced labour is and what to do about it — will be crucial in determining how far the legislation goes in altering the behaviour of companies that source products from China.

While it is against U.S. law to knowingly import goods made with slave labour, the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act shifts the burden of proof to companies from customs officials. Firms will have to proactively prove that their factories, and those of all their suppliers, do not use slavery or coercion.

The law, which passed the House and Senate nearly unanimously, is Washington’s first comprehensive effort to police supply chains that the United States says exploit persecuted minorities, and its impact could be sweeping. A wide range of products and raw materials — such as petroleum, cotton, minerals and sugar — flow from the Xinjiang region of China, where accusations of forced labour proliferate. Those materials are often used in Chinese factories that manufacture products for global companies.

“I anticipate that there will be many companies — even entire industries — that will be taken by surprise when they realize that their supply chains can also be traced back to the Uyghur region,” said Laura Murphy, a professor of human rights and contemporary slavery at Sheffield Hallam University in Britain.

If the law is enforced as written, it could force many companies to rework how they do business or risk having products blocked at the U.S. border. Those high stakes are expected to set off a crush of lobbying by companies trying to ease the burden on their industries as the government writes the guidelines that importers must follow.

“Genuine, effective enforcement will most likely mean there will be pushback by corporations and an attempt to create loopholes,” said Cathy Feingold, the international director of the AFL-CIO. “So the implementation will be key.”

Behind-the-scenes negotiations before the bill’s passage provided an early indication of how consequential the legislation could be for some of America’s biggest companies, as business groups like the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and brand names like Nike and Coca-Cola worked to limit the bill’s scope.

The Biden administration has labelled the Chinese government’s actions in Xinjiang — including the detention of more than 1 million Uyghurs and other predominantly Muslim minorities, as well as forced conversions, sterilization and arbitrary or unlawful killings — as genocide.

Human rights experts say that Beijing’s policies of moving Uyghurs into farms and factories that feed the global supply chain is an integral part of its repression in Xinjiang, an attempt to assimilate minorities and strip them of their culture and religion.

In a statement last week, Jen Psaki, the White House press secretary, said that Biden welcomed the bill’s passage and agreed with Congress “that action can and must be taken to hold the People’s Republic of China accountable for genocide and human rights abuses and to address forced labour in Xinjiang.” She added that the administration would “work closely with Congress to implement this bill to ensure global supply chains are free of forced labour.”

Yet some members of the administration argued behind closed doors that the bill’s scope could overwhelm U.S. regulators and lead to further supply chain disruptions at a time when inflation is accelerating at a nearly 40-year high, according to interviews with more than two dozen government officials, members of Congress and their staff. Some officials also expressed concerns that an aggressive ban on Chinese imports could put the administration’s goals for fighting climate change at risk, given China’s dominance of solar panels and components to make them, people familiar with the discussions said.

John Kerry, Biden’s special envoy for climate change, and Wendy R. Sherman, the deputy secretary of state, separately conveyed some of those concerns in calls to Democratic members of Congress in recent months, according to four people familiar with the discussions.

Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., one of the bill’s lead authors, criticized those looking to limit its impact, saying that companies that want to continue to import products and officials who are reluctant to rock the boat with China “are not just going to give up.” He added, “They’re all going to try to weigh in on how it’s implemented.”

One reason the stakes are so high is because of the critical role that Xinjiang may play in many supply chains. The region, twice the size of Texas, is rich in raw materials like coal and oil and crops like tomatoes, lavender and hops; it is also a significant producer of electronics, sneakers and clothing. By some estimates, it provides one-fifth of the world’s cotton and 45% of the world’s polysilicon, a key ingredient for solar panels.

Xinjiang’s substantial presence in the solar supply chain has been a key source of tension in the Biden administration, which is counting on solar power to help the United States reach its goal of significantly cutting carbon emissions by the end of the decade.

In meetings this year, Biden administration officials weighed how difficult it would be for importers to bypass Xinjiang and relocate supply chains for solar goods and other products, according to three government officials. Officials from the Labor Department and the United States trade representative were more sympathetic to a far-reaching ban on Xinjiang goods, according to three people familiar with the discussions. Some officials in charge of climate, energy and the economy argued against a sweeping ban, saying it would wreak havoc on supply chains or compromise the fight against climate change, those people said.

Ana Hinojosa, who was the executive director of Customs and Border Protection and led the government’s enforcement of forced labour provisions until she left the post in October, said that agencies responsible for “competing priorities” like climate change had voiced concerns about the legislation’s impact. Companies and various government agencies became nervous that the law’s broad authorities could prove “devastating to the U.S. economy,” she said.

“The need to improve our clean energy is real and important, but not something that the government or the U.S. should do on the backs of people who are working under conditions of modern-day slavery,” Hinojosa added.

In a call with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California this year, Kerry conveyed concerns about disrupting solar supply chains while Sherman shared her concerns with Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., according to people familiar with the conversations.

Merkley, one of the lead sponsors of the bill, said in an interview that Sherman told him she was concerned the legislation was not duly “targeted and deliberative.” The conversation was first reported by The Washington Post.

“I think this is a targeted and deliberative approach,” Merkley said. “And I think the administration is starting to see how strongly Republicans and Democrats in both chambers feel about this.”

A State Department official said that Sherman did not initiate the call and did not express opposition to the bill. Whitney Smith, a spokesperson for Kerry, said any accusations he lobbied against the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act were “false.” Pelosi declined to discuss private conversations.

Nury Turkel, a Uyghur American lawyer who is the vice chairman of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, said the United States must “tackle both genocide and ecocide.”

“Policymakers and climate activists are making it a choice between saving the world and turning a blind eye to the enslavement of Uyghurs,” he said. “It is false, and we cannot allow ourselves to be forced into it.”

Administration officials have also argued that the United States can take a strong stance against forced labour while developing a robust solar supply chain. Emily Horne, a spokesperson for the National Security Council, said that Biden “believes what is going on in Xinjiang is genocide” and that the administration had taken a range of actions to combat human rights abuses in the region, including financial sanctions, visa restrictions, export controls, import restrictions and a diplomatic boycott of the 2022 Beijing Olympics in February.

“We have taken action to hold the PRC accountable for its human rights abuses and to address forced labour in Xinjiang,” Horne said, using the abbreviation for the People’s Republic of China. “And we will continue to do so.”

The law highlights the delicate U.S.-China relationship, in which policymakers must figure out how to confront anti-Democratic practices while the United States is economically dependent on Chinese factories. China remains the largest supplier of goods to the United States.

One of the biggest hurdles for U.S. businesses is determining whether their products touched Xinjiang at any point in the supply chain. Many companies complain that beyond their direct suppliers, they lack the leverage to demand information from the Chinese firms that manufacture raw materials and parts.

Government restrictions that bar foreigners from unfettered access to sites in Xinjiang have made it difficult for many businesses to investigate their supply chains. New Chinese anti-sanctions rules, which threaten penalties against companies that comply with U.S. restrictions, have made vetting even more difficult.

The Chinese government denies forced labour is used in Xinjiang. Zhao Lijian, a government spokesperson, said U.S. politicians were “seeking to contain China and hold back China’s development through political manipulation and economic bullying in the name of ‘human rights.’” He promised a “resolute response” if the bill became law.

Lawmakers struggled over the past year to reconcile a more aggressive House version of the legislation with one in the Senate, which gave companies longer timelines to make changes and stripped out the SEC reporting requirement, among other differences.

The final bill included a mechanism to create lists of entities and products that use forced labour or aid in the transfer of persecuted workers to factories around China. Businesses like Apple had lobbied for the creation of such lists, believing they would provide more certainty for businesses seeking to avoid entities of concern.

A far-reaching bill aimed at barring products made with forced labour in China became law after President Joe Biden signed the bill Thursday. But the next four months — during which the Biden administration will convene hearings to investigate how pervasive forced labour is and what to do about it — will be crucial in determining how far the legislation goes in altering the behaviour of companies that source products from China.

A far-reaching bill aimed at barring products made with forced labour in China became law after President Joe Biden signed the bill Thursday. But the next four months — during which the Biden administration will convene hearings to investigate how pervasive forced labour is and what to do about it — will be crucial in determining how far the legislation goes in altering the behaviour of companies that source products from China. While it is against U.S. law to knowingly import goods made with slave labour, the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act shifts the burden of proof to companies from customs officials. Firms will have to proactively prove that their factories, and those of all their suppliers, do not use slavery or coercion. The law, which passed the House and Senate nearly unanimously, is Washington’s first comprehensive effort to police supply chains that the United States says exploit persecuted minorities, and its impact could be sweeping. A wide range of products and raw materials — such as petroleum, cotton, minerals and sugar — flow from the Xinjiang region of China, where accusations of forced labour proliferate. Those materials are often used in Chinese factories that manufacture products for global companies. “I anticipate that there will be many companies — even entire industries — that will be taken by surprise when they realize that their supply chains can also be traced back to the Uyghur region,” said Laura Murphy, a professor of human rights and contemporary slavery at Sheffield Hallam University in Britain. If the law is enforced as written, it could force many companies to rework how they do business or risk having products blocked at the U.S. border. Those high stakes are expected to set off a crush of lobbying by companies trying to ease the burden on their industries as the government writes the guidelines that importers must follow. “Genuine, effective enforcement will most likely mean there will be pushback by corporations and an attempt to create loopholes,” said Cathy Feingold, the international director of the AFL-CIO. “So the implementation will be key.” Behind-the-scenes negotiations before the bill’s passage provided an early indication of how consequential the legislation could be for some of America’s biggest companies, as business groups like the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and brand names like Nike and Coca-Cola worked to limit the bill’s scope. The Biden administration has labelled the Chinese government’s actions in Xinjiang — including the detention of more than 1 million Uyghurs and other predominantly Muslim minorities, as well as forced conversions, sterilization and arbitrary or unlawful killings — as genocide. Human rights experts say that Beijing’s policies of moving Uyghurs into farms and factories that feed the global supply chain is an integral part of its repression in Xinjiang, an attempt to assimilate minorities and strip them of their culture and religion. In a statement last week, Jen Psaki, the White House press secretary, said that Biden welcomed the bill’s passage and agreed with Congress “that action can and must be taken to hold the People’s Republic of China accountable for genocide and human rights abuses and to address forced labour in Xinjiang.” She added that the administration would “work closely with Congress to implement this bill to ensure global supply chains are free of forced labour.” Yet some members of the administration argued behind closed doors that the bill’s scope could overwhelm U.S. regulators and lead to further supply chain disruptions at a time when inflation is accelerating at a nearly 40-year high, according to interviews with more than two dozen government officials, members of Congress and their staff. Some officials also expressed concerns that an aggressive ban on Chinese imports could put the administration’s goals for fighting climate change at risk, given China’s dominance of solar panels and components to make them, people familiar with the discussions said. John Kerry, Biden’s special envoy for climate change, and Wendy R. Sherman, the deputy secretary of state, separately conveyed some of those concerns in calls to Democratic members of Congress in recent months, according to four people familiar with the discussions. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., one of the bill’s lead authors, criticized those looking to limit its impact, saying that companies that want to continue to import products and officials who are reluctant to rock the boat with China “are not just going to give up.” He added, “They’re all going to try to weigh in on how it’s implemented.” One reason the stakes are so high is because of the critical role that Xinjiang may play in many supply chains. The region, twice the size of Texas, is rich in raw materials like coal and oil and crops like tomatoes, lavender and hops; it is also a significant producer of electronics, sneakers and clothing. By some estimates, it provides one-fifth of the world’s cotton and 45% of the world’s polysilicon, a key ingredient for solar panels. Xinjiang’s substantial presence in the solar supply chain has been a key source of tension in the Biden administration, which is counting on solar power to help the United States reach its goal of significantly cutting carbon emissions by the end of the decade. In meetings this year, Biden administration officials weighed how difficult it would be for importers to bypass Xinjiang and relocate supply chains for solar goods and other products, according to three government officials. Officials from the Labor Department and the United States trade representative were more sympathetic to a far-reaching ban on Xinjiang goods, according to three people familiar with the discussions. Some officials in charge of climate, energy and the economy argued against a sweeping ban, saying it would wreak havoc on supply chains or compromise the fight against climate change, those people said. Ana Hinojosa, who was the executive director of Customs and Border Protection and led the government’s enforcement of forced labour provisions until she left the post in October, said that agencies responsible for “competing priorities” like climate change had voiced concerns about the legislation’s impact. Companies and various government agencies became nervous that the law’s broad authorities could prove “devastating to the U.S. economy,” she said. “The need to improve our clean energy is real and important, but not something that the government or the U.S. should do on the backs of people who are working under conditions of modern-day slavery,” Hinojosa added. In a call with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California this year, Kerry conveyed concerns about disrupting solar supply chains while Sherman shared her concerns with Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., according to people familiar with the conversations. Merkley, one of the lead sponsors of the bill, said in an interview that Sherman told him she was concerned the legislation was not duly “targeted and deliberative.” The conversation was first reported by The Washington Post. “I think this is a targeted and deliberative approach,” Merkley said. “And I think the administration is starting to see how strongly Republicans and Democrats in both chambers feel about this.” A State Department official said that Sherman did not initiate the call and did not express opposition to the bill. Whitney Smith, a spokesperson for Kerry, said any accusations he lobbied against the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act were “false.” Pelosi declined to discuss private conversations. Nury Turkel, a Uyghur American lawyer who is the vice chairman of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, said the United States must “tackle both genocide and ecocide.” “Policymakers and climate activists are making it a choice between saving the world and turning a blind eye to the enslavement of Uyghurs,” he said. “It is false, and we cannot allow ourselves to be forced into it.” Administration officials have also argued that the United States can take a strong stance against forced labour while developing a robust solar supply chain. Emily Horne, a spokesperson for the National Security Council, said that Biden “believes what is going on in Xinjiang is genocide” and that the administration had taken a range of actions to combat human rights abuses in the region, including financial sanctions, visa restrictions, export controls, import restrictions and a diplomatic boycott of the 2022 Beijing Olympics in February. “We have taken action to hold the PRC accountable for its human rights abuses and to address forced labour in Xinjiang,” Horne said, using the abbreviation for the People’s Republic of China. “And we will continue to do so.” The law highlights the delicate U.S.-China relationship, in which policymakers must figure out how to confront anti-Democratic practices while the United States is economically dependent on Chinese factories. China remains the largest supplier of goods to the United States. One of the biggest hurdles for U.S. businesses is determining whether their products touched Xinjiang at any point in the supply chain. Many companies complain that beyond their direct suppliers, they lack the leverage to demand information from the Chinese firms that manufacture raw materials and parts. Government restrictions that bar foreigners from unfettered access to sites in Xinjiang have made it difficult for many businesses to investigate their supply chains. New Chinese anti-sanctions rules, which threaten penalties against companies that comply with U.S. restrictions, have made vetting even more difficult. The Chinese government denies forced labour is used in Xinjiang. Zhao Lijian, a government spokesperson, said U.S. politicians were “seeking to contain China and hold back China’s development through political manipulation and economic bullying in the name of ‘human rights.’” He promised a “resolute response” if the bill became law. Lawmakers struggled over the past year to reconcile a more aggressive House version of the legislation with one in the Senate, which gave companies longer timelines to make changes and stripped out the SEC reporting requirement, among other differences. The final bill included a mechanism to create lists of entities and products that use forced labour or aid in the transfer of persecuted workers to factories around China. Businesses like Apple had lobbied for the creation of such lists, believing they would provide more certainty for businesses seeking to avoid entities of concern.

US effort to combat forced labour targets corporate China ties

Human rights activists on Thursday called on China to release an Uyghur scholar, who was sentenced seven years ago to life in prison for "separatism," for raising his voice against discrimination against Uyghurs in northwest China's Xinjiang region, according to a media report.

"Human rights activists on Thursday called on China to release jailed Uyghur academic Ilham Tohti, sentenced seven years ago to life in prison for "separatism," for his advocacy work in northwest China's Xinjiang region, while his daughter says his family does not even know his whereabouts," Radio Free Asia (RFA) reported.

An economist at the Central University for Nationalities in Beijing, Tohti pushed for a peaceful solution for Uyghur issues and equal rights for the persecuted group, submitting his proposals to the Chinese government for improving relations between Uyghurs and Han Chinese, said the report.

Tohti also ran the Uyghur Online website, formerly at uyghurbiz.net, set up in 2006 as an advisory platform for Uyghur intellectuals to promote voices from within their community.

According to the publication, the website also drew attention to the discrimination facing Uyghurs in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) under Beijing's rule, as authorities tried to assimilate the ethnic group by restricting religious practises and use of the Uyghur language.

The Chinese government shut down the website several times prior to Tohti's formal arrest in January 2014, citing the politically sensitive nature of its content. He was convicted by the Urumqi Intermediate Court on Sept. 23 of the same year following a two-day trial, the report said.

"It has been seven years since China's unlawful imprisonment of Professor Ilham Tohti. While the international community has called on China to release him from prison ... China has neither released him nor revealed his current whereabouts and health condition, " RFA quoted Dolkun Isa, president of the Germany-based World Uyghur Congress, as saying.

"We call on the United Nations to urge China to release Professor Tohti," he said, adding, "The European Parliament, which awarded him the 2019 Sakharov Prize, should continue to push for Professor Tohti's freedom."

The repression of the Uyghurs has gotten progressively worse since then. China has held up to 1.8 million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities in a network of detention camps since 2017, RFA reported.

Meanwhile, China has been rebuked globally for cracking down on Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang by sending them to mass detention camps, interfering in their religious activities, and subjecting them to abuse, including forced labour.

Beijing, on the other hand, has vehemently denied that it is engaged in human rights abuses against the Uyghurs in Xinjiang while reports from journalists, NGOs and former detainees have surfaced, highlighting the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) brutal crackdown on the ethnic community.

Human rights activists on Thursday called on China to release an Uyghur scholar, who was sentenced seven years ago to life in prison for "separatism," for raising his voice against discrimination against Uyghurs in northwest China's Xinjiang region, according to a media report.

Human rights activists on Thursday called on China to release an Uyghur scholar, who was sentenced seven years ago to life in prison for "separatism," for raising his voice against discrimination against Uyghurs in northwest China's Xinjiang region, according to a media report. "Human rights activists on Thursday called on China to release jailed Uyghur academic Ilham Tohti, sentenced seven years ago to life in prison for "separatism," for his advocacy work in northwest China's Xinjiang region, while his daughter says his family does not even know his whereabouts," Radio Free Asia (RFA) reported. An economist at the Central University for Nationalities in Beijing, Tohti pushed for a peaceful solution for Uyghur issues and equal rights for the persecuted group, submitting his proposals to the Chinese government for improving relations between Uyghurs and Han Chinese, said the report. Tohti also ran the Uyghur Online website, formerly at uyghurbiz.net, set up in 2006 as an advisory platform for Uyghur intellectuals to promote voices from within their community. According to the publication, the website also drew attention to the discrimination facing Uyghurs in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) under Beijing's rule, as authorities tried to assimilate the ethnic group by restricting religious practises and use of the Uyghur language. The Chinese government shut down the website several times prior to Tohti's formal arrest in January 2014, citing the politically sensitive nature of its content. He was convicted by the Urumqi Intermediate Court on Sept. 23 of the same year following a two-day trial, the report said. "It has been seven years since China's unlawful imprisonment of Professor Ilham Tohti. While the international community has called on China to release him from prison ... China has neither released him nor revealed his current whereabouts and health condition, " RFA quoted Dolkun Isa, president of the Germany-based World Uyghur Congress, as saying. "We call on the United Nations to urge China to release Professor Tohti," he said, adding, "The European Parliament, which awarded him the 2019 Sakharov Prize, should continue to push for Professor Tohti's freedom." The repression of the Uyghurs has gotten progressively worse since then. China has held up to 1.8 million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities in a network of detention camps since 2017, RFA reported. Meanwhile, China has been rebuked globally for cracking down on Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang by sending them to mass detention camps, interfering in their religious activities, and subjecting them to abuse, including forced labour. Beijing, on the other hand, has vehemently denied that it is engaged in human rights abuses against the Uyghurs in Xinjiang while reports from journalists, NGOs and former detainees have surfaced, highlighting the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) brutal crackdown on the ethnic community.

Human rights activists call on China to release Uyghur scholar

According to reports, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/burqa-not-part-of-afghan-culture-defiant-women-in-traditional-wear-tell-taliban-412726">Taliban</a> has told Chinese officials that Uyghur militants belonging to East Turkistan Islamic Movement&nbsp;(ETIM) have left Afghanistan.

A Taliban spokesman reportedly told Chinese state media that the Uyghur Islamic group which China had mentioned earlier is not present in the country and "won't be allowed to return".

China has branded the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM) as a terror threat. China is believed to have held over a million Uyghurs in internment camps since 2017 and fears the presence of ETIM in Afghanistan may lead to trouble in the restive Xinjiang region.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/afghan-women-protest-against-taliban-restrictions-fearing-curbs-on-womens-rights-412673/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

China’s state-run Global Times newspaper reported that Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen had said there is no place for anyone to use Afghanistan against other counties.

"Those who are intending to carry out sabotage activities in other countries or have their foreign agenda would not be able to remain in the country," Shaheen was quoted as saying in a warning to ETIM.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/arms-trade-and-terror-how-the-pakistan-afghanistan-china-link-was-established-decades-ago-412566">Read:&nbsp;How the Pakistan-Afghanistan-China link was established decades ago</a>

Last month China had asked the United States to reimpose the ban on ETIM as the Taliban surged through the country and established control over Afghanistan. ETIM is believed to have Al Qaeda&nbsp;and Taliban links.

The United Nations Security Council(UNSC) had listed ETIM as a terrorist organisation in 2002, however, the former Trump administration had removed the group from the US list of terrorist organisations last year amid reports of human rights violations by China against Uygurs in Xinjiang province.

Reports claimed Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar on a visit to China earlier had assured Chinese officials earlier that ETIM will not be allowed to function in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Agencies)

According to reports, the Taliban has told Chinese officials that Uyghur militants belonging to East Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM) have left Afghanistan. A Taliban spokesman reportedly told Chinese state media that the Uyghur Islamic group which China had mentioned earlier is not present in the country and "won't be allowed to return".

According to reports, the Taliban has told Chinese officials that Uyghur militants belonging to East Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM) have left Afghanistan. A Taliban spokesman reportedly told Chinese state media that the Uyghur Islamic group which China had mentioned earlier is not present in the country and "won't be allowed to return". China has branded the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM) as a terror threat. China is believed to have held over a million Uyghurs in internment camps since 2017 and fears the presence of ETIM in Afghanistan may lead to trouble in the restive Xinjiang region. Watch: China’s state-run Global Times newspaper reported that Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen had said there is no place for anyone to use Afghanistan against other counties. "Those who are intending to carry out sabotage activities in other countries or have their foreign agenda would not be able to remain in the country," Shaheen was quoted as saying in a warning to ETIM. Read: How the Pakistan-Afghanistan-China link was established decades ago Last month China had asked the United States to reimpose the ban on ETIM as the Taliban surged through the country and established control over Afghanistan. ETIM is believed to have Al Qaeda and Taliban links. The United Nations Security Council(UNSC) had listed ETIM as a terrorist organisation in 2002, however, the former Trump administration had removed the group from the US list of terrorist organisations last year amid reports of human rights violations by China against Uygurs in Xinjiang province. Reports claimed Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar on a visit to China earlier had assured Chinese officials earlier that ETIM will not be allowed to function in Afghanistan. (With inputs from Agencies)

Uyghur-linked ETIM group has left Afghanistan: Taliban to China

Imran Khan, Pakistan's prime minister, continues to respond with a dead bat to practically every criticism of one of his country's closest partners, China.

In an interview with Axios's Jonathan Swan last week, the cricketer-turned-politician deftly avoided criticising China's persecution of Uyghur Muslims in the Xinjiang region.

When asked about human rights violations in Xinjiang, Khan responded that "this is not the situation".&nbsp;

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.<a href="https://twitter.com/jonathanvswan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jonathanvswan</a> presses Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on why he’s outspoken against Islamophobia in the West but silent about the genocide of Muslim Uyghurs in western China. 
 
Khan: I concentrate on what is happening on my border. 
 
Swan: This is on your border. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AxiosOnHBO?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AxiosOnHBO</a> <a href="https://t.co/QdLfY1qXGL">pic.twitter.com/QdLfY1qXGL</a>
— Axios (@axios) <a href="https://twitter.com/axios/status/1406737769272119302?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 20, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Khan went on to say that he doesn't comment on what's going on in other countries because he's more concerned with what's going on in his own nation and along his border, before adding that the situation in Kashmir is "far more relevant" than what's going on with the Uyghurs.&nbsp; 
 
Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: China's Treatment Of Uighurs: Imran Khan Still Plays Ignorant

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-chinas-treatment-of-uighurs-imran-khan-still-plays-ignorant-254837/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Imran Khan has long aspired to be one of the Muslim world's most recognised leaders. He has been leading a public fight in the West, particularly in Europe, against Islamophobia. Khan gave a stunning statement at the United Nations against Islamophobia and published an open letter inviting other Muslim leaders to join him in his battle.&nbsp;

Despite his efforts on behalf of the Muslim world, he has been completely silent on China's imprisonment of over a million Uyghur Muslim minorities.

This confinement is part of China's policy of forced assimilation, forced labour, and sterilisation, which the United States and numerous Western countries have labelled genocide.&nbsp;

In an interview with a TV channel in 2019, calling China as Pakistan's "best friend", Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan had said he doesn't know much about the situation of persecuted Uyghurs Muslims in China.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/dont-know-much-about-imran-khan-on-situation-of-uighurs-muslims-in-china-249715">Also read | 'Don't know much about': Imran Khan on the situation of Uighurs Muslims in China</a>

China has often been accused of widespread human rights abuses in Xinjiang. Up to 2 million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities are believed to have been placed in mass detention centres in the region, according to the US State Department. These people have allegedly been subject to indoctrination and abuse.

Beijing, however, claims that these centres are voluntary and provide vocational training as part of a de-radicalisation programme in Xinjiang.

Imran Khan, Pakistan's prime minister, continues to respond with a dead bat to practically every criticism of one of his country's closest partners, China. In an interview with Axios's Jonathan Swan last week, the cricketer-turned-politician deftly avoided criticising China's persecution of Uyghur Muslims in the Xinjiang region.

Imran Khan, Pakistan's prime minister, continues to respond with a dead bat to practically every criticism of one of his country's closest partners, China. In an interview with Axios's Jonathan Swan last week, the cricketer-turned-politician deftly avoided criticising China's persecution of Uyghur Muslims in the Xinjiang region. When asked about human rights violations in Xinjiang, Khan responded that "this is not the situation". .@jonathanvswan presses Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on why he’s outspoken against Islamophobia in the West but silent about the genocide of Muslim Uyghurs in western China. Khan: I concentrate on what is happening on my border. Swan: This is on your border. #AxiosOnHBO pic.twitter.com/QdLfY1qXGL — Axios (@axios) June 20, 2021 × Khan went on to say that he doesn't comment on what's going on in other countries because he's more concerned with what's going on in his own nation and along his border, before adding that the situation in Kashmir is "far more relevant" than what's going on with the Uyghurs. Watch | Gravitas: China's Treatment Of Uighurs: Imran Khan Still Plays Ignorant Imran Khan has long aspired to be one of the Muslim world's most recognised leaders. He has been leading a public fight in the West, particularly in Europe, against Islamophobia. Khan gave a stunning statement at the United Nations against Islamophobia and published an open letter inviting other Muslim leaders to join him in his battle. Despite his efforts on behalf of the Muslim world, he has been completely silent on China's imprisonment of over a million Uyghur Muslim minorities. This confinement is part of China's policy of forced assimilation, forced labour, and sterilisation, which the United States and numerous Western countries have labelled genocide. In an interview with a TV channel in 2019, calling China as Pakistan's "best friend", Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan had said he doesn't know much about the situation of persecuted Uyghurs Muslims in China. Also read | 'Don't know much about': Imran Khan on the situation of Uighurs Muslims in China China has often been accused of widespread human rights abuses in Xinjiang. Up to 2 million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities are believed to have been placed in mass detention centres in the region, according to the US State Department. These people have allegedly been subject to indoctrination and abuse. Beijing, however, claims that these centres are voluntary and provide vocational training as part of a de-radicalisation programme in Xinjiang.

Watch: Pakistan PM refuses to criticise China’s Uyghur abuse after decrying Islamophobia elsewhere

Adding to concerns about the inhumane treatment of the Uyghur community in Xinjiang, a new report by Amnesty International, released on Thursday, claims that every former camp detainee had to go through cruel treatment involving torture.&nbsp; 
 
The report relies on interviews with 108 people. This includes 55 camp survivors and several government cadres who worked at the camps.&nbsp;

The in-person interviews were conducted in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkey and remotely in several other countries in Asia, Europe, and North America.&nbsp;

An ex-cadre told Amnesty that the Chinese officials created a week-long bonfire, in an attempt to burn as many documents from an office overseeing the camps. The document burning took place in 2019 after official Chinese government documents hinting towards the planning of the internment camps were leaked.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-accusations-of-genocide-from-the-west-china-policies-could-cut-millions-of-uyghur-births-in-xinjiang-report-389838">Also Read |&nbsp;Amid accusations of genocide from the West, China policies could cut millions of Uyghur births in Xinjiang: Report</a>

The report also reveals the reality behind the 'tours' of the camps. These tours are given by the government to international journalists, in a bid to paint the camps in a positive light.

As per human rights groups and first-hand accounts, more than 1 million Uyghurs and other minorities from Xinjiang are believed to be held in internment camps. Here, the minority communities are forced to study Marxism, renounce their religion, work in factories, and face abuse.&nbsp; 
 
One former detainee, who remains anonymous for safety, told Amnesty that he, along with other detainers, were trained for days on what to say to foreign journalists. As per Amnesty, keeping in mind the risk of detention for people who come out and speak publicly no interviews were conducted in Xinjiang either in person or remotely.

Amnesty has separated torture or ill-treatment into two categories. First, which took place as the results of daily life in the camps, and second, which occurred during interrogations. The torture methods used during interrogations included beatings, electric shocks, stress positions, sleep deprivation, and being hung from a wall.&nbsp;

Another torture method involved being locked in what's called a "tiger chair". It is a steel chair with affixed leg irons and handcuffs that render the body immobile.&nbsp;

Another research done in May claimed that birth rates have fallen in Xinjiang by almost half in the past two years. This comes after the Chinese government implemented policies to reduce the number of babies born in the Uyghur and other Muslim minority communities in the area. The research claims the decline in numbers is more extreme than seen in any global region in the past 71 years of UN fertility data collection. This also includes genocides in Rwanda and Cambodia.

Adding to concerns about the inhumane treatment of the Uyghur community in Xinjiang, a new report by Amnesty International, released on Thursday, claims that every former camp detainee had to go through cruel treatment involving torture.

Adding to concerns about the inhumane treatment of the Uyghur community in Xinjiang, a new report by Amnesty International, released on Thursday, claims that every former camp detainee had to go through cruel treatment involving torture. The report relies on interviews with 108 people. This includes 55 camp survivors and several government cadres who worked at the camps. The in-person interviews were conducted in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkey and remotely in several other countries in Asia, Europe, and North America. An ex-cadre told Amnesty that the Chinese officials created a week-long bonfire, in an attempt to burn as many documents from an office overseeing the camps. The document burning took place in 2019 after official Chinese government documents hinting towards the planning of the internment camps were leaked. Also Read | Amid accusations of genocide from the West, China policies could cut millions of Uyghur births in Xinjiang: Report The report also reveals the reality behind the 'tours' of the camps. These tours are given by the government to international journalists, in a bid to paint the camps in a positive light. As per human rights groups and first-hand accounts, more than 1 million Uyghurs and other minorities from Xinjiang are believed to be held in internment camps. Here, the minority communities are forced to study Marxism, renounce their religion, work in factories, and face abuse. One former detainee, who remains anonymous for safety, told Amnesty that he, along with other detainers, were trained for days on what to say to foreign journalists. As per Amnesty, keeping in mind the risk of detention for people who come out and speak publicly no interviews were conducted in Xinjiang either in person or remotely. Amnesty has separated torture or ill-treatment into two categories. First, which took place as the results of daily life in the camps, and second, which occurred during interrogations. The torture methods used during interrogations included beatings, electric shocks, stress positions, sleep deprivation, and being hung from a wall. Another torture method involved being locked in what's called a "tiger chair". It is a steel chair with affixed leg irons and handcuffs that render the body immobile. Another research done in May claimed that birth rates have fallen in Xinjiang by almost half in the past two years. This comes after the Chinese government implemented policies to reduce the number of babies born in the Uyghur and other Muslim minority communities in the area. The research claims the decline in numbers is more extreme than seen in any global region in the past 71 years of UN fertility data collection. This also includes genocides in Rwanda and Cambodia.

Severe torture and systemic abuses against Uyghur Muslims in China: Amnesty report

A panel of UK-based lawyers and rights experts investigating the plight of&nbsp;Uyghurs&nbsp;in China will begin hearing evidence from witnesses on Friday, as Beijing branded it a "machine producing lies".

The "Uyghur Tribunal" says its nine jurors will hear first-hand testimony of alleged crimes in the northwestern Chinese region of Xinjiang, including forced sterilisation, torture, disappearances and slave labour.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/persecution-of-uyghur-muslims-china-hits-back-at-g7-rights-criticism-383240">Persecution of Uyghur Muslims: China hits back at G7 rights criticism</a>

The organisation, which has no state backing, plans to use the London hearings to issue a verdict on whether Beijing has perpetrated genocide or crimes against humanity against&nbsp;Uyghurs&nbsp;and other Muslim groups in China.

Tribunal vice-chair Nick Vetch declined to comment on China's heated attacks.

But he vowed its work would be "impartial", based on evidence sessions this week and in September and on "thousands of pages" of documentary evidence already amassed.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uyghur-leader-vows-to-fight-against-chinese-atrocities-343350">Uyghur leader vows to fight against Chinese atrocities</a>

"The tribunal is an independent endeavour and it will deal with the evidence and only with the evidence," Vetch told AFP.

"We have invited the PRC (China) to provide us with any evidence they may have. So far we've received nothing from them."

The tribunal plans to deliver its report in December, and while it would have no legal force, participants hope to draw international attention and spur possible action.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-oppression-of-muslims-in-xinjiang-explained-358392">China's oppression of Muslims in Xinjiang, explained</a>

"It will be for states, international institutions, commercial companies, art, medical and educational establishments and individuals to determine how to apply the tribunal's judgement, whatever it may be," the panel has said.

It was set up at the request of the World Uyghur Congress, the largest group representing exiled&nbsp;Uyghurs, which lobbies the international community to take action against China over alleged abuses in Xinjiang.

In March, the tribunal was one of four UK entities and nine individuals sanctioned by Beijing for raising concerns about the treatment of the&nbsp;Uyghurs.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uighur-community-suffering-in-china-says-united-kingdoms-foreign-secretary-dominic-raab-314441">Uighur community suffering in China, says United Kingdom's Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab</a>

'Clumsy PR show'

Its chair Geoffrey Nice, a veteran British lawyer, was named personally on the Chinese sanctions list along with Helena Kennedy, a high-profile rights lawyer who is advising the tribunal.

Nice, who led the UN prosecution for war crimes of the late former Serbian leader Slobodan Milosevic, said at the time the sanctions would not affect the work of the tribunal.&nbsp;

Other members include experts in medicine, education and anthropology.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/40-of-uk-solar-farms-use-panels-from-firms-linked-to-xinjiang-forced-labour-camps-380531">'40% of UK solar farms use panels from firms linked to Xinjiang forced labour camps'</a>

China has not held back in condemning the tribunal.

"It is not&nbsp;even&nbsp;a real tribunal or special court, but only a special machine producing lies," foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said last week.

"It was founded by people with ulterior motives and carries no weight or authority. It is just a clumsy public opinion show under the guise of law," he told reporters.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-grants-asylum-to-hong-kong-democracy-activist-nathan-law-375959">UK grants asylum to Hong Kong democracy activist Nathan Law</a>

The US government accuses China of waging "genocide" in Xinjiang. Britain has declined to use that designation but joined the United States and Germany last month in calling on Beijing to end repression of the Uyghur minority.

Rights groups say up to one million&nbsp;Uyghurs&nbsp;and people from other ethnic-Turkic minorities are detained in internment camps in Xinjiang.

Beijing has repeatedly denied any abuses take place there, saying they are work camps meant to deter extremism and boost incomes.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-g7-biden-will-push-allies-to-act-on-chinas-treatment-of-uighurs-report-379741">At G7, Biden will push allies to act on China's treatment of Uighurs: Report</a>

The tribunal's launch comes a week ahead of a Group of Seven summit in Britain to be joined by US President Joe Biden, who has been urging fellow Western democracies to take a tougher line on China.

Ahead of the summit, G7 foreign ministers last month said they were "deeply concerned" by rights abuses against the&nbsp;Uyghurs&nbsp;and in Tibet, and urged an end to the targeting of pro-democracy leaders in Hong Kong.

A panel of UK-based lawyers and rights experts investigating the plight of Uyghurs in China will begin hearing evidence from witnesses on Friday, as Beijing branded it a "machine producing lies".

A panel of UK-based lawyers and rights experts investigating the plight of Uyghurs in China will begin hearing evidence from witnesses on Friday, as Beijing branded it a "machine producing lies". The "Uyghur Tribunal" says its nine jurors will hear first-hand testimony of alleged crimes in the northwestern Chinese region of Xinjiang, including forced sterilisation, torture, disappearances and slave labour. Also Read | Persecution of Uyghur Muslims: China hits back at G7 rights criticism The organisation, which has no state backing, plans to use the London hearings to issue a verdict on whether Beijing has perpetrated genocide or crimes against humanity against Uyghurs and other Muslim groups in China. Tribunal vice-chair Nick Vetch declined to comment on China's heated attacks. But he vowed its work would be "impartial", based on evidence sessions this week and in September and on "thousands of pages" of documentary evidence already amassed. Also Read | Uyghur leader vows to fight against Chinese atrocities "The tribunal is an independent endeavour and it will deal with the evidence and only with the evidence," Vetch told AFP. "We have invited the PRC (China) to provide us with any evidence they may have. So far we've received nothing from them." The tribunal plans to deliver its report in December, and while it would have no legal force, participants hope to draw international attention and spur possible action. Also Read | China's oppression of Muslims in Xinjiang, explained "It will be for states, international institutions, commercial companies, art, medical and educational establishments and individuals to determine how to apply the tribunal's judgement, whatever it may be," the panel has said. It was set up at the request of the World Uyghur Congress, the largest group representing exiled Uyghurs, which lobbies the international community to take action against China over alleged abuses in Xinjiang. In March, the tribunal was one of four UK entities and nine individuals sanctioned by Beijing for raising concerns about the treatment of the Uyghurs. Also Read | Uighur community suffering in China, says United Kingdom's Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab 'Clumsy PR show' Its chair Geoffrey Nice, a veteran British lawyer, was named personally on the Chinese sanctions list along with Helena Kennedy, a high-profile rights lawyer who is advising the tribunal. Nice, who led the UN prosecution for war crimes of the late former Serbian leader Slobodan Milosevic, said at the time the sanctions would not affect the work of the tribunal. Other members include experts in medicine, education and anthropology. Also Read | '40% of UK solar farms use panels from firms linked to Xinjiang forced labour camps' China has not held back in condemning the tribunal. "It is not even a real tribunal or special court, but only a special machine producing lies," foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said last week. "It was founded by people with ulterior motives and carries no weight or authority. It is just a clumsy public opinion show under the guise of law," he told reporters. Also Read | UK grants asylum to Hong Kong democracy activist Nathan Law The US government accuses China of waging "genocide" in Xinjiang. Britain has declined to use that designation but joined the United States and Germany last month in calling on Beijing to end repression of the Uyghur minority. Rights groups say up to one million Uyghurs and people from other ethnic-Turkic minorities are detained in internment camps in Xinjiang. Beijing has repeatedly denied any abuses take place there, saying they are work camps meant to deter extremism and boost incomes. Also Read | At G7, Biden will push allies to act on China's treatment of Uighurs: Report The tribunal's launch comes a week ahead of a Group of Seven summit in Britain to be joined by US President Joe Biden, who has been urging fellow Western democracies to take a tougher line on China. Ahead of the summit, G7 foreign ministers last month said they were "deeply concerned" by rights abuses against the Uyghurs and in Tibet, and urged an end to the targeting of pro-democracy leaders in Hong Kong.

'Uyghur Tribunal' to convene over abuses as China fumes

China does not like to be spoken about unless the words are praises. Criticisms attract the dragon's wrath and a mention of Xinjiang, fire. If anyone asks for access to Xinjiang, Chinese Imams lie through their teeth.

"Today's Xinjiang enjoys economic development and social stability, and people live in harmony. And we Muslims live a very happy life too. We are grateful to the party and government from the bottom of our heart," says Mamat Juma, Imam of Id Kah mosque.

Let's rewind a little.

On the 12th of May, there was a virtual meeting on the situation in Xinjiang. It was organised by Germany, the US, and the UK. It was co-sponsored by Canada, Australia, New Zealand among others.

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China had tried to stall this meeting. Beijing lobbied against it, asked UN members to stay away. It text-messaged UN ambassadors from 15 western nations, asking them to 'think twice'.

But nothing worked and the virtual event was held. It was attended by 51 countries.

"In Xinjiang, people are being tortured. Women are being forcibly sterilized. Many Uyghur people and other ethnic and religious minorities – who only wish to practice basic freedom of religion, belief, expression, and movement – are being forced to work until they drop," said Linda Thomas-Greenfield during the event. She is USA's ambassador to the UN.

"This is a wider situation, probably one of the worst human rights crises of our time," said Barbara Woodward, UK ambassador to the UN.

"Now the Chinese government claims that this is about fighting terrorism, but frankly Beijing doesn't even pretend that this is a targeted effort. This sweeping broad-based persecution is a blatant attack on Islam and on Uyghur culture. Terrorism is a feeble pretext," said Kenneth Roth, executive director of Human Rights Watch.

Speaker after speaker rebuked China. Some even took on the UN Human Rights Commission for not doing enough. UN Human Rights Commissioner Michelle Bachelet was called out for not joining the event.

"Do not let China's portrayal of critics define your motivation," said Agnes Callamard, secretary-general of Amnesty international.

One country that saw nothing wrong with what was happening in Xinjiang was China.

"Xinjiang is a beautiful, peaceful and prosperous place. Your attempt of using Xinjiang to contain China is doomed to fail," said Guo Jiakun, counsellor, Permanent Mission of the People's Republic of China to the United Nations.

'Xinjiang is peaceful' was his version of the truth. By the end of the event, China was battered with criticism.&nbsp;

The consensus was loud and clear. An immediate, meaningful and unfettered access to Xinjiang.

Cut to the day after.

An event marking the end of Ramzan was organised in Beijing. It was well-orchestrated. Invites were sent out to foreign diplomats. The doors were opened to the press and cameras. And then Beijing paraded some very well-trained Muslim clerics. Each parroting the lines of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

"The anti-China forces in the US and western countries have shown unusual interest to Muslims in Xinjiang," said Abdureqip Tomurniyaz, president of the Islam Association of Xinjiang Uyghur autonomous region.

"Cracking down on religious extremism is to better protect legal religion," said Mamat Juma, Imam of Id Kah mosque.

Over a million Uyghur Muslims have been put in China's concentration camps. Reports say that many have died. Many have been raped, forcefully sterilised. China's minorities are disappearing.

And it may take more than a set of well-trained CCP Imams for China to scrub this genocide from the conscience of the world.

From where we stand, China has been cornered on Xinjiang. And sooner rather than later, it will be made to pay.

China does not like to be spoken about unless the words are praises. Criticisms attract the dragon's wrath and a mention of Xinjiang, fire. If anyone asks for access to Xinjiang, Chinese Imams lie through their teeth.

China does not like to be spoken about unless the words are praises. Criticisms attract the dragon's wrath and a mention of Xinjiang, fire. If anyone asks for access to Xinjiang, Chinese Imams lie through their teeth. "Today's Xinjiang enjoys economic development and social stability, and people live in harmony. And we Muslims live a very happy life too. We are grateful to the party and government from the bottom of our heart," says Mamat Juma, Imam of Id Kah mosque. Let's rewind a little. On the 12th of May, there was a virtual meeting on the situation in Xinjiang. It was organised by Germany, the US, and the UK. It was co-sponsored by Canada, Australia, New Zealand among others. × China had tried to stall this meeting. Beijing lobbied against it, asked UN members to stay away. It text-messaged UN ambassadors from 15 western nations, asking them to 'think twice'. But nothing worked and the virtual event was held. It was attended by 51 countries. "In Xinjiang, people are being tortured. Women are being forcibly sterilized. Many Uyghur people and other ethnic and religious minorities – who only wish to practice basic freedom of religion, belief, expression, and movement – are being forced to work until they drop," said Linda Thomas-Greenfield during the event. She is USA's ambassador to the UN. "This is a wider situation, probably one of the worst human rights crises of our time," said Barbara Woodward, UK ambassador to the UN. "Now the Chinese government claims that this is about fighting terrorism, but frankly Beijing doesn't even pretend that this is a targeted effort. This sweeping broad-based persecution is a blatant attack on Islam and on Uyghur culture. Terrorism is a feeble pretext," said Kenneth Roth, executive director of Human Rights Watch. Speaker after speaker rebuked China. Some even took on the UN Human Rights Commission for not doing enough. UN Human Rights Commissioner Michelle Bachelet was called out for not joining the event. "Do not let China's portrayal of critics define your motivation," said Agnes Callamard, secretary-general of Amnesty international. One country that saw nothing wrong with what was happening in Xinjiang was China. "Xinjiang is a beautiful, peaceful and prosperous place. Your attempt of using Xinjiang to contain China is doomed to fail," said Guo Jiakun, counsellor, Permanent Mission of the People's Republic of China to the United Nations. 'Xinjiang is peaceful' was his version of the truth. By the end of the event, China was battered with criticism. The consensus was loud and clear. An immediate, meaningful and unfettered access to Xinjiang. Cut to the day after. An event marking the end of Ramzan was organised in Beijing. It was well-orchestrated. Invites were sent out to foreign diplomats. The doors were opened to the press and cameras. And then Beijing paraded some very well-trained Muslim clerics. Each parroting the lines of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). "The anti-China forces in the US and western countries have shown unusual interest to Muslims in Xinjiang," said Abdureqip Tomurniyaz, president of the Islam Association of Xinjiang Uyghur autonomous region. "Cracking down on religious extremism is to better protect legal religion," said Mamat Juma, Imam of Id Kah mosque. Over a million Uyghur Muslims have been put in China's concentration camps. Reports say that many have died. Many have been raped, forcefully sterilised. China's minorities are disappearing. And it may take more than a set of well-trained CCP Imams for China to scrub this genocide from the conscience of the world. From where we stand, China has been cornered on Xinjiang. And sooner rather than later, it will be made to pay.

China gets cornered on Xinjiang, deploys imams for defence

China&nbsp;criticised New Zealand Thursday over "groundless" allegations about the ill-treatment of Uyghurs, underlining Wellington's struggle to find a middle ground between its largest trading partner and its traditional Western allies.

Beijing expressed anger after New Zealand's parliament passed a watered-down motion Wednesday expressing "grave concern" at human rights abuses involving the Uyghur Muslim minority in&nbsp;China's Xinjiang province.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's ruling Labour Party insisted any reference to genocide was scrubbed out of the motion, which was submitted by a minor opposition party, but the move failed to appease&nbsp;China's embassy in Wellington.

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The embassy said in a statement that the New Zealand parliament was meddling in matters that concerned&nbsp;China's sovereignty.

This move grossly interferes in&nbsp;China's internal affairs and runs counter to international law and basic norms governing international relations," it said.&nbsp;

"The Chinese side deplores and firmly opposes such action."

The embassy said the motion would "harm the mutual trust between&nbsp;China&nbsp;and NZ".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-slams-chinas-treatment-of-uighurs-doesnt-label-it-genocide-382930">New Zealand slams China's treatment of Uighurs, doesn't label it 'genocide'</a>
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At least one million Uyghurs and people from other mostly Muslim minorities have been held in camps in Xinjiang, according to rights groups, who accuse authorities of forcibly sterilising women and imposing forced labour.

Ardern's centre-left government has been noticeably less vocal than its allies in condemning the abuses, leading to accusations it is a weak link in the US-led Five Eyes intelligence alliance that also includes the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Australia.

Ardern this week conceded New Zealand's differences with&nbsp;China&nbsp;on human rights were becoming "harder to reconcile", but said her government would continue to point out areas of concern to Beijing.

However, allies such as Australia have been much blunter in their criticism, spurring punitive levies from Beijing on more than a dozen Australian imports, including wine and barley.

China&nbsp;on Thursday suspended regular bilateral trade talks with Australia, in a move Canberra described as "disappointing".

China criticised New Zealand Thursday over "groundless" allegations about the ill-treatment of Uyghurs, underlining Wellington's struggle to find a middle ground between its largest trading partner and its traditional Western allies.

China criticised New Zealand Thursday over "groundless" allegations about the ill-treatment of Uyghurs, underlining Wellington's struggle to find a middle ground between its largest trading partner and its traditional Western allies. Beijing expressed anger after New Zealand's parliament passed a watered-down motion Wednesday expressing "grave concern" at human rights abuses involving the Uyghur Muslim minority in China's Xinjiang province. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's ruling Labour Party insisted any reference to genocide was scrubbed out of the motion, which was submitted by a minor opposition party, but the move failed to appease China's embassy in Wellington. The embassy said in a statement that the New Zealand parliament was meddling in matters that concerned China's sovereignty. This move grossly interferes in China's internal affairs and runs counter to international law and basic norms governing international relations," it said. "The Chinese side deplores and firmly opposes such action." The embassy said the motion would "harm the mutual trust between China and NZ". Also read | New Zealand slams China's treatment of Uighurs, doesn't label it 'genocide' At least one million Uyghurs and people from other mostly Muslim minorities have been held in camps in Xinjiang, according to rights groups, who accuse authorities of forcibly sterilising women and imposing forced labour. Ardern's centre-left government has been noticeably less vocal than its allies in condemning the abuses, leading to accusations it is a weak link in the US-led Five Eyes intelligence alliance that also includes the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Australia. Ardern this week conceded New Zealand's differences with China on human rights were becoming "harder to reconcile", but said her government would continue to point out areas of concern to Beijing. However, allies such as Australia have been much blunter in their criticism, spurring punitive levies from Beijing on more than a dozen Australian imports, including wine and barley. China on Thursday suspended regular bilateral trade talks with Australia, in a move Canberra described as "disappointing".

China slams New Zealand over parliament motion on Uyghur Muslim abuse

China&nbsp;on Thursday said it "strongly&nbsp;condemns" a statement by the Group of Seven nations accusing Beijing of&nbsp;rights&nbsp;abuses in Xinjiang, Tibet and Hong Kong, as a schism with Western democracies widens.

Foreign ministers from&nbsp;G7&nbsp;countries Britain, the United States, France, Germany, Italy, Canada and Japan urged&nbsp;China&nbsp;to abide by its obligations under international and national law during their first face-to-face meeting in two years in London.

The group said they were "deeply concerned" by alleged&nbsp;human rights&nbsp;violations and abuses against the minority Uyghur Muslim population in&nbsp;China's western Xinjiang region and Tibet.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-g7-biden-will-push-allies-to-act-on-chinas-treatment-of-uighurs-report-379741">At G7, Biden will push allies to act on China's treatment of Uighurs: Report</a>

They also urged an end to the targeting of&nbsp;rights&nbsp;protesters in Hong Kong.

Beijing was quick to hit back, railing against the&nbsp;G7&nbsp;for making "unfounded accusations against&nbsp;China&nbsp;and openly intervening in&nbsp;China's internal affairs", Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said.

He said the group was engaged in the "wanton destruction of the norms of international relations", repeating Beijing's long-held line that those issues were&nbsp;China's own matters.

The&nbsp;G7&nbsp;statement also said the group supports Taiwan's participation in World Health Organization forums and the World Health Assembly, which prompted&nbsp;China&nbsp;to retort that the island's participation must be handled in line with the one-China&nbsp;principle.

Wang added the&nbsp;G7&nbsp;should do more to boost global economic recovery rather than causing "contradictions and differences" in the international community.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-slams-chinas-treatment-of-uighurs-doesnt-label-it-genocide-382930">New Zealand slams China's treatment of Uighurs, doesn't label it 'genocide'</a>

"We urge the relevant countries to face up to their own problems... and stop generalising on the concept of national security as well as other wrong practices," he said.

Beijing's latest rebuke comes as tensions with Western nations grow and international&nbsp;criticism&nbsp;mounts over issues including Xinjiang, where&nbsp;rights&nbsp;groups estimate at least one million Uyghurs and people from other mostly Muslim minorities have been held in camps.

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Authorities in the area are also said to have forcibly sterilised women and imposed forced labour.

The United States has since accused&nbsp;China&nbsp;of genocide and British MPs last month approved a symbolic parliamentary motion declaring that Uyghur Muslims in&nbsp;China&nbsp;were "suffering crimes against humanity and genocide".

But&nbsp;China&nbsp;has decried the&nbsp;criticism&nbsp;over Xinjiang as lies, claiming that testimonies in news reports have been made by "a few fake actors".

The country has since ramped up its propaganda, holding dozens of press briefings on the subject, while state-owned outlet CGTN released a four-part documentary series looking to justify the government's policies in the region.

Although the&nbsp;G7&nbsp;members reserved their strongest&nbsp;criticism&nbsp;for&nbsp;China, they also targeted Russia over "irresponsible and destablising behaviour" on the Ukrainian border where it has amassed troops.&nbsp;

The group also called on Iran to release foreign and duals nations from its jails.

But they held the door open to&nbsp;China&nbsp;for future cooperation.

The&nbsp;G7&nbsp;maintained they would look for ways to work with the world's second-largest economy "to promote regional and global peace, security and prosperity".

China on Thursday said it "strongly condemns" a statement by the Group of Seven nations accusing Beijing of rights abuses in Xinjiang, Tibet and Hong Kong, as a schism with Western democracies widens.

China on Thursday said it "strongly condemns" a statement by the Group of Seven nations accusing Beijing of rights abuses in Xinjiang, Tibet and Hong Kong, as a schism with Western democracies widens. Foreign ministers from G7 countries Britain, the United States, France, Germany, Italy, Canada and Japan urged China to abide by its obligations under international and national law during their first face-to-face meeting in two years in London. The group said they were "deeply concerned" by alleged human rights violations and abuses against the minority Uyghur Muslim population in China's western Xinjiang region and Tibet. Also read | At G7, Biden will push allies to act on China's treatment of Uighurs: Report They also urged an end to the targeting of rights protesters in Hong Kong. Beijing was quick to hit back, railing against the G7 for making "unfounded accusations against China and openly intervening in China's internal affairs", Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said. He said the group was engaged in the "wanton destruction of the norms of international relations", repeating Beijing's long-held line that those issues were China's own matters. The G7 statement also said the group supports Taiwan's participation in World Health Organization forums and the World Health Assembly, which prompted China to retort that the island's participation must be handled in line with the one-China principle. Wang added the G7 should do more to boost global economic recovery rather than causing "contradictions and differences" in the international community. Also read | New Zealand slams China's treatment of Uighurs, doesn't label it 'genocide' "We urge the relevant countries to face up to their own problems... and stop generalising on the concept of national security as well as other wrong practices," he said. Beijing's latest rebuke comes as tensions with Western nations grow and international criticism mounts over issues including Xinjiang, where rights groups estimate at least one million Uyghurs and people from other mostly Muslim minorities have been held in camps. Authorities in the area are also said to have forcibly sterilised women and imposed forced labour. The United States has since accused China of genocide and British MPs last month approved a symbolic parliamentary motion declaring that Uyghur Muslims in China were "suffering crimes against humanity and genocide". But China has decried the criticism over Xinjiang as lies, claiming that testimonies in news reports have been made by "a few fake actors". The country has since ramped up its propaganda, holding dozens of press briefings on the subject, while state-owned outlet CGTN released a four-part documentary series looking to justify the government's policies in the region. Although the G7 members reserved their strongest criticism for China, they also targeted Russia over "irresponsible and destablising behaviour" on the Ukrainian border where it has amassed troops. The group also called on Iran to release foreign and duals nations from its jails. But they held the door open to China for future cooperation. The G7 maintained they would look for ways to work with the world's second-largest economy "to promote regional and global peace, security and prosperity".

Persecution of Uyghur Muslims: China hits back at G7 rights criticism

Fashion retailer H&amp;M is facing a potential boycott in China after a statement the company made last year expressing deep concerns over reports of forced labor in Xinjiang stirred a social media storm this week.

A similar statement from Nike was also attracting criticism on Wednesday, a sign that Western clothing manufacturers could face growing hostility in China for their public stances against forced labor in Xinjiang and for halting cotton sourcing from the region.

The H&amp;M statement, which can be found on the website of the Swedish retailer, was posted in September after growing global scrutiny around the use of Uyghurs in forced labor in Xinjiang.

In it, H&amp;M said that it was “deeply concerned by reports from civil society organizations and media that include accusations of forced labor and discrimination of ethno-religious minorities” in Xinjiang and that it had stopped buying cotton from growers in the region.

More than eight months later, in the wake of sanctions by Western countries against China for its treatment of Uyghurs, H&amp;M is facing online backlash from Chinese consumers. The outrage has been stoked by comments on platforms like the microblogging site Sina Weibo from celebrities and groups like the Communist Youth League, an influential Communist Party organization.

“Want to make money in China while spreading false rumors and boycotting Xinjiang cotton? Wishful thinking!” the group said in a post, echoing one of the People’s Liberation Army’s statements that called H&amp;M’s stance “ignorant and arrogant.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-which-global-brands-are-using-uighur-labour-373196">Watch |</a>

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On Monday, Britain, Canada, the European Union and the United States announced sanctions on Chinese officials in an escalating row over the treatment of Uyghurs in Xinjiang. Roughly 1 in 5 cotton garments sold globally contains cotton or yarn from the region, where authorities have used coercive labor programs and mass internment to remold as many as 1 million Uyghurs, Kazakhs and other largely Muslim minorities into model workers obedient to the Communist Party.

Nike could be next. The company posted a statement on its website expressing concerns “about reports of forced labor in and connected to” Xinjiang. “Nike does not source products” from the region, and “we have confirmed with our contract suppliers that they are not using textiles or spun yarn from the region.”

On Wednesday, Nike was at the top of Weibo’s “hot search” list. Some users were furious that Nike had joined the boycott of cotton from the region. The company declined to comment.

Huang Xuan, a Chinese actor who had a menswear contract with H&amp;M, posted a statement saying he would quit the deal, adding that he opposed “slander and creating rumors” as well as “any attempt to discredit the country.” Singer and actress Victoria Song — who used to endorse H&amp;M — also released a statement, saying that she no longer had a relationship with the brand and that “national interests are above all else.”

By Wednesday evening, at least three major Chinese e-commerce platforms — Pinduoduo, Jingdong and Tmall — had removed H&amp;M from search results and withdrawn its products from sale. The actions underscored the pressures faced by foreign companies doing business in China while navigating political and cultural debates like the country’s sovereignty and its checkered human rights record.

On Wednesday night, H&amp;M China responded with a post on the Sina Weibo microblogging site, saying the company did not “represent any political position.”

“H&amp;M Group respects Chinese consumers as always,” the statement said. “We are committed to long-term investment and development in China.”

H&amp;M is the world’s second-largest fashion retailer by sales, after Inditex, the owner of Zara, and China is its fourth-biggest market.

State broadcaster CCTV criticized H&amp;M, and said it was “a miscalculation to try to play a righteous hero.” H&amp;M, it said, “will definitely pay a heavy price for its wrong action.”

Fashion retailer H&M is facing a potential boycott in China after a statement the company made last year expressing deep concerns over reports of forced labor in Xinjiang stirred a social media storm this week.

Fashion retailer H&M is facing a potential boycott in China after a statement the company made last year expressing deep concerns over reports of forced labor in Xinjiang stirred a social media storm this week. A similar statement from Nike was also attracting criticism on Wednesday, a sign that Western clothing manufacturers could face growing hostility in China for their public stances against forced labor in Xinjiang and for halting cotton sourcing from the region. The H&M statement, which can be found on the website of the Swedish retailer, was posted in September after growing global scrutiny around the use of Uyghurs in forced labor in Xinjiang. In it, H&M said that it was “deeply concerned by reports from civil society organizations and media that include accusations of forced labor and discrimination of ethno-religious minorities” in Xinjiang and that it had stopped buying cotton from growers in the region. More than eight months later, in the wake of sanctions by Western countries against China for its treatment of Uyghurs, H&M is facing online backlash from Chinese consumers. The outrage has been stoked by comments on platforms like the microblogging site Sina Weibo from celebrities and groups like the Communist Youth League, an influential Communist Party organization. “Want to make money in China while spreading false rumors and boycotting Xinjiang cotton? Wishful thinking!” the group said in a post, echoing one of the People’s Liberation Army’s statements that called H&M’s stance “ignorant and arrogant.” Watch | On Monday, Britain, Canada, the European Union and the United States announced sanctions on Chinese officials in an escalating row over the treatment of Uyghurs in Xinjiang. Roughly 1 in 5 cotton garments sold globally contains cotton or yarn from the region, where authorities have used coercive labor programs and mass internment to remold as many as 1 million Uyghurs, Kazakhs and other largely Muslim minorities into model workers obedient to the Communist Party. Nike could be next. The company posted a statement on its website expressing concerns “about reports of forced labor in and connected to” Xinjiang. “Nike does not source products” from the region, and “we have confirmed with our contract suppliers that they are not using textiles or spun yarn from the region.” On Wednesday, Nike was at the top of Weibo’s “hot search” list. Some users were furious that Nike had joined the boycott of cotton from the region. The company declined to comment. Huang Xuan, a Chinese actor who had a menswear contract with H&M, posted a statement saying he would quit the deal, adding that he opposed “slander and creating rumors” as well as “any attempt to discredit the country.” Singer and actress Victoria Song — who used to endorse H&M — also released a statement, saying that she no longer had a relationship with the brand and that “national interests are above all else.” By Wednesday evening, at least three major Chinese e-commerce platforms — Pinduoduo, Jingdong and Tmall — had removed H&M from search results and withdrawn its products from sale. The actions underscored the pressures faced by foreign companies doing business in China while navigating political and cultural debates like the country’s sovereignty and its checkered human rights record. On Wednesday night, H&M China responded with a post on the Sina Weibo microblogging site, saying the company did not “represent any political position.” “H&M Group respects Chinese consumers as always,” the statement said. “We are committed to long-term investment and development in China.” H&M is the world’s second-largest fashion retailer by sales, after Inditex, the owner of Zara, and China is its fourth-biggest market. State broadcaster CCTV criticized H&M, and said it was “a miscalculation to try to play a righteous hero.” H&M, it said, “will definitely pay a heavy price for its wrong action.”

H&M faces boycott in China over stance on treatment of Uyghurs

An Uyghur Muslim leader has slammed China for its treatment of minorities in Xinjiang province and has vowed to fight against Chinese atrocities. The leader said that every Uyghur around the world was a "freedom fighter" and that they "will not rest until we make our people free".

In a fiery speech during a protest to commemorate East Turkestan`s Independence Day, the leader said: "We will not rest until we make our people free. We will not back down... We have rights. We have very basic fundamental right to fight against you every day, every hour. so today I want to say every Uyghur in the world is the soldier every Uyghur around the world is a freedom fighter."&nbsp;

To commemorate Independence Day on November 12, protests were held against China in various cities around the world.

East Turkestan or Xinjiang region has about 10 million Uyghurs. The Turkic Muslim group makes up 45 per cent of the population. Uyghur Muslims have long accused China of cultural, religious and economic discrimination.

About 7 per cent of the Muslim population in Xinjiang, has been incarcerated in an expanding network of "political re-education" camps, according to US officials and UN experts. East Turkistan government in exile said that the Uyghur, Kazakh, Kyrgyz, Uzbek, Tatar and other peoples of East Turkistan have spent the last 71 years fighting to restore their independence.

For the last six years, millions of East Turkistan people, mostly of Muslim faith, have been held in concentration camps, prisons and slave labour camps. According to survivors` accounts, they are being tortured, killed for their organs, raped, sterilised and executed.

The government-in-exile is advocating for official recognition from the world`s governments and parliaments.Classified documents known as the China Cables, accessed last year by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, threw light on how the Chinese government uses technology to control Uyghur Muslims worldwide.However, China regularly denies such mistreatment and says the camps provide vocational training.&nbsp;

People in the internment camps have described being subjected to forced political indoctrination, torture, beatings, and denial of food and medicine, and say they have been prohibited from practising their religion or speaking their language.

(With agency inputs)

An Uyghur Muslim leader has slammed China for its treatment of minorities in Xinjiang province and has vowed to fight against Chinese atrocities. The leader said that every Uyghur around the world was a "freedom fighter" and that they "will not rest until we make our people free".

An Uyghur Muslim leader has slammed China for its treatment of minorities in Xinjiang province and has vowed to fight against Chinese atrocities. The leader said that every Uyghur around the world was a "freedom fighter" and that they "will not rest until we make our people free". In a fiery speech during a protest to commemorate East Turkestan`s Independence Day, the leader said: "We will not rest until we make our people free. We will not back down... We have rights. We have very basic fundamental right to fight against you every day, every hour. so today I want to say every Uyghur in the world is the soldier every Uyghur around the world is a freedom fighter." To commemorate Independence Day on November 12, protests were held against China in various cities around the world. East Turkestan or Xinjiang region has about 10 million Uyghurs. The Turkic Muslim group makes up 45 per cent of the population. Uyghur Muslims have long accused China of cultural, religious and economic discrimination. About 7 per cent of the Muslim population in Xinjiang, has been incarcerated in an expanding network of "political re-education" camps, according to US officials and UN experts. East Turkistan government in exile said that the Uyghur, Kazakh, Kyrgyz, Uzbek, Tatar and other peoples of East Turkistan have spent the last 71 years fighting to restore their independence. For the last six years, millions of East Turkistan people, mostly of Muslim faith, have been held in concentration camps, prisons and slave labour camps. According to survivors` accounts, they are being tortured, killed for their organs, raped, sterilised and executed. The government-in-exile is advocating for official recognition from the world`s governments and parliaments.Classified documents known as the China Cables, accessed last year by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, threw light on how the Chinese government uses technology to control Uyghur Muslims worldwide.However, China regularly denies such mistreatment and says the camps provide vocational training. People in the internment camps have described being subjected to forced political indoctrination, torture, beatings, and denial of food and medicine, and say they have been prohibited from practising their religion or speaking their language. (With agency inputs)

Uyghur leader vows to fight against Chinese atrocities

Protesters rallied on Thursday at Dhaka National Press Club under the banner of ‘Uyghur Muslim Rights Council’ (Uyghur Musalmaner Odhikar Parishad) to demand political and religious rights for the persecuted people in Xinjaing Uyghur Autonomous Region of China.

The event was observed as a token of support to Uyghur Muslims to mark the occasion of Independence Day of ‘the Islamic Republic of East Turkistan’ which is observed worldwide on November 12.

The Uyghur Muslims are reportedly persecuted by the Chinese government and are not allowed to practise their Islamic faith by the Communist government of China.

During the protest march, Islamic scholars and Ulemas displayed placards depicting atrocities perpetrated by the Chinese, demolition of ancient Mosques to construct public toilets, weeping Uyghur women being paraded to detention centres, and enforced birth control measures to control Muslim population.

The demonstrators also demanded a UN fact finding team be allowed to visit various detention camps, and stop harassment of Uyghur Muslims.

Protests against the treatment meted to Uyghurs in China was also held in Rajshahi region of the country.

(with inputs)

Protesters rallied on Thursday at Dhaka National Press Club under the banner of ‘Uyghur Muslim Rights Council’ (Uyghur Musalmaner Odhikar Parishad) to demand political and religious rights for the persecuted people in Xinjaing Uyghur Autonomous Region of China.

Protesters rallied on Thursday at Dhaka National Press Club under the banner of ‘Uyghur Muslim Rights Council’ (Uyghur Musalmaner Odhikar Parishad) to demand political and religious rights for the persecuted people in Xinjaing Uyghur Autonomous Region of China. The event was observed as a token of support to Uyghur Muslims to mark the occasion of Independence Day of ‘the Islamic Republic of East Turkistan’ which is observed worldwide on November 12. The Uyghur Muslims are reportedly persecuted by the Chinese government and are not allowed to practise their Islamic faith by the Communist government of China. During the protest march, Islamic scholars and Ulemas displayed placards depicting atrocities perpetrated by the Chinese, demolition of ancient Mosques to construct public toilets, weeping Uyghur women being paraded to detention centres, and enforced birth control measures to control Muslim population. The demonstrators also demanded a UN fact finding team be allowed to visit various detention camps, and stop harassment of Uyghur Muslims. Protests against the treatment meted to Uyghurs in China was also held in Rajshahi region of the country. (with inputs)

Protests in Bangladesh over persecution of Uyghurs in China

Another Uyghur has fallen victim to the Chinese regime`s persistent actions to imprison prominent Uyghurs on false charges, Campaign for Uyghurs has reported. On September 4, Hursan Hassan, 50-year-old Uyghur, was sentenced to 15 years in prison for separatism. He was earlier detained for more than 20 months.

According to Campaign for Uyghurs, the Beijing authorities level the charge of separatism against Uyghurs in the same way that corruption charges are leveled at Han Chinese officials who express any dissent with Xi Jinping`s administration.

Addressing the United Nations General Assembly, President Xi Jinping on September 22 said, "We should respect a country`s independent choice of development path and model. The world is diverse in nature, and we should turn this diversity into a constant source of inspiration driving human advancement. This will ensure that human civilisations remain colorful and diversified."&nbsp;

Questioning President Xi`s statement, Campaign for Uyghurs said, "We are left to ask the very rhetorical question: how does one define civilization? If the way his authoritarian regime defines civilization is as China is at present, the world should seek no part of it. The Chinese Communist Party has turned China into the least civilized place in the world. The mass detainment of Uyghurs and the sentencing of people like Hursan Hassan should never occur in a "civilised" nation."

Demanding an unconditional and immediate release of Hassan, the activist group said that the family was horrified to learn that just a few days after his wrongful arrest, he was treated at the emergency room despite being very healthy before his detention.Xinjiang region is home to around 10 million Uyghurs.&nbsp;

The Turkic Muslim group, which makes up around 45 per cent of Xinjiang`s population, has long accused China`s authorities of cultural, religious and economic discrimination.

About 7 per cent of the Muslim population in Xinjiang, has been incarcerated in an expanding network of "political re-education" camps, according to US officials and UN experts.

Classified documents known as the China Cables, accessed last year by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, threw light on how the Chinese government uses technology to control Uyghur Muslims worldwide.

However, China regularly denies such mistreatment and says the camps provide vocational training.People in the internment camps have described being subjected to forced political indoctrination, torture, beatings, and denial of food and medicine, and say they have been prohibited from practising their religion or speaking their language.Now, as Beijing denies these accounts, it also refuses to allow independent inspections into the regions, at the same time, which further fuels reports related to China`s atrocities on the minority Muslims.

Another Uyghur has fallen victim to the Chinese regime`s persistent actions to imprison prominent Uyghurs on false charges, Campaign for Uyghurs has reported. On September 4, Hursan Hassan, 50-year-old Uyghur, was sentenced to 15 years in prison for separatism.

Another Uyghur has fallen victim to the Chinese regime`s persistent actions to imprison prominent Uyghurs on false charges, Campaign for Uyghurs has reported. On September 4, Hursan Hassan, 50-year-old Uyghur, was sentenced to 15 years in prison for separatism. He was earlier detained for more than 20 months. According to Campaign for Uyghurs, the Beijing authorities level the charge of separatism against Uyghurs in the same way that corruption charges are leveled at Han Chinese officials who express any dissent with Xi Jinping`s administration. Addressing the United Nations General Assembly, President Xi Jinping on September 22 said, "We should respect a country`s independent choice of development path and model. The world is diverse in nature, and we should turn this diversity into a constant source of inspiration driving human advancement. This will ensure that human civilisations remain colorful and diversified." Questioning President Xi`s statement, Campaign for Uyghurs said, "We are left to ask the very rhetorical question: how does one define civilization? If the way his authoritarian regime defines civilization is as China is at present, the world should seek no part of it. The Chinese Communist Party has turned China into the least civilized place in the world. The mass detainment of Uyghurs and the sentencing of people like Hursan Hassan should never occur in a "civilised" nation." Demanding an unconditional and immediate release of Hassan, the activist group said that the family was horrified to learn that just a few days after his wrongful arrest, he was treated at the emergency room despite being very healthy before his detention.Xinjiang region is home to around 10 million Uyghurs. The Turkic Muslim group, which makes up around 45 per cent of Xinjiang`s population, has long accused China`s authorities of cultural, religious and economic discrimination. About 7 per cent of the Muslim population in Xinjiang, has been incarcerated in an expanding network of "political re-education" camps, according to US officials and UN experts. Classified documents known as the China Cables, accessed last year by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, threw light on how the Chinese government uses technology to control Uyghur Muslims worldwide. However, China regularly denies such mistreatment and says the camps provide vocational training.People in the internment camps have described being subjected to forced political indoctrination, torture, beatings, and denial of food and medicine, and say they have been prohibited from practising their religion or speaking their language.Now, as Beijing denies these accounts, it also refuses to allow independent inspections into the regions, at the same time, which further fuels reports related to China`s atrocities on the minority Muslims.

Another Uyghur becomes victim of China's repressive regime

Chinese officials have finally acknowledged that birth rates in Xinjiang dropped by almost a third in 2018, compared to the previous year.

According to a CNN report, they also denied reports of forced sterilisation and genocide by authorities in the far western region.

The Xinjiang government sent CNN a six-page fax in response to questions for an article published in July that documented a campaign of abuse and control by Beijing targetting women from the Uyghur minority, a Muslim ethnic group numbering more than 10 million people.&nbsp;

China has often been accused of widespread human rights abuses in Xinjiang. Up to 2 million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities are believed to have been placed in mass detention centres in the region, according to the US State Department.

These people have allegedly been subject to indoctrination and abuse.

Beijing, however, claims that these centres are voluntary and provide vocational training as part of a de-radicalisation programme in Xinjiang.

But CNN had said that some Uyghur women were being forced to use birth control and undergo sterilisation as part of a deliberate attempt to push down birth rates among minorities in Xinjiang.

In its response, the Xinjiang government strongly denied the claims of genocide, arguing instead that the Uyghur population has been "growing continuously" during the past decade and that Zenz's report was not "in line with the real situation in Xinjiang."

The Xinjiang government said in its response that the birth rate in the region had dropped from 15.88 per 1,000 people in 2017 to 10.69 per 1,000 people in 2018 -- due to "the comprehensive implementation of the family planning policy."

The Xinjiang government attributed the sudden drop in population to Beijing's family planning policies finally being properly implemented in the region after 2017. 
&nbsp;

Chinese officials have finally acknowledged that birth rates in Xinjiang dropped by almost a third in 2018, compared to the previous year. According to a CNN report, they also denied reports of forced sterilisation and genocide by authorities in the far western region.

Chinese officials have finally acknowledged that birth rates in Xinjiang dropped by almost a third in 2018, compared to the previous year. According to a CNN report, they also denied reports of forced sterilisation and genocide by authorities in the far western region. The Xinjiang government sent CNN a six-page fax in response to questions for an article published in July that documented a campaign of abuse and control by Beijing targetting women from the Uyghur minority, a Muslim ethnic group numbering more than 10 million people. China has often been accused of widespread human rights abuses in Xinjiang. Up to 2 million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities are believed to have been placed in mass detention centres in the region, according to the US State Department. These people have allegedly been subject to indoctrination and abuse. Beijing, however, claims that these centres are voluntary and provide vocational training as part of a de-radicalisation programme in Xinjiang. But CNN had said that some Uyghur women were being forced to use birth control and undergo sterilisation as part of a deliberate attempt to push down birth rates among minorities in Xinjiang. In its response, the Xinjiang government strongly denied the claims of genocide, arguing instead that the Uyghur population has been "growing continuously" during the past decade and that Zenz's report was not "in line with the real situation in Xinjiang." The Xinjiang government said in its response that the birth rate in the region had dropped from 15.88 per 1,000 people in 2017 to 10.69 per 1,000 people in 2018 -- due to "the comprehensive implementation of the family planning policy." The Xinjiang government attributed the sudden drop in population to Beijing's family planning policies finally being properly implemented in the region after 2017.

Xinjiang govt confirms birth rate drop but denies forced sterilisation of women

A 13-tonne shipment of beauty products suspected to have been made out of human hair was seized on Wednesday by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Port of New York/Newark. The products were worth over $8,00,000.

According to the CPB, the shipment might have come from Xinjiang, China, signalling potential human rights abuses of forced labour and imprisonment. Xinjiang is an autonomous rural region in the northwest of China and home to roughly 11 million Uyghurs, a predominantly Muslim ethnic minority with a distinct culture and language.

The US State Department estimates that over one million Uyghurs have been detained in a massive network of internment camps in Xinjiang, where they are reportedly "subjected to torture, cruel and inhumane treatment such as physical and sexual abuse, forced labor, and death."

This is the second time this year that the CBP has seized products from China suspected to have been made from prisoner's hair.

China has faced international scrutiny for its treatment of the Uyghurs, and in June, Trump signed a bill into law that aimed to punish Beijing for its repression of the ethnic minority. 
&nbsp;

A 13-tonne shipment of beauty products suspected to have been made out of human hair was seized on Wednesday by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Port of New York/Newark.

A 13-tonne shipment of beauty products suspected to have been made out of human hair was seized on Wednesday by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Port of New York/Newark. The products were worth over $8,00,000. According to the CPB, the shipment might have come from Xinjiang, China, signalling potential human rights abuses of forced labour and imprisonment. Xinjiang is an autonomous rural region in the northwest of China and home to roughly 11 million Uyghurs, a predominantly Muslim ethnic minority with a distinct culture and language. The US State Department estimates that over one million Uyghurs have been detained in a massive network of internment camps in Xinjiang, where they are reportedly "subjected to torture, cruel and inhumane treatment such as physical and sexual abuse, forced labor, and death." This is the second time this year that the CBP has seized products from China suspected to have been made from prisoner's hair. China has faced international scrutiny for its treatment of the Uyghurs, and in June, Trump signed a bill into law that aimed to punish Beijing for its repression of the ethnic minority.

13-tonne shipment of human hair, said to be originating from China, seized

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Monday condemned coercive family planning against Uighur Muslims by the Chinese authorities and said that continuous repression of minorities in Xinjiang region reflects that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has no respect for human life and basic human dignity.

"The United States condemns the use of forced population controls against Uighur&nbsp;and other minority women and calls on the CCP to cease its campaign of repression. History will judge how we act today," Pompe tweeted on Monday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-repression-of-uighur-muslims-china-to-edit-quran-and-bible-to-reflect-socialist-values-270572">Amid repression of Uighur Muslims, China to 'edit' Quran and Bible to reflect ‘socialist values’</a>

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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.
— Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecPompeo/status/1277679368958066688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 29, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Earlier, in a press conference, he came down on China's continuous campaign of repression and reiterated that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)has no respect for human life and basic human dignity.

"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 while 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."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-china-detains-uighurs-muslims-for-keeping-beards-veils-and-internet-browsing-281286">Leaked data says China detained Uighur muslims for beards, veils and internet browsing</a>

According to the US State Department, more than a million Uighurs&nbsp;and members of other Muslim minority groups have been detained in camps in Xinjiang.

In these camps they are "subjected to torture, cruel and inhumane treatment such as physical and sexual abuse, forced labour, and death," the CNN reported. 
Though Beijing has emphasised that these camps are necessary to prevent religious extremism and terrorism, some leaked government documents have revealed that the people are sent to these camps even for "wearing a veil" or growing "a long beard."

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Monday condemned coercive family planning against Uighur Muslims by the Chinese authorities and said that continuous repression of minorities in Xinjiang region reflects that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has no respect for human life and basic human dignity.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Monday condemned coercive family planning against Uighur Muslims by the Chinese authorities and said that continuous repression of minorities in Xinjiang region reflects that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has no respect for human life and basic human dignity. "The United States condemns the use of forced population controls against Uighur and other minority women and calls on the CCP to cease its campaign of repression. History will judge how we act today," Pompe tweeted on Monday. Also read: Amid repression of Uighur Muslims, China to 'edit' Quran and Bible to reflect ‘socialist values’ 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. — Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) June 29, 2020 × Earlier, in a press conference, he came down on China's continuous campaign of repression and reiterated that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)has no respect for human life and basic human dignity. "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 while 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." Also read: Leaked data says China detained Uighur muslims for beards, veils and internet browsing According to the US State Department, more than a million Uighurs and members of other Muslim minority groups have been detained in camps in Xinjiang. In these camps they are "subjected to torture, cruel and inhumane treatment such as physical and sexual abuse, forced labour, and death," the CNN reported. Though Beijing has emphasised that these camps are necessary to prevent religious extremism and terrorism, some leaked government documents have revealed that the people are sent to these camps even for "wearing a veil" or growing "a long beard."

Mike Pompeo tears into China over 'forced population controls' against Uighur Muslims

The United States said Tuesday it would curb visas for Chinese officials until Beijing ends its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-tells-united-states-to-stop-interfering-in-its-affairs-after-blacklisting-of-companies-254518">"repression" of Uighurs</a> and other Muslims in the western region of Xinjiang, a day after imposing commercial restrictions.

The one-two punch by President Donald Trump's administration marks the most forceful attempt by a foreign power to address what some rights groups call a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-china-trade-talks-to-resume-thursday-white-house-254346">historic crisis in Xinjiang</a>, and comes amid a range of feuds between the United States and China.

"China has forcibly detained over one million Muslims in a brutal, systematic campaign to erase religion and culture in Xinjiang," Secretary of State Mike Pompeo wrote on Twitter.

"China must end its draconian surveillance and repression, release all those arbitrarily detained and cease its coercion of Chinese Muslims abroad," he said.

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Today, I am announcing visa restrictions on Chinese government and Communist Party officials believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, the detention or abuse of Uighurs, Kazakhs, or other Muslim minority groups in Xinjiang.
— Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecPompeo/status/1181654413913534464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 8, 2019</a></blockquote>
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In an accompanying statement, Pompeo said that the State Department would restrict visas granted to government and ruling Communist Party officials involved in "detention or abuse" of Uighurs, Kazakhs or members of other predominantly Muslim ethnic groups in Xinjiang.

The order will also affect their family members, including children who may be seeking to study in the United States.

Watch: Uighurs use Tiktok to expose China's detention camps in Xinjiang

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The State Department did not specify the names of officials who would be affected.

But lawmakers have specifically asked for action against Chen Quanguo, the Communist Party chief for Xinjiang.

Reputed within the party for his handling of minority groups, he earlier led iron-fisted policies aimed at crushing dissent in Tibet.

Defying Chinese protests

The US Commerce Department on Monday blacklisted 28 Chinese entities including video surveillance firm Hikvision and artificial intelligence companies Megvii Technology and SenseTime over their involvement in Xinjiang.

Beijing voiced its "strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition" over the move and denied any human rights abuses in the restive region.

"These accusations are nothing more than an excuse for the United States to deliberately interfere in China's internal affairs," foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said in Beijing.

Rights groups say more than one million Uighurs and other Muslims are being held in a vast network of camps in Xinjiang aimed at homogenizing the population to reflect China's majority Han culture.

Witnesses say that China has sought to force Uighurs to drop core practices of Islam such as fasting during Ramadan and abstaining from alcohol and pork.

China, after initially denying the camps, describes them as vocational schools aimed at dampening the allure of Islamist extremism and violence.

Authorities have cracked down especially hard since 2009, when nearly 200 people died in riots in Xinjiang's capital Urumqi, which has seen an influx of Han Chinese.

The violence was sparked by news of a factory brawl in southern China in which two Uighur migrant workers were killed.

Pompeo has previously called China's treatment of Uighurs one of the "worst stains on the world" and likened the camps to actions by Nazi Germany.

But few Muslim leaders have spoken out against a rising China with the exception of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey, which has linguistic and cultural connections with the Uighurs.

Rights advocates also say that Trump has been inconsistent in exercising pressure over human rights, with the tycoon president warmly embracing authoritarian leaders of allies such as Egypt and Saudi Arabia.

The actions on Xinjiang come as a trade war shows no signs of abating between the United States and China, the world's two largest economies, which have imposed tariffs on billions of dollars worth of each other's goods.

At the United Nations last month, Trump also warned China that the United States was watching Hong Kong, where months of swelling protests have demanded that Beijing respect the city's semi-autonomous status.

The United States said Tuesday it would curb visas for Chinese officials until Beijing ends its "repression" of Uighurs and other Muslims in the western region of Xinjiang, a day after imposing commercial restrictions.

The United States said Tuesday it would curb visas for Chinese officials until Beijing ends its "repression" of Uighurs and other Muslims in the western region of Xinjiang, a day after imposing commercial restrictions. The one-two punch by President Donald Trump's administration marks the most forceful attempt by a foreign power to address what some rights groups call a historic crisis in Xinjiang, and comes amid a range of feuds between the United States and China. "China has forcibly detained over one million Muslims in a brutal, systematic campaign to erase religion and culture in Xinjiang," Secretary of State Mike Pompeo wrote on Twitter. "China must end its draconian surveillance and repression, release all those arbitrarily detained and cease its coercion of Chinese Muslims abroad," he said. Today, I am announcing visa restrictions on Chinese government and Communist Party officials believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, the detention or abuse of Uighurs, Kazakhs, or other Muslim minority groups in Xinjiang. — Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) October 8, 2019 × In an accompanying statement, Pompeo said that the State Department would restrict visas granted to government and ruling Communist Party officials involved in "detention or abuse" of Uighurs, Kazakhs or members of other predominantly Muslim ethnic groups in Xinjiang. The order will also affect their family members, including children who may be seeking to study in the United States. Watch: Uighurs use Tiktok to expose China's detention camps in Xinjiang × The State Department did not specify the names of officials who would be affected. But lawmakers have specifically asked for action against Chen Quanguo, the Communist Party chief for Xinjiang. Reputed within the party for his handling of minority groups, he earlier led iron-fisted policies aimed at crushing dissent in Tibet. Defying Chinese protests The US Commerce Department on Monday blacklisted 28 Chinese entities including video surveillance firm Hikvision and artificial intelligence companies Megvii Technology and SenseTime over their involvement in Xinjiang. Beijing voiced its "strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition" over the move and denied any human rights abuses in the restive region. "These accusations are nothing more than an excuse for the United States to deliberately interfere in China's internal affairs," foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said in Beijing. Rights groups say more than one million Uighurs and other Muslims are being held in a vast network of camps in Xinjiang aimed at homogenizing the population to reflect China's majority Han culture. Witnesses say that China has sought to force Uighurs to drop core practices of Islam such as fasting during Ramadan and abstaining from alcohol and pork. China, after initially denying the camps, describes them as vocational schools aimed at dampening the allure of Islamist extremism and violence. Authorities have cracked down especially hard since 2009, when nearly 200 people died in riots in Xinjiang's capital Urumqi, which has seen an influx of Han Chinese. The violence was sparked by news of a factory brawl in southern China in which two Uighur migrant workers were killed. Pompeo has previously called China's treatment of Uighurs one of the "worst stains on the world" and likened the camps to actions by Nazi Germany. But few Muslim leaders have spoken out against a rising China with the exception of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey, which has linguistic and cultural connections with the Uighurs. Rights advocates also say that Trump has been inconsistent in exercising pressure over human rights, with the tycoon president warmly embracing authoritarian leaders of allies such as Egypt and Saudi Arabia. The actions on Xinjiang come as a trade war shows no signs of abating between the United States and China, the world's two largest economies, which have imposed tariffs on billions of dollars worth of each other's goods. At the United Nations last month, Trump also warned China that the United States was watching Hong Kong, where months of swelling protests have demanded that Beijing respect the city's semi-autonomous status.

US imposes visa restrictions on Chinese officials; demands end to Uighur 'repression'

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