China's state-run Global Times in its report claimed that the population of ethnic minorities in the restive Xinjiang region has&nbsp;grown in "size and quality" as the government released a white paper on Xinjiang's population.

The report titled "Xinjiang Population Dynamics and Data" said the Uyghur&nbsp;population in 1953 was 3.61 million which rose to 11.62 million in 2020.

China's national newspaper said it was the first white paper released since 2015 on Xinjiang's demographic changes which sought to show "demographic development in Xinjiang" in the last 70 years.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-imposes-population-optimisation-strategy-to-shrink-uyghurs-in-xinjiang-409991">Also Read:&nbsp;China imposes 'population optimisation strategy' to shrink Uyghurs in Xinjiang</a>

The Communist Party mouthpiece also informed similar white papers were also released on "human rights achievements" including in "vocational training and education centres".

The data reportedly found that life expectancy in Xinjiang had also increased. The report said the total population of Xinjiang was 25.85 million with ethnic minorities numbering 14.93 million and the Han ethnic group totalling 10.92 million.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/human-rights-activists-call-on-china-to-release-uyghur-scholar-416014">Also Read:&nbsp;Human rights activists call on China to release Uyghur scholar</a>

"The Uyghur&nbsp;population grew at a compound annual growth rate of 1.67 per cent during the first two decades in the 21st century," the report said while adding that Uyghurs&nbsp;formed over 83 per cent of Xinjiang's population in four prefectures in the southern region.&nbsp;

There is however no way to corroborate the population figures. The report also dismissed reports of genocide in Xinjiang claiming the Chinese government had published "undeniable facts".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uyghur-turks-should-live-in-peace-as-equal-citizens-of-china-erdogan-to-president-xi-jinping-398075">Also Read:&nbsp;Uyghur Turks should live in peace as equal citizens of China: Erdogan</a>

Earlier this month UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet had said she "regretted" not being able to get "meaningful access" to Xinjiang.

At least 1 million Uyghurs&nbsp;including other minorities are believed to be in detention camps in Xinjiang, according to a UN estimate.

Chinese products made in Xinjiang have become the focus of attention among countries as the US Senate passed a legislation in July to ban products imported from Xinjiang.

(With inputs from Agencies) 
&nbsp;

China's state-run Global Times in its report claimed that the population of ethnic minorities in the restive Xinjiang region has grown in "size and quality" as the government released a white paper on Xinjiang's population.

China's state-run Global Times in its report claimed that the population of ethnic minorities in the restive Xinjiang region has grown in "size and quality" as the government released a white paper on Xinjiang's population. The report titled "Xinjiang Population Dynamics and Data" said the Uyghur population in 1953 was 3.61 million which rose to 11.62 million in 2020. China's national newspaper said it was the first white paper released since 2015 on Xinjiang's demographic changes which sought to show "demographic development in Xinjiang" in the last 70 years. Also Read: China imposes 'population optimisation strategy' to shrink Uyghurs in Xinjiang The Communist Party mouthpiece also informed similar white papers were also released on "human rights achievements" including in "vocational training and education centres". The data reportedly found that life expectancy in Xinjiang had also increased. The report said the total population of Xinjiang was 25.85 million with ethnic minorities numbering 14.93 million and the Han ethnic group totalling 10.92 million. Also Read: Human rights activists call on China to release Uyghur scholar "The Uyghur population grew at a compound annual growth rate of 1.67 per cent during the first two decades in the 21st century," the report said while adding that Uyghurs formed over 83 per cent of Xinjiang's population in four prefectures in the southern region. There is however no way to corroborate the population figures. The report also dismissed reports of genocide in Xinjiang claiming the Chinese government had published "undeniable facts". Also Read: Uyghur Turks should live in peace as equal citizens of China: Erdogan Earlier this month UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet had said she "regretted" not being able to get "meaningful access" to Xinjiang. At least 1 million Uyghurs including other minorities are believed to be in detention camps in Xinjiang, according to a UN estimate. Chinese products made in Xinjiang have become the focus of attention among countries as the US Senate passed a legislation in July to ban products imported from Xinjiang. (With inputs from Agencies)

China's white paper claims rise in Uyghur population in Xinjiang

The Biden administration on Friday imposed sanctions against 34 companies and entities linked to China's military and policy towards the Uyghur minority including those involved with allowing exports to Russia and Iran.

The US Commerce Department said the sanctions were imposed for their "involvement in, or risk of becoming involved in, activities contrary to the foreign policy and national security interests of the United States."

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-what-is-china-doing-with-your-childs-gene-data-396826/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The US Commerce Department imposed sanctions against eight entities for exporting US technology to Iran with seven others sanctioned for their involvement with Russia's military.

Fourteen China-based&nbsp;companies were blacklisted for their role towards Uyghurs and five others for assisting China's military to acquire lasers.

The US said, "China continues to commit genocide and crimes against humanity."&nbsp;

The US Commerce Department had earlier added five Chinese entities to the blacklist over allegations of forced labour practices against minority groups in Xinjiang.

The US administration had targeted Chinese-based solar panel&nbsp;firm Hoshine Silicon Industry including other firms.

The US government said it was part of its effort at taking strong action against China’s ongoing campaign of repression against Muslim minority groups in Xinjiang.

Ahead of the sanctions, China said it will take "necessary measures" to safeguard the rights and interests of Chinese companies.

(With inputs from Agencies)&nbsp;

The Biden administration on Friday imposed sanctions against 34 companies and entities linked to China's military and policy towards the Uyghur minority including those involved with allowing exports to Russia and Iran.

The Biden administration on Friday imposed sanctions against 34 companies and entities linked to China's military and policy towards the Uyghur minority including those involved with allowing exports to Russia and Iran. The US Commerce Department said the sanctions were imposed for their "involvement in, or risk of becoming involved in, activities contrary to the foreign policy and national security interests of the United States." Watch: The US Commerce Department imposed sanctions against eight entities for exporting US technology to Iran with seven others sanctioned for their involvement with Russia's military. Fourteen China-based companies were blacklisted for their role towards Uyghurs and five others for assisting China's military to acquire lasers. The US said, "China continues to commit genocide and crimes against humanity." The US Commerce Department had earlier added five Chinese entities to the blacklist over allegations of forced labour practices against minority groups in Xinjiang. The US administration had targeted Chinese-based solar panel firm Hoshine Silicon Industry including other firms. The US government said it was part of its effort at taking strong action against China’s ongoing campaign of repression against Muslim minority groups in Xinjiang. Ahead of the sanctions, China said it will take "necessary measures" to safeguard the rights and interests of Chinese companies. (With inputs from Agencies)

US sanctions 34 companies with links to China's Uyghur policy, ties with Iran, Russia

On day two of the 47th session of the UN Human Rights Council meeting in Geneva, nations across the board expressed concern over China's actions in<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-slams-belgian-lawmaker-for-spreading-false-information-over-xinjiang-resolution-392030"> Xinjiang</a>, Hong Kong and Tibet.

"We are gravely concerned about the human rights situation in the Xinjiang Uyghur autonomous region. Credible reports indicate that over a million people have been arbitrarily detained in Xinjiang," Canada's ambassador Leslie Norton said at the meeting.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/chinas-foreign-ministry-says-un-event-on-xinjiang-an-insult-384322/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The Canadian ambassador called for "immediate, meaningful and unfettered access to Xinjiang for independent observers" including ending the "arbitrary detention of Uyghurs and members of other Muslim minorities".

Norton also highlighted the deteriorating "fundamental freedoms in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-court-grants-bail-to-activist-charged-under-security-law-media-393112">Hong Kong</a>" under the national security law and the human rights situation in Tibet.

"We call on Chinese authorities to abide by their human rights obligations," the Canadian ambassador said which was backed by&nbsp;Britain, France, Germany, Australia, US, Italy among others as the joint statement was read out.

The Canadian ambassador's statement was backed by 40 countries.

Norton said there were reports of torture or cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment and punishment, forced sterilisation, sexual and gender-based violence and forced separation of children from their parents by authorities in Xinjiang.

Top United Nations human rights official Michelle Bachelet on Monday had&nbsp;sought to visit China, including the Xinjiang province.

China said it was ready to welcome Bachelet including allowing her to visit Xinjiang, however, it added that the visit should be "friendly", "rather than making the so-called 'investigation' under the presumption of guilt".

Bachelet had told the UN meeting that&nbsp;national security law had a "chilling impact" on Hong Kong and it was an important test of independence of &nbsp;Hong Kong’s judiciary.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Agencies)

On day two of the 47th session of the UN Human Rights Council meeting in Geneva, nations across the board expressed concern over China's actions in Xinjiang, Hong Kong and Tibet.

On day two of the 47th session of the UN Human Rights Council meeting in Geneva, nations across the board expressed concern over China's actions in Xinjiang, Hong Kong and Tibet. "We are gravely concerned about the human rights situation in the Xinjiang Uyghur autonomous region. Credible reports indicate that over a million people have been arbitrarily detained in Xinjiang," Canada's ambassador Leslie Norton said at the meeting. Watch: The Canadian ambassador called for "immediate, meaningful and unfettered access to Xinjiang for independent observers" including ending the "arbitrary detention of Uyghurs and members of other Muslim minorities". Norton also highlighted the deteriorating "fundamental freedoms in Hong Kong" under the national security law and the human rights situation in Tibet. "We call on Chinese authorities to abide by their human rights obligations," the Canadian ambassador said which was backed by Britain, France, Germany, Australia, US, Italy among others as the joint statement was read out. The Canadian ambassador's statement was backed by 40 countries. Norton said there were reports of torture or cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment and punishment, forced sterilisation, sexual and gender-based violence and forced separation of children from their parents by authorities in Xinjiang. Top United Nations human rights official Michelle Bachelet on Monday had sought to visit China, including the Xinjiang province. China said it was ready to welcome Bachelet including allowing her to visit Xinjiang, however, it added that the visit should be "friendly", "rather than making the so-called 'investigation' under the presumption of guilt". Bachelet had told the UN meeting that national security law had a "chilling impact" on Hong Kong and it was an important test of independence of Hong Kong’s judiciary. (With inputs from Agencies)

UN Human Rights Council members question China's record in Xinjiang, Hong Kong, Tibet

After reports emerged that China had employed "ethnic minority" groups in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-bans-cotton-imports-from-chinese-producer-citing-xinjiang-slave-labour-347087">Xinjiang</a> to force them to work in cotton farms, the Chinese government denied the allegation.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uighurs-in-china-being-forced-into-hard-manual-labour-including-cotton-picking-report-349821">Also Read:&nbsp;Uighurs in China being forced into hard, manual labour including cotton picking: Report</a>

Reports claimed that nearly half a million people were "forced to pick cotton by hand through a coercive state-mandated labour transfer and “poverty alleviation” scheme."

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-imposes-new-restrictions-on-products-from-chinas-xinjiang-province-347226/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The Centre for Global Policy in its report said: "Evidence shows that in 2018, three <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uighur-alarm-huawei-worked-with-companies-to-build-tools-that-track-people-by-ethnicity-349670">Uyghur</a> regions alone mobilized at least 570,000 persons into cotton-picking operations."

China's Xinjiang province produces 85 per cent of China’s and 20 per cent of the world’s cotton. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Earlier this month, the United States had placed a "Withhold Release Order" on cotton produced by the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, however, the report said that entity "only produces 33 per cent of Xinjiang’s cotton and only 0.4 per cent of its highest-quality long-staple cotton."

In September the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) had considered a much broader import ban on all cotton and tomato products from Xinjiang but the Trump administration stepped back after officials within the government objected.

"Labor transfers involve coercive mobilization through local work teams, transfers of pickers in tightly supervised groups, and intrusive on-site surveillance by government officials and police officers," the report claimed.

"Government supervision teams monitor pickers, checking that they have a “stable” state of mind, and administer political indoctrination sessions. Some regions put Uighur children and elderly persons into centralized care while working-age adults are away on state-assigned cotton-picking work assignments," it said.

A leaked report had earlier claimed that the Chinese government used an expansive data collection project to arbitrarily detain Uighurs in Xinjiang and placed at least 2,000 ethnic Uighurs in detention.

After reports emerged that China had employed "ethnic minority" groups in Xinjiang to force them to work in cotton farms, the Chinese government denied the allegation.

After reports emerged that China had employed "ethnic minority" groups in Xinjiang to force them to work in cotton farms, the Chinese government denied the allegation. Also Read: Uighurs in China being forced into hard, manual labour including cotton picking: Report Reports claimed that nearly half a million people were "forced to pick cotton by hand through a coercive state-mandated labour transfer and “poverty alleviation” scheme." Watch: The Centre for Global Policy in its report said: "Evidence shows that in 2018, three Uyghur regions alone mobilized at least 570,000 persons into cotton-picking operations." China's Xinjiang province produces 85 per cent of China’s and 20 per cent of the world’s cotton. Earlier this month, the United States had placed a "Withhold Release Order" on cotton produced by the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, however, the report said that entity "only produces 33 per cent of Xinjiang’s cotton and only 0.4 per cent of its highest-quality long-staple cotton." In September the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) had considered a much broader import ban on all cotton and tomato products from Xinjiang but the Trump administration stepped back after officials within the government objected. "Labor transfers involve coercive mobilization through local work teams, transfers of pickers in tightly supervised groups, and intrusive on-site surveillance by government officials and police officers," the report claimed. "Government supervision teams monitor pickers, checking that they have a “stable” state of mind, and administer political indoctrination sessions. Some regions put Uighur children and elderly persons into centralized care while working-age adults are away on state-assigned cotton-picking work assignments," it said. A leaked report had earlier claimed that the Chinese government used an expansive data collection project to arbitrarily detain Uighurs in Xinjiang and placed at least 2,000 ethnic Uighurs in detention.

China denies reports of forced labour in Xinjiang's cotton farms

China's war against Xinjiang has touched a new law as reports claim that Chinese authorities have built a public toilet on the site of a demolished mosque.

The incident took place in the Atush region of Xinjiang. The mosque in the Suntagh village was demolished in 2018. Two years later, a public toilet stands in its place. The people of Suntagh have toilets at home and the village barely receives tourists, so locals say there is no need for the public toilet.

Chinese authorities know it as well that's why the new stalls have not even been opened to the public. The bitter truth is China wants to target the Uighur Muslims of Xinjiang. China has destroyed 70 per cent of the mosques in Xinjiang and with this toilet, it is only adding insult to injury.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-chinas-assault-on-uighurs-321339/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

However, it is not the first such incident. In 2019, China destroyed the Azna mosque and now a store that sells alcohol and cigarettes has come up in its place.

In the Hotan city, authorities have been trying to build an underwear factory in the place of a demolished mosque. Beijing has destroyed between 10,000 to 15,000 mosques in Xinjiang in the last three years, according to the Uighur human rights project.

A Guardian report published last year had satellite images of the Imam Asim shrine. The shrine is located in Taklamakan desert. It used to attract Muslims from across the Hotan oasis. China recently tore down the buildings around the shrine. It also demolished the mosque and the place is deserted now.&nbsp;

There are similar images from Xinjiang's Kargilik town too, the mosque was razed in 2018. China wants to erase the unique identity of Uighurs. It wants to "sinicise" Islam meaning make Islam Chinese and it&nbsp;is not shy of saying it out loud.

In 2019, China passed a 5-year plan to "guide Islam to be compatible with socialism". The government of China also launched a mosque rectification campaign. There are 22 million Muslims in China including 11 million Uighurs.

China wants to blend them into the Han society which is the majority race and Beijing is ready to go to any lengths to achieve it. It has unleashed genocide in Xinjiang. Chinese authorities have jailed 1.8 million Uighurs. China has killed many and harvested their organs. Women are being raped, men are being sterilised and children have been taken away from their parents.

China has waged a war on its Muslims targeting their culture, history and their religion, those in Xinjiang cannot do much about it. However, people outside can but they aren't. China's actions should provoke the Muslim world but they remain silent.

Saudi Arabia the self-appointed leader of the Muslim world won't say a word against China. Turkey which wants to dethrone the Saudis and project itself as the rightful leader of the Muslim world has been rounding up those who escaped from China and handing them over to Beijing.

Pakistan pretends it doesn't even know what's going on in Xinjiang. Malaysia says it won't criticise China because it does not respond well to criticism and Iran has actually justified China's action saying Beijing is serving Islam by suppressing the Uighurs.

The rest of the world that claims to uphold human rights has watched China's Muslims being killed by the Chinese state and not lifted a finger. China has built a toilet as the world has flushed its conscience. 
&nbsp;

China's war against Xinjiang has touched a new law as reports claim that Chinese authorities have built a public toilet on the site of a demolished mosque. The incident took place in the Atush region of Xinjiang.

China's war against Xinjiang has touched a new law as reports claim that Chinese authorities have built a public toilet on the site of a demolished mosque. The incident took place in the Atush region of Xinjiang. The mosque in the Suntagh village was demolished in 2018. Two years later, a public toilet stands in its place. The people of Suntagh have toilets at home and the village barely receives tourists, so locals say there is no need for the public toilet. Chinese authorities know it as well that's why the new stalls have not even been opened to the public. The bitter truth is China wants to target the Uighur Muslims of Xinjiang. China has destroyed 70 per cent of the mosques in Xinjiang and with this toilet, it is only adding insult to injury. However, it is not the first such incident. In 2019, China destroyed the Azna mosque and now a store that sells alcohol and cigarettes has come up in its place. In the Hotan city, authorities have been trying to build an underwear factory in the place of a demolished mosque. Beijing has destroyed between 10,000 to 15,000 mosques in Xinjiang in the last three years, according to the Uighur human rights project. A Guardian report published last year had satellite images of the Imam Asim shrine. The shrine is located in Taklamakan desert. It used to attract Muslims from across the Hotan oasis. China recently tore down the buildings around the shrine. It also demolished the mosque and the place is deserted now. There are similar images from Xinjiang's Kargilik town too, the mosque was razed in 2018. China wants to erase the unique identity of Uighurs. It wants to "sinicise" Islam meaning make Islam Chinese and it is not shy of saying it out loud. In 2019, China passed a 5-year plan to "guide Islam to be compatible with socialism". The government of China also launched a mosque rectification campaign. There are 22 million Muslims in China including 11 million Uighurs. China wants to blend them into the Han society which is the majority race and Beijing is ready to go to any lengths to achieve it. It has unleashed genocide in Xinjiang. Chinese authorities have jailed 1.8 million Uighurs. China has killed many and harvested their organs. Women are being raped, men are being sterilised and children have been taken away from their parents. China has waged a war on its Muslims targeting their culture, history and their religion, those in Xinjiang cannot do much about it. However, people outside can but they aren't. China's actions should provoke the Muslim world but they remain silent. Saudi Arabia the self-appointed leader of the Muslim world won't say a word against China. Turkey which wants to dethrone the Saudis and project itself as the rightful leader of the Muslim world has been rounding up those who escaped from China and handing them over to Beijing. Pakistan pretends it doesn't even know what's going on in Xinjiang. Malaysia says it won't criticise China because it does not respond well to criticism and Iran has actually justified China's action saying Beijing is serving Islam by suppressing the Uighurs. The rest of the world that claims to uphold human rights has watched China's Muslims being killed by the Chinese state and not lifted a finger. China has built a toilet as the world has flushed its conscience.

Chinese authorities demolish mosque in Xinjiang, build public toilet

The Trump administration on Thursday imposed sanctions on four senior officials of the ruling political party of the People's Republic of China for alleged human rights abuses targeting minority Muslim ethnic group Uighur of Xinjiang.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/a-day-in-the-life-of-uighurs-251734">In pictures: A day in the life of China’s persecuted Uighur community</a> 
 
Chen Quanguo, the Communist Party secretary for the Xinjiang region is also one of the officials.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-congress-passes-uighur-human-rights-bill-prodding-trump-to-punish-china-301436">Also read: US Congress passes Uighur human rights bill, prodding Trump to punish China</a> 
 
The United States has barred these senior officials from entering America. This decision is the latest of a series of actions the Trump administration has taken against China as relations deteriorate over the coronavirus pandemic and trade.

The US Treasury Department did not specify why the sanctions were imposed, though the United States is seeking to ratchet up pressure on China at a time of heightened tensions over that country’s treatment of Muslim Uighurs in Xinjiang and Beijing’s new national security law for Hong Kong.

Earlier on July 8, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, citing what he called human rights abuses by the Chinese government in Tibetan areas, said the United States would restrict visas for some Chinese officials because Beijing obstructs travel to the region by US diplomats, journalists and tourists.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Trump administration on Thursday imposed sanctions on four senior officials of the ruling political party of the People's Republic of China for alleged human rights abuses targeting minority Muslim ethnic group Uighur of Xinjiang.

The Trump administration on Thursday imposed sanctions on four senior officials of the ruling political party of the People's Republic of China for alleged human rights abuses targeting minority Muslim ethnic group Uighur of Xinjiang. In pictures: A day in the life of China’s persecuted Uighur community Chen Quanguo, the Communist Party secretary for the Xinjiang region is also one of the officials. Also read: US Congress passes Uighur human rights bill, prodding Trump to punish China The United States has barred these senior officials from entering America. This decision is the latest of a series of actions the Trump administration has taken against China as relations deteriorate over the coronavirus pandemic and trade. The US Treasury Department did not specify why the sanctions were imposed, though the United States is seeking to ratchet up pressure on China at a time of heightened tensions over that country’s treatment of Muslim Uighurs in Xinjiang and Beijing’s new national security law for Hong Kong. Earlier on July 8, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, citing what he called human rights abuses by the Chinese government in Tibetan areas, said the United States would restrict visas for some Chinese officials because Beijing obstructs travel to the region by US diplomats, journalists and tourists. (With inputs from agencies)

US imposes sanctions on Chinese officials over 'abuse' of Muslim minorities in Xinjiang

The Chinese foreign ministry said today that Arsenal football player <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/arsenal-star-mesut-ozil-condemns-muslim-silence-over-uighurs-268231">Mesut Ozil's "judgment </a>was influenced by untruthful remarks" after the former German World Cup winner said that Muslims were persecuted in China's Xinjiang province&nbsp;&amp; criticised Muslim countries for failing to speak up.

In his social post which went viral on Friday, Ozil, 31, who is a German of Turkish origin said: "East Turkistan, the bleeding wound of the Ummah, resisting against the persecutors trying to separate them from their religion. They burn their Qurans. They shut down their mosques. They ban their schools. They kill their holy men. The men are forced into camps and their families are forced to live with Chinese men. The women are forced to marry Chinese men."

"But Muslims are silent. They won’t make a noise. They have abandoned them. Don’t they know that giving consent for persecution is persecution itself?"

China's foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said that &nbsp;"it seems he has been deceived by fake news, and that his judgment was influenced by untruthful remarks".

"If Mr. Ozil has the opportunity, we will be pleased to see him going to Xinjiang and having a look," Geng said, adding, "As long as he has common sense, can make a clear distinction between right and wrong, and upholds the principles of objectivity and fairness, he will see a different Xinjiang."

"I don't know if Mr. Ozil has been to Xinjiang himself. But it seems he has been deceived by fake news, and that his judgment was influenced by untruthful remarks," China's foreign ministry spokesman added.

After Ozil's comments, China's state broadcaster CCTV took off the Manchester City vs Arsenal Premier League game from its programming.&nbsp;

Last month, a leaked Chinese government document had revealed that clampdown on Uighurs and Muslims in &nbsp;Xinjiang. United Nations experts had said earlier that at least 1 million Uighurs members have been detained in camps in Xinjiang. However, it was unclear who leaked the document. China, however, denied mistreating the Uighurs in the restive Xinjiang area. 
&nbsp;

The Chinese foreign ministry said today that Arsenal football player Mesut Ozil's "judgment was influenced by untruthful remarks" after the former German World Cup winner said that Muslims were persecuted in China's Xinjiang province & criticised Muslim countries for failing to speak up.

The Chinese foreign ministry said today that Arsenal football player Mesut Ozil's "judgment was influenced by untruthful remarks" after the former German World Cup winner said that Muslims were persecuted in China's Xinjiang province & criticised Muslim countries for failing to speak up. In his social post which went viral on Friday, Ozil, 31, who is a German of Turkish origin said: "East Turkistan, the bleeding wound of the Ummah, resisting against the persecutors trying to separate them from their religion. They burn their Qurans. They shut down their mosques. They ban their schools. They kill their holy men. The men are forced into camps and their families are forced to live with Chinese men. The women are forced to marry Chinese men." "But Muslims are silent. They won’t make a noise. They have abandoned them. Don’t they know that giving consent for persecution is persecution itself?" China's foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said that "it seems he has been deceived by fake news, and that his judgment was influenced by untruthful remarks". "If Mr. Ozil has the opportunity, we will be pleased to see him going to Xinjiang and having a look," Geng said, adding, "As long as he has common sense, can make a clear distinction between right and wrong, and upholds the principles of objectivity and fairness, he will see a different Xinjiang." "I don't know if Mr. Ozil has been to Xinjiang himself. But it seems he has been deceived by fake news, and that his judgment was influenced by untruthful remarks," China's foreign ministry spokesman added. After Ozil's comments, China's state broadcaster CCTV took off the Manchester City vs Arsenal Premier League game from its programming. Last month, a leaked Chinese government document had revealed that clampdown on Uighurs and Muslims in Xinjiang. United Nations experts had said earlier that at least 1 million Uighurs members have been detained in camps in Xinjiang. However, it was unclear who leaked the document. China, however, denied mistreating the Uighurs in the restive Xinjiang area.

Mesut Ozil deceived by fake news, will be pleased to see him go to Xinjiang: China

After China's state media released a video it claimed was of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-rejects-turkey-criticism-on-uighurs-denies-poet-died-196702">Uighur poet and musician Abdurehim Heyit </a>who it said was alive, several members of the ethnic Uighur community asked China to show videos of their family members and relatives who allegedly disappeared in China's restive Xinjiang province.

Soon after the video was shown publicly, #MeTooUyghur began trending on Twitter with several <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-denies-holding-uighur-muslims-captive-159141">Uighur activists living </a>outside China slamming the government and urging it to show videos of their relatives.

An activist on Twitter, Maryam @maryamhanim said: "My husband #MuhtarRozi &nbsp;must be free immediately!, adding, "my parents must be released right now I am very anxious about them. Where are they now? Are they all safe or not?"

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Show me the Video of them as you show <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AbdurehimHeyit?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AbdurehimHeyit</a>’s video . <a href="https://t.co/J0fltMgtKX">https://t.co/J0fltMgtKX</a>
— maryam (@maryamhanim) <a href="https://twitter.com/maryamhanim/status/1095097940136337408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"Chinese government should answer my questions, if they are still considering themselves doing right," the activist said. The post was retweeted several times.

Another activist, Hendan @Hendan_Hiyal hit out against the Chinese government saying: My cousin, Erpat Ablekrem, 25, fr Ghulja (Nothern city of East Turkistan), professional football player. He was taken to the concentration camp in March 2018.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MeTooUyghur?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MeTooUyghur</a> 
This is my cousin, Erpat Ablekrem, 25, fr Ghulja (Nothern city of East Turkistan), professional football player. He was taken to the concentration camp in March 2018. 
I ask Chinese govern to free my innocent cousin from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NaziChinesecamps?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NaziChinesecamps</a>. <a href="https://t.co/N83eIN7JBE">pic.twitter.com/N83eIN7JBE</a>
— Hendan (@Hendan_Hiyal) <a href="https://twitter.com/Hendan_Hiyal/status/1095042584697847808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Turkey had said China's treatment of ethnic Uighur was "a great embarrassment for humanity," adding to rights groups' recent criticism over mass detentions of the Turkic-speaking minority.

"The systematic assimilation policy of Chinese authorities towards Uighur Turks is a great embarrassment for humanity," Turkish foreign ministry spokesman Hami Aksoy had said in a statement.

Turkey called on the international community and UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres "to take effective steps to end the human tragedy in the Xinjiang region."

The US has often lashed out at China over the Uighur issue. Last year, US secretary of state Mike Pompeo had said that "hundreds of thousands and possibly millions of Uighurs are held against their will in so-called re-education camps where they're forced to endure severe political indoctrination and other awful abuses.

China has however denied any wrongdoing over the Uighur issue. It has consistenly maintained it has been trying to asslimate the ethinic Uighurs into society.

However, a UN report had said last year that&nbsp;it had received many credible reports that one&nbsp;million ethnic Uighurs in China were being held in what resembled a "massive internment camp that is shrouded in secrecy".

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After China's state media released a video it claimed was of Uighur poet and musician Abdurehim Heyit who it said was alive, several members of the ethnic Uighur community asked China to show videos of their family members and relatives who allegedly disappeared in China's restive Xinjiang province.

After China's state media released a video it claimed was of Uighur poet and musician Abdurehim Heyit who it said was alive, several members of the ethnic Uighur community asked China to show videos of their family members and relatives who allegedly disappeared in China's restive Xinjiang province. Soon after the video was shown publicly, #MeTooUyghur began trending on Twitter with several Uighur activists living outside China slamming the government and urging it to show videos of their relatives. An activist on Twitter, Maryam @maryamhanim said: "My husband #MuhtarRozi must be free immediately!, adding, "my parents must be released right now I am very anxious about them. Where are they now? Are they all safe or not?" Show me the Video of them as you show #AbdurehimHeyit’s video . https://t.co/J0fltMgtKX — maryam (@maryamhanim) February 11, 2019 × "Chinese government should answer my questions, if they are still considering themselves doing right," the activist said. The post was retweeted several times. Another activist, Hendan @Hendan_Hiyal hit out against the Chinese government saying: My cousin, Erpat Ablekrem, 25, fr Ghulja (Nothern city of East Turkistan), professional football player. He was taken to the concentration camp in March 2018. #MeTooUyghur This is my cousin, Erpat Ablekrem, 25, fr Ghulja (Nothern city of East Turkistan), professional football player. He was taken to the concentration camp in March 2018. I ask Chinese govern to free my innocent cousin from #NaziChinesecamps. pic.twitter.com/N83eIN7JBE — Hendan (@Hendan_Hiyal) February 11, 2019 × Turkey had said China's treatment of ethnic Uighur was "a great embarrassment for humanity," adding to rights groups' recent criticism over mass detentions of the Turkic-speaking minority. "The systematic assimilation policy of Chinese authorities towards Uighur Turks is a great embarrassment for humanity," Turkish foreign ministry spokesman Hami Aksoy had said in a statement. Turkey called on the international community and UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres "to take effective steps to end the human tragedy in the Xinjiang region." The US has often lashed out at China over the Uighur issue. Last year, US secretary of state Mike Pompeo had said that "hundreds of thousands and possibly millions of Uighurs are held against their will in so-called re-education camps where they're forced to endure severe political indoctrination and other awful abuses. China has however denied any wrongdoing over the Uighur issue. It has consistenly maintained it has been trying to asslimate the ethinic Uighurs into society. However, a UN report had said last year that it had received many credible reports that one million ethnic Uighurs in China were being held in what resembled a "massive internment camp that is shrouded in secrecy".

Show us video, information of missing relatives, Uighur activists lash out at China

China's foreign ministry said that would allow UN officials to visit Xinjiang "if they follow the proper procedures" amid reports of suppression of the local population in the area.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang made the comments in Beijing.

Last year a United Nations human rights panel had said it had received credible reports that one million ethnic Uighurs in China were held in what resembled a "massive internment camp that is shrouded in secrecy."

China had said camps were&nbsp;"vocational training centres" to bolster economic growth in the region.

The Xinjiang region has been the focus of renewed attention amid reports of Bejing's "deradicalisation" plan in the mostly Muslim dominated Turkic Uighurs. In 2009, Xinjiang had experienced riots which was quelled by local authorities.

China maintains that Xinjiang faces a serious threat from Islamist militants.

A bipartisan group of US lawmakers had called for sanctions on Chinese officials responsible for alleged human rights abuses against in Xinjiang region.

Human Rights Watch had said that Uighur Muslims face arbitrary detentions, daily restrictions on religious practice and "forced political indoctrination".

The rights body&nbsp;accused China of forbidding Islamic greetings in the region and making Mandarin language mandatory which included singing propaganda songs.

Punishments for refusing to follow instructions in the camp could mean being denied food, being forced to stand for 24 hours or even solitary confinement, it had said in its report. China refuted the allegation.

Last week the US had issued a &nbsp;"Level 2" warning over extra security checks and increased police presence in the Xinjiang and Tibet Autonomous Regions.

China's foreign ministry said that would allow UN officials to visit Xinjiang "if they follow the proper procedures" amid reports of suppression of the local population in the area.

China's foreign ministry said that would allow UN officials to visit Xinjiang "if they follow the proper procedures" amid reports of suppression of the local population in the area. Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang made the comments in Beijing. Last year a United Nations human rights panel had said it had received credible reports that one million ethnic Uighurs in China were held in what resembled a "massive internment camp that is shrouded in secrecy." China had said camps were "vocational training centres" to bolster economic growth in the region. The Xinjiang region has been the focus of renewed attention amid reports of Bejing's "deradicalisation" plan in the mostly Muslim dominated Turkic Uighurs. In 2009, Xinjiang had experienced riots which was quelled by local authorities. China maintains that Xinjiang faces a serious threat from Islamist militants. A bipartisan group of US lawmakers had called for sanctions on Chinese officials responsible for alleged human rights abuses against in Xinjiang region. Human Rights Watch had said that Uighur Muslims face arbitrary detentions, daily restrictions on religious practice and "forced political indoctrination". The rights body accused China of forbidding Islamic greetings in the region and making Mandarin language mandatory which included singing propaganda songs. Punishments for refusing to follow instructions in the camp could mean being denied food, being forced to stand for 24 hours or even solitary confinement, it had said in its report. China refuted the allegation. Last week the US had issued a "Level 2" warning over extra security checks and increased police presence in the Xinjiang and Tibet Autonomous Regions.

Ready to allow UN officials in Xinjiang 'if they follow proper procedure': China