Protests erupt in China's Xinjiang region, capital Beijing and Shanghai as public anger grows over prolonged covid-19 lockdowns in the country. China has seen a hike in the number of cases recently.

World Business Watch| Protesters hold massive demonstration across China over zero-Covid policy

Protests flare across China over zero-Covid policy

Hong Kong Baptist University professor Jean-Pierre Cabestan assesses zero- Covid policy in China

China: Protests erupt in Beijing, Xinjiang and Shanghai, public anger grows over Covid lockdowns

At least 10 people were killed and nine injured after a fire ripped through an apartment in China’s northwestern Xinjiang region, state media reported on Friday.

The fire broke out at a high-rise building on Thursday night in the regional capital of Urumqi, where temperatures have dropped to below freezing after dark. According to reports, it took more than three hours to douse the flames.

Ten of them died of toxic smoke while the other nine injured were out of danger, China Daily newspaper reported.

The cause of the fire is unknown and the police have launched an investigation into the matter.

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11月24日 乌鲁木齐 晚上7点45分一高层发生 火灾 消防车进不去，拆铁皮拆到10点，拖了整整3个小时，死了10人 。又造成一起人祸！ <a href="https://t.co/XkD0DuMfVL">pic.twitter.com/XkD0DuMfVL</a>
— 老司机 (@h5LPyKL7TP6jjop) <a href="https://twitter.com/h5LPyKL7TP6jjop/status/1595934976553660417?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 25, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The recent tragedy comes a week after a fire at an industrial trading company in central China’s Anyang city left 38 dead. The fire was caused by welding sparks that ignited cotton cloth.

Chinese President Xi Jinping had vowed to bring those responsible for the incident to justice, official media reported.

Local fire teams sent 63 vehicles and 240 firefighters for the rescue operation. China’s Ministry of Emergency Management has also dispatched a team to the scene, the state-run CGTN reported.

Frequent deadly fires and industrial accidents are common in China, which has been grappling with government corruption and negligence, poor safety awareness and ageing infrastructure.

In August 2015, over 170 people were killed and 700 injured when blasts ripped through a warehouse in Tianjin Port where large amounts of toxic chemicals were stored, including around 700 tonnes of sodium cyanide.

(With inputs from agencies)

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At least 10 people were killed and nine injured after a fire ripped through an apartment in China’s northwestern Xinjiang region, state media reported on Friday.

At least 10 people were killed and nine injured after a fire ripped through an apartment in China’s northwestern Xinjiang region, state media reported on Friday. The fire broke out at a high-rise building on Thursday night in the regional capital of Urumqi, where temperatures have dropped to below freezing after dark. According to reports, it took more than three hours to douse the flames. Ten of them died of toxic smoke while the other nine injured were out of danger, China Daily newspaper reported. The cause of the fire is unknown and the police have launched an investigation into the matter. 11月24日 乌鲁木齐 晚上7点45分一高层发生 火灾 消防车进不去，拆铁皮拆到10点，拖了整整3个小时，死了10人 。又造成一起人祸！ pic.twitter.com/XkD0DuMfVL — 老司机 (@h5LPyKL7TP6jjop) November 25, 2022 × The recent tragedy comes a week after a fire at an industrial trading company in central China’s Anyang city left 38 dead. The fire was caused by welding sparks that ignited cotton cloth. Chinese President Xi Jinping had vowed to bring those responsible for the incident to justice, official media reported. Local fire teams sent 63 vehicles and 240 firefighters for the rescue operation. China’s Ministry of Emergency Management has also dispatched a team to the scene, the state-run CGTN reported. Frequent deadly fires and industrial accidents are common in China, which has been grappling with government corruption and negligence, poor safety awareness and ageing infrastructure. In August 2015, over 170 people were killed and 700 injured when blasts ripped through a warehouse in Tianjin Port where large amounts of toxic chemicals were stored, including around 700 tonnes of sodium cyanide. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

10 killed, nine injured after fire engulfs apartment in China’s Xinjiang region

US has been one of the most vocal critics of China's alleged oppression of its minorities and in a latest show of anger, Washington has blocked its major solar shipment. According to the federal customs, thousands of shipments of solar energy components have been sitting at the US port.

US, China tiff over Xinjiang: Chinese solar energy cargo seized at US port

Chen Quanguo, the former party secretary of Tibet and Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region has been shown the door by Xi Jinping after the 20th Communist Party of China (CPC) Congress that closed on Saturday. Reportedly, Chen's name is missing from the newly elected Central Committee, which is regarded as China's top leadership body.

Chen, who is only 66, is much below the&nbsp;unofficial retirement age of 68 that Xi has used as a baseline throughout most of his tenure. The fact that Chen's ouster was deliberate can be gauged by the fact that 72-year-old Zhang Youxia, vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission has been kept in the committee while 69-year-old foreign minister Wang Yi also keeps his position.&nbsp;

The CPC leader is regarded by many as the architect of the 'Uyghur genocide' that continues to take place in the Xinjiang province in some shape or form even today.&nbsp;

However, prior to ruling the region with an iron fist, Chen ruled over Tibet as the CPC Committee&nbsp;Secretary from 2011 to 2016. He is the only person in CPC to have served as party secretary for both the autonomous regions.

As reported by WION, the Xinjiang Police Files,&nbsp;a document stolen from internment camps in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region had revealed the true extent of the campaign that Chen was undertaking.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/leaked-documents-reveal-chinas-plot-to-oppress-the-uyghur-muslims-493121">Read more:&nbsp;Leaked documents reveal China's plot to oppress the Uyghur Muslims</a>

The files contain information on more than 20,000 Uyghurs who are under detention. One of the documents is a speech given by Chen in May 2017 while serving as the party secretary for the region from August 2016 to December 2021.

According to him, the Chinese government's campaign of repression in Xinjiang was not intended to purge the region of criminals but rather was an "extinction war" against the Uyghur people. His description of the Uyghurs as an "enemy class" had led to criticism.

The former official further stated that those detainees who were given sentences of less than five years should be mobilised for "learning law" and "bilingual learning," and that they should only be released once they had attained a sufficient study level, regardless of how long that took.

As reported by WION, Xi Jinping on multiple occasions has made it clear that Islam can only exist in China if it is reformed according to Chinese orientation. And according to the documents, Chen was merely following the line set by the likes of Xi in the upper hierarchy.&nbsp;

Read More:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/xi-jinping-says-that-islam-in-beijing-must-be-chinese-in-orientation-498073">Xi Jinping says that Islam in China must be Chinese in orientation</a>

His ouster, therefore, remains a mystery at this stage. Perhaps, Chen had served his purpose and was no longer beneficial for Xi who might attempt to take a much sterner stance against the minorities, having secured&nbsp;all but a third term for himself as the top leader of the party.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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Chen Quanguo, the former party secretary of Tibet and Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region has been shown the door by Xi Jinping after the 20th Communist Party of China (CPC) Congress that closed on Saturday.

Chen Quanguo, the former party secretary of Tibet and Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region has been shown the door by Xi Jinping after the 20th Communist Party of China (CPC) Congress that closed on Saturday. Reportedly, Chen's name is missing from the newly elected Central Committee, which is regarded as China's top leadership body. Chen, who is only 66, is much below the unofficial retirement age of 68 that Xi has used as a baseline throughout most of his tenure. The fact that Chen's ouster was deliberate can be gauged by the fact that 72-year-old Zhang Youxia, vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission has been kept in the committee while 69-year-old foreign minister Wang Yi also keeps his position. The CPC leader is regarded by many as the architect of the 'Uyghur genocide' that continues to take place in the Xinjiang province in some shape or form even today. However, prior to ruling the region with an iron fist, Chen ruled over Tibet as the CPC Committee Secretary from 2011 to 2016. He is the only person in CPC to have served as party secretary for both the autonomous regions. As reported by WION, the Xinjiang Police Files, a document stolen from internment camps in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region had revealed the true extent of the campaign that Chen was undertaking. Read more: Leaked documents reveal China's plot to oppress the Uyghur Muslims The files contain information on more than 20,000 Uyghurs who are under detention. One of the documents is a speech given by Chen in May 2017 while serving as the party secretary for the region from August 2016 to December 2021. According to him, the Chinese government's campaign of repression in Xinjiang was not intended to purge the region of criminals but rather was an "extinction war" against the Uyghur people. His description of the Uyghurs as an "enemy class" had led to criticism. The former official further stated that those detainees who were given sentences of less than five years should be mobilised for "learning law" and "bilingual learning," and that they should only be released once they had attained a sufficient study level, regardless of how long that took. As reported by WION, Xi Jinping on multiple occasions has made it clear that Islam can only exist in China if it is reformed according to Chinese orientation. And according to the documents, Chen was merely following the line set by the likes of Xi in the upper hierarchy. Read More: Xi Jinping says that Islam in China must be Chinese in orientation His ouster, therefore, remains a mystery at this stage. Perhaps, Chen had served his purpose and was no longer beneficial for Xi who might attempt to take a much sterner stance against the minorities, having secured all but a third term for himself as the top leader of the party. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Chen Quanguo, architect of the 'Uyghur genocide', ousted from China’s top leadership body

Xinjiang has suspended all passenger train services leaving the region to stop the spread of Covid-19, as officials admit their inadequate actions have hampered attempts to curb the outbreak for the past two months.

Xinjiang halts travel out of region as officials admit to failures in controlling Covid outbreak

The UN human rights council voted down a motion to hold a debate about alleged human rights abuses by China against Uighurs and other Muslims in Xinjiang in a victory for Beijing as it seeks to avoid further scrutiny. 11 countries including India abstained from voting in UNHRC on Uighurs.

UN body rejects debate on China's treatment of Uighur Muslims

India and Ukraine are among 11 countries that abstained as the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on Thursday (October 6) voted against holding a debate on alleged widespread abuses in China's Xinjiang region.&nbsp;

This is a major setback for Western nations, which accused China of human rights violations. Some countries said that Beijing detained more than one million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities, with the US even further accusing China of mass detention, torture, forced labour and genocide in Xinjiang.&nbsp;

The first draft decision was presented by the United States and its allies last month to target China at the UN's top rights body.&nbsp;

After the voting, US ambassador to the council Michele Taylor tweeted: "The United States condemns today's vote preventing a discussion about Xinjiang." Taylor said that inaction "shamefully suggests some countries are free from scrutiny and allowed to violate human rights with impunity".&nbsp;

The US, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Norway, Sweden and Turkey were among others to put forward the draft decision.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-criticises-us-for-repositioning-aircraft-carrier-near-korean-waters-calls-it-serious-threat-523032">North Korean warplanes conduct bombing drill, South scrambles fighter jets in response</a>&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HRC51?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HRC51</a> | Draft resolution A/HRC/51/L.6 on holding a debate on the situation of human rights in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/China?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#China</a>, was REJECTED. <a href="https://t.co/ITbWnqQaKe">pic.twitter.com/ITbWnqQaKe</a>
— UN Human Rights Council 📍 #HRC51 (@UN_HRC) <a href="https://twitter.com/UN_HRC/status/1578003299827171330?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 6, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Apart from India and Ukraine, Argentina, Armenia, Benin, Brazil, Gambia, Libya, Malawi, Malaysia, and Mexico also abstained.&nbsp;

Bolivia, Cameroon, China, Cuba, Eritrea, Gabon, Indonesia, Ivory Coast, Kazakhstan, Mauritania, Namibia, Nepal, Pakistan, Qatar, Senegal, Sudan, the United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan and Venezuela are the nations that voted against the debate.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nobel-prize-winner-2022-for-literature-who-is-french-author-annie-ernaux-523044">Nobel Prize winner 2022 for Literature: Who is French author Annie Ernaux?</a>&nbsp;

China's ambassador Chen Xu said the push to discuss the issue was "taking advantage" of the United Nations "to interfere in China's internal affairs".&nbsp;

"The draft decision is not pro-human rights but for political manipulation," he told the council.&nbsp;

"Today China is targeted; tomorrow any other developing country could be targeted."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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India and Ukraine are among 11 countries that abstained as the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on Thursday (October 6) voted against holding a debate on alleged widespread abuses in China's Xinjiang region.

India and Ukraine are among 11 countries that abstained as the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on Thursday (October 6) voted against holding a debate on alleged widespread abuses in China's Xinjiang region. This is a major setback for Western nations, which accused China of human rights violations. Some countries said that Beijing detained more than one million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities, with the US even further accusing China of mass detention, torture, forced labour and genocide in Xinjiang. The first draft decision was presented by the United States and its allies last month to target China at the UN's top rights body. After the voting, US ambassador to the council Michele Taylor tweeted: "The United States condemns today's vote preventing a discussion about Xinjiang." Taylor said that inaction "shamefully suggests some countries are free from scrutiny and allowed to violate human rights with impunity". The US, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Norway, Sweden and Turkey were among others to put forward the draft decision. ALSO READ | North Korean warplanes conduct bombing drill, South scrambles fighter jets in response #HRC51 | Draft resolution A/HRC/51/L.6 on holding a debate on the situation of human rights in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of #China, was REJECTED. pic.twitter.com/ITbWnqQaKe — UN Human Rights Council 📍 #HRC51 (@UN_HRC) October 6, 2022 × Apart from India and Ukraine, Argentina, Armenia, Benin, Brazil, Gambia, Libya, Malawi, Malaysia, and Mexico also abstained. Bolivia, Cameroon, China, Cuba, Eritrea, Gabon, Indonesia, Ivory Coast, Kazakhstan, Mauritania, Namibia, Nepal, Pakistan, Qatar, Senegal, Sudan, the United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan and Venezuela are the nations that voted against the debate. ALSO READ | Nobel Prize winner 2022 for Literature: Who is French author Annie Ernaux? China's ambassador Chen Xu said the push to discuss the issue was "taking advantage" of the United Nations "to interfere in China's internal affairs". "The draft decision is not pro-human rights but for political manipulation," he told the council. "Today China is targeted; tomorrow any other developing country could be targeted." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India, Ukraine among 11 nations to abstain as UNHRC rejects debate on Xinjiang

The United States, Britain and other countries are calling for a debate at the UN&nbsp;Human Rights Council to discuss China's treatment of Uyghurs and other Muslims in the farwestern region of Xinjiang, a document showed and diplomats said on Monday.

The move, which needs a majority vote to pass in the deeply divided Geneva council, would be the first time that alleged abuses by powerful permanent Security Council member China featured on the UN&nbsp;right's body's agenda in its 16-year history.

Intense diplomatic discussions have been ongoing on the sidelines of the council meeting since a much-anticipated UN&nbsp;report last month stipulated that "serious human rights violations have been committed" in Xinjiang that may amount to crimes against humanity.

China vigorously denies any abuses and has sent a government delegation to Geneva to counter what it claims are erroneous findings by the UN&nbsp;rights office and says it is "ready for the fight" if action is taken against it.

A spokesperson at China's diplomatic mission in Geneva did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The so-called "draft decision" reviewed by Reuters is so far backed by the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Sweden, Denmark, Iceland and Norway, diplomats said. It seeks a debate during the council's next session that begins in February.

China might seek to dismiss it with a no action motion.

The 47-member council is split over the allegations against China which has deep economic ties with many developing countries and is seeking their support.

The Western-led call for a debate is seen as a less confrontational option than a resolution which could have sought a Xinjiang probe, although this could be raised later.

Uyghurs held protests outside the UN&nbsp;Geneva office last week calling for action next to the photographs of those they say are being detained.

"My ask is clear to the international community – I ask you to intervene," said Gulbahar Haitiwaji, a former Uyghur detainee who spent three years in internment camps. "I implore you to save us from this tyranny."

China has been seeking to rally support against any Western-led action, although initial efforts fell short of expectations, with so far fewer than 10 voting members of the council backing a statement criticising the UN rights report.

The United States, Britain and other countries are calling for a debate at the UN Human Rights Council to discuss China's treatment of Uyghurs and other Muslims in the farwestern region of Xinjiang, a document showed and diplomats said on Monday.

The United States, Britain and other countries are calling for a debate at the UN Human Rights Council to discuss China's treatment of Uyghurs and other Muslims in the farwestern region of Xinjiang, a document showed and diplomats said on Monday. The move, which needs a majority vote to pass in the deeply divided Geneva council, would be the first time that alleged abuses by powerful permanent Security Council member China featured on the UN right's body's agenda in its 16-year history. Intense diplomatic discussions have been ongoing on the sidelines of the council meeting since a much-anticipated UN report last month stipulated that "serious human rights violations have been committed" in Xinjiang that may amount to crimes against humanity. China vigorously denies any abuses and has sent a government delegation to Geneva to counter what it claims are erroneous findings by the UN rights office and says it is "ready for the fight" if action is taken against it. A spokesperson at China's diplomatic mission in Geneva did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The so-called "draft decision" reviewed by Reuters is so far backed by the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Sweden, Denmark, Iceland and Norway, diplomats said. It seeks a debate during the council's next session that begins in February. China might seek to dismiss it with a no action motion. The 47-member council is split over the allegations against China which has deep economic ties with many developing countries and is seeking their support. The Western-led call for a debate is seen as a less confrontational option than a resolution which could have sought a Xinjiang probe, although this could be raised later. Uyghurs held protests outside the UN Geneva office last week calling for action next to the photographs of those they say are being detained. "My ask is clear to the international community – I ask you to intervene," said Gulbahar Haitiwaji, a former Uyghur detainee who spent three years in internment camps. "I implore you to save us from this tyranny." China has been seeking to rally support against any Western-led action, although initial efforts fell short of expectations, with so far fewer than 10 voting members of the council backing a statement criticising the UN rights report.

US, Britain seek UN human rights debate on China's Xinjiang

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

For over 40 days now, Xinjiang has been under a total lockdown. Authorities are locking up residents in their homes. Patients are being coerced to take tradition Chinese medicine. Priyanka Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: In Xinjiang, people are starving to death

In China, censors have reportedly been ordered to flood social media with harmless posts about Xinjiang which is under lockdown for more than a month. This is done to control mounting complaints of food and medical shortages.

China: Censors told to flood social media with harmless posts

Chinese people under lockdown complaining about food and medicine shortages have prompted the authorities to censure their desperate pleas on social media platforms as the country’s draconian ‘zero-Covid’ policy takes a toll.

At least 30 regions are under partial or full lockdowns where tens of millions of people have been ordered to stay at home.

According to the Guardian, which has cited a leaked directive published by the China Digital Times (CDT), censors have been ordered to flood social media with trivial posts about Xinjiang— a region under lockdown for over a month—to dilute complaints of food and medication shortages.

“There are no subject matter restrictions. Content may include domestic life, daily parenting, cooking, or personal moods. All internet commentary personnel should post once an hour (twice in total), but not in rapid succession! Repeat: not in rapid succession!” the directive said, according to CDT’s translation.

Authorities have been scurrying to contain local outbreaks ahead of the Communist Party of China's Congress in October.

China's zero-Covid policy requires strict lockdowns, even if just a handful of cases are reported. On Monday, China recorded 949 new Covid cases, the BBC reported.

During the 40-day lockdown, people in Xinjiang’s Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture near the border with Kazakhstan, desperate residents have been making a fervent appeal for help on social media,

One post showed a video of an emotional Uyghur man saying his three children had not eaten for three days.

In Ili, the capital of northwest Yining city, a shared online document of over 300 urgent requests for food, medicine and sanitary pads went viral.

"I'm out of money to buy supplies. My wife is pregnant and we have two kids. We are running out of gas. My wife needs a medical check," said a resident.

The region houses Han Chinese, Kazakh and Uyghur residents.

Similarly, in south-western Guizhou province, officials locked down an area of the provincial capital Guiyang without giving a warning, leaving 500,000 residents stranded at home without any chance to prepare to stock basic supplies.

According to the Guardian, lifts were switched off in buildings to stop people from leaving.

The reports of Chinese people struggling for food and aid come a month after a long-awaited UN report which accused Beijing of "serious human rights violations" against Uyghurs and other mainly Muslim minorities in Xinjiang.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Chinese people under lockdown complaining about food and medicine shortages have prompted the authorities to censure their desperate pleas on social media platforms as the country’s draconian ‘zero-Covid’ policy takes a toll.

Chinese people under lockdown complaining about food and medicine shortages have prompted the authorities to censure their desperate pleas on social media platforms as the country’s draconian ‘zero-Covid’ policy takes a toll. At least 30 regions are under partial or full lockdowns where tens of millions of people have been ordered to stay at home. According to the Guardian, which has cited a leaked directive published by the China Digital Times (CDT), censors have been ordered to flood social media with trivial posts about Xinjiang— a region under lockdown for over a month—to dilute complaints of food and medication shortages. “There are no subject matter restrictions. Content may include domestic life, daily parenting, cooking, or personal moods. All internet commentary personnel should post once an hour (twice in total), but not in rapid succession! Repeat: not in rapid succession!” the directive said, according to CDT’s translation. Authorities have been scurrying to contain local outbreaks ahead of the Communist Party of China's Congress in October. China's zero-Covid policy requires strict lockdowns, even if just a handful of cases are reported. On Monday, China recorded 949 new Covid cases, the BBC reported. During the 40-day lockdown, people in Xinjiang’s Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture near the border with Kazakhstan, desperate residents have been making a fervent appeal for help on social media, One post showed a video of an emotional Uyghur man saying his three children had not eaten for three days. In Ili, the capital of northwest Yining city, a shared online document of over 300 urgent requests for food, medicine and sanitary pads went viral. "I'm out of money to buy supplies. My wife is pregnant and we have two kids. We are running out of gas. My wife needs a medical check," said a resident. The region houses Han Chinese, Kazakh and Uyghur residents. Similarly, in south-western Guizhou province, officials locked down an area of the provincial capital Guiyang without giving a warning, leaving 500,000 residents stranded at home without any chance to prepare to stock basic supplies. According to the Guardian, lifts were switched off in buildings to stop people from leaving. The reports of Chinese people struggling for food and aid come a month after a long-awaited UN report which accused Beijing of "serious human rights violations" against Uyghurs and other mainly Muslim minorities in Xinjiang. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Covid lockdown: China censuring people’s pleas on social media amid food and medicine shortages

A UN human rights report hinted at possible crimes against humanity in China's Xinjiang province. China has rejected the report as politically motivated. Palki Sharma tells you why the report is a good start, but not enough.

Gravitas: UN report confirms human rights violations in Xinjiang

Why is China so angry over UN report on Xinjiang?

In a report released on Wednesday, the departing UN human rights chief claimed that severe human rights abuses had occurred in China's Xinjiang region as a result of the implementation of anti-terrorism and "anti-extremism" policies by the government.&nbsp;

After receiving criticism for being too lenient towards China during a visit in May, United Nations High Commissioner Michelle Bachelet, whose four-year term is coming to an end this week, opted not to run for re-election.

More than a million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities are allegedly being detained by Beijing in western Xinjiang. Campaigners charge China with a long list of human rights violations, including mass detention, forced labour, forced sterilisation, and the destruction of Uyghur religious and cultural sites.

"Allegations of patterns of torture or ill-treatment, including forced medical treatment and adverse conditions of detention, are credible, as are allegations of individual incidents of sexual and gender-based violence," the report said.&nbsp;

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"The extent of arbitrary and discriminatory detention of members of Uyghur and other predominantly Muslim groups, pursuant to law and policy, in context of restrictions and deprivation more generally of fundamental rights enjoyed individually and collectively, may constitute international crimes, in particular crimes against humanity," it added.

Congressmen in Western nations and the United States have even accused China of conducting "genocide" against minority communities. Beijing firmly denies the allegations and has long maintained that it operates centres for vocational training in Xinjiang that are intended to combat extremism. It asserts that the accusations are a part of a plan by the US and other Western countries to malign China and check its rise.

As the allegations grew, Bachelet was under growing pressure to look into them and respond. The former president of Chile addressed the UN Human Rights Council about a year ago and said that her administration was finishing a report and called for an impartial assessment of the situation. But despite the growing impatience of rights organisations and some countries, it was repeatedly delayed.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/californians-told-to-not-charge-evs-as-ageing-electricity-grid-struggles-in-heatwave-511900">Californians told to not charge EVs as ageing electricity grid struggles in heatwave</a>

Bachelet visited Xinjiang during her brief, six-day trip to China in May and she asked Beijing to refrain from "arbitrary and indiscriminate" actions in the area.

Rights organisations, however, criticised her for what they saw as a lack of toughness. They said that she had given in to a stage-managed visit to Xinjiang that Beijing had planned. The report, according to Human Rights Watch, will demonstrate that no state is above the law.

(with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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In a report released on Wednesday, the departing UN human rights chief claimed that severe human rights abuses had occurred in China's Xinjiang region as a result of the implementation of anti-terrorism and "anti-extremism" policies by the government.

In a report released on Wednesday, the departing UN human rights chief claimed that severe human rights abuses had occurred in China's Xinjiang region as a result of the implementation of anti-terrorism and "anti-extremism" policies by the government. After receiving criticism for being too lenient towards China during a visit in May, United Nations High Commissioner Michelle Bachelet, whose four-year term is coming to an end this week, opted not to run for re-election. More than a million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities are allegedly being detained by Beijing in western Xinjiang. Campaigners charge China with a long list of human rights violations, including mass detention, forced labour, forced sterilisation, and the destruction of Uyghur religious and cultural sites. "Allegations of patterns of torture or ill-treatment, including forced medical treatment and adverse conditions of detention, are credible, as are allegations of individual incidents of sexual and gender-based violence," the report said. × "The extent of arbitrary and discriminatory detention of members of Uyghur and other predominantly Muslim groups, pursuant to law and policy, in context of restrictions and deprivation more generally of fundamental rights enjoyed individually and collectively, may constitute international crimes, in particular crimes against humanity," it added. Congressmen in Western nations and the United States have even accused China of conducting "genocide" against minority communities. Beijing firmly denies the allegations and has long maintained that it operates centres for vocational training in Xinjiang that are intended to combat extremism. It asserts that the accusations are a part of a plan by the US and other Western countries to malign China and check its rise. As the allegations grew, Bachelet was under growing pressure to look into them and respond. The former president of Chile addressed the UN Human Rights Council about a year ago and said that her administration was finishing a report and called for an impartial assessment of the situation. But despite the growing impatience of rights organisations and some countries, it was repeatedly delayed. Also Read: Californians told to not charge EVs as ageing electricity grid struggles in heatwave Bachelet visited Xinjiang during her brief, six-day trip to China in May and she asked Beijing to refrain from "arbitrary and indiscriminate" actions in the area. Rights organisations, however, criticised her for what they saw as a lack of toughness. They said that she had given in to a stage-managed visit to Xinjiang that Beijing had planned. The report, according to Human Rights Watch, will demonstrate that no state is above the law. (with inputs from agencies)

Serious human rights violations committed in China's Xinjiang: UN human rights chief

The UN human rights chief said that it remained unclear whether a long-delayed report on China's Xinjiang region will be published before she steps down next week.

UN report on Xinjiang's Uighur treatment may be further delayed

Michelle Bachelet, the UN human rights chief said on Thursday (August 25) that there is "tremendous pressure" over a long-delayed report on China's Xinjiang region. Bachelet also admitted that she was uncertain when it would be published. Several times Bachelet has said that she will publish the report before her term ends on August 31. The report is based on the rights situation in Xinjiang.&nbsp;

Earlier this year, Bachelet completed a long-awaited trip to the Xinjiang region. During her final press conference as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, she seemed uncertain about the report.&nbsp;

While speaking to reporters in Geneva, Bachelet said, "We're trying very hard to do what I promised. She acknowledged that she has been under "tremendous pressure to publish or not to publish."&nbsp;

"But I will not publish or withhold publication due to any such pressure. We are working on the report. I had fully intended for it to be released before the end of my mandate," she added.&nbsp;

She further added, that her office had "received substantial input from the government (of China) that we will need to carefully review, as we do every time with any report with any country".&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-200-ukrainian-troops-killed-in-chaplyne-railway-station-attack-claims-russia-510118">Over 200 Ukrainian troops killed in Chaplyne railway station attack, claims Russia</a>&nbsp;

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Image: The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet attends her final news conference before the end of her mandate at the U.N. in Geneva, Switzerland. Credit: Reuters.&nbsp;

China is accused of human rights violations as it is said that Beijing detained more than one million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities. The US has even accused China of mass detention, torture, forced labour and genocide in Xinjiang.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-us-lawmakers-to-visit-taiwan-despite-chinas-anger-510106">More US lawmakers to visit Taiwan despite China's anger</a>&nbsp;

China has been accused of a litany of abuses in Xinjiang, including mass incarceration, forced labour, compulsory sterilisation and the destruction of Uyghur cultural and religious sites.&nbsp;

China has repeatedly denied the allegations.&nbsp;

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Michelle Bachelet, the UN human rights chief said on Thursday (August 25) that there is "tremendous pressure" over a long-delayed report on China's Xinjiang region.

Michelle Bachelet, the UN human rights chief said on Thursday (August 25) that there is "tremendous pressure" over a long-delayed report on China's Xinjiang region. Bachelet also admitted that she was uncertain when it would be published. Several times Bachelet has said that she will publish the report before her term ends on August 31. The report is based on the rights situation in Xinjiang. Earlier this year, Bachelet completed a long-awaited trip to the Xinjiang region. During her final press conference as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, she seemed uncertain about the report. While speaking to reporters in Geneva, Bachelet said, "We're trying very hard to do what I promised. She acknowledged that she has been under "tremendous pressure to publish or not to publish." "But I will not publish or withhold publication due to any such pressure. We are working on the report. I had fully intended for it to be released before the end of my mandate," she added. She further added, that her office had "received substantial input from the government (of China) that we will need to carefully review, as we do every time with any report with any country". ALSO READ | Over 200 Ukrainian troops killed in Chaplyne railway station attack, claims Russia Image: The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet attends her final news conference before the end of her mandate at the U.N. in Geneva, Switzerland. Credit: Reuters. China is accused of human rights violations as it is said that Beijing detained more than one million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities. The US has even accused China of mass detention, torture, forced labour and genocide in Xinjiang. ALSO READ | More US lawmakers to visit Taiwan despite China's anger China has been accused of a litany of abuses in Xinjiang, including mass incarceration, forced labour, compulsory sterilisation and the destruction of Uyghur cultural and religious sites. China has repeatedly denied the allegations. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

UN rights chief admits 'tremendous pressure' over Xinjiang report, says not clear when it will be published

A report by an independent UN expert has concluded that the minorities have been drafted into forced labour in China's Xinjiang region. They are forced into the manufacturing and agriculture sectors.&nbsp;

Some Western countries have accused China of human rights violations in the Xinjiang region against the Uyghur Muslims, which China has repeatedly denied. The US has even accused China of mass detention, torture, forced labour and genocide in Xinjiang.&nbsp;

As released on Tuesday (August 16), the report by UN special rapporteur on modern slavery Tomoya Obokata pointed to two "distinct state-mandated systems" in China.&nbsp;

The report highlights that forced labour has occurred, citing think tank and NGO reports as well as victims.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-yangtze-river-shrinks-factories-shut-as-drought-hits-hydropower-507838">China: Yangtze river shrinks; factories shut as drought hits hydropower</a>&nbsp;

One of the two distinct state-mandated systems is a vocational skills education and training centre system. In this, the minorities are detained and subject to work placements. &nbsp;

Meanwhile, another one involves attempts to reduce poverty through labour transfer, in which rural workers are moved into "secondary or tertiary work".

The report said, "While these programmes may create employment opportunities for minorities and enhance their incomes... the special rapporteur considers that indicators of forced labour pointing to the involuntary nature of work rendered by affected communities have been present in many cases."&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-eyes-pro-growth-measures-as-economy-stutters-amid-drought-heatwave-507647">China's PM Li Keqiang orders growth measures as economy stutters amid drought, heatwave</a>&nbsp;

As per the report, the nature and extent of powers exercised over the workers include excessive surveillance and abusive living and working conditions.&nbsp;

The report further stated that it could "amount to enslavement as a crime against humanity, meriting a further independent analysis."&nbsp;

In response, China's foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin on Wednesday accused Obokata of "choosing to believe lies and disinformation fabricated by the US... as well as anti-China forces".&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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A report by an independent UN expert has concluded that the minorities have been drafted into forced labour in China's Xinjiang region. They are forced into the manufacturing and agriculture sectors.

A report by an independent UN expert has concluded that the minorities have been drafted into forced labour in China's Xinjiang region. They are forced into the manufacturing and agriculture sectors. Some Western countries have accused China of human rights violations in the Xinjiang region against the Uyghur Muslims, which China has repeatedly denied. The US has even accused China of mass detention, torture, forced labour and genocide in Xinjiang. As released on Tuesday (August 16), the report by UN special rapporteur on modern slavery Tomoya Obokata pointed to two "distinct state-mandated systems" in China. The report highlights that forced labour has occurred, citing think tank and NGO reports as well as victims. ALSO READ | China: Yangtze river shrinks; factories shut as drought hits hydropower One of the two distinct state-mandated systems is a vocational skills education and training centre system. In this, the minorities are detained and subject to work placements. Meanwhile, another one involves attempts to reduce poverty through labour transfer, in which rural workers are moved into "secondary or tertiary work". The report said, "While these programmes may create employment opportunities for minorities and enhance their incomes... the special rapporteur considers that indicators of forced labour pointing to the involuntary nature of work rendered by affected communities have been present in many cases." ALSO READ | China's PM Li Keqiang orders growth measures as economy stutters amid drought, heatwave As per the report, the nature and extent of powers exercised over the workers include excessive surveillance and abusive living and working conditions. The report further stated that it could "amount to enslavement as a crime against humanity, meriting a further independent analysis." In response, China's foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin on Wednesday accused Obokata of "choosing to believe lies and disinformation fabricated by the US... as well as anti-China forces". (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Minorities drafted into forced labour, possible 'enslavement' in China's Xinjiang: UN expert

“The foundation of belief and all reflection on its origin is excluded as sinful. What is wanted are blindness and intoxication and an eternal song over the waves in which reason has drowned.”

~Friedrich Nietzsche (Daybreak: Thoughts on the Prejudices of Morality)

&nbsp;As far as I understand we have only ONE World. However, nowadays, it has become very common to suffix the world after Abrahamic Religion – such as Islamic World, Christian World etc. To some extent funny while considering literally, at the same time horribly dangerous a trend we are heading towards. The entire Arab nations jumped into the chorus, as a part of the so-called ‘Islamic World’, against India over a provocative statement from the BJP spokesperson (presently suspended) in a Live TV debate. A perfect example of&nbsp;how to make a mountain out of a mole. Thousands of such abusive statements against every religion are posted or uploaded in social media or e-media platforms worldwide every day. However, this one got an exceptional response from ‘Islamic World’. Even though the entire population of Uighur Muslims were wiped out from China’s Xinjiang province, Chinese goods were never taken out from Qatar's supermarket.

Throughout the history of mankind, religions have influenced civilisations more profoundly than any other single factor.&nbsp;Religion has been both a dominant cause and effect of rise and fall of civilisations, influencing the conduct of war and peace, social intercourse, political and economic life, cultural motif and individual and group ethics. Like all other religions, Islam too promotes all the nobilities of human society – compassion, love, justice etc. However, there are several issues/values which raises the dilemma – specifically the values that were needed in 6th&nbsp;century in order to bring order in Arab society. Right from the very beginning Muslim society were very reluctant to reform. Efforts in this direction were equated with apostasy, punishable with death. Majority of Islamic World is not flexible with the ideas such as Rights to Equality, Democratic System, Gender Equality and last not the least -Freedom of Expression.

Rights to equality have been won by human society after a centuries of long struggle during which the concept of democracy kept on continuously evolving. Magna Carta, Reformation, Renaissance and Elected Governments were milestones in this journey. However, the true spirit of democracy is far from democracies that are practiced today. Still, the situation is far better than the Islamic World that does not permit freedom of independent thought or conscience at all. Anyone who dares to exercise such liberty, like Salman Rushdie, and Taslima Nasrin are immediately targeted.

The Islamic World turns down gender equality also. In the earlier era women’s status was equated to property. Even today they are discriminated against in matters relating to inheritance, marriage, education, dress etc. In the Islamic World’s social, cultural and political front, women, as a class, still remain far removed from liberation and equality.

The Islamic world imposes strict censorship on free expression of ideas. In this matter no meeting point exists between modern and Islamic thought. Democracies allow their citizens full liberties of expression and thought except in fields relating to public safety and morality. Responsible media in such countries exercise self-censorship so as not to offend Muslim sensitivities but Muslim intolerance does not keep itself bridled even when the law of the land is taking its due course on such issues. This was most recently seen in reactions by Muslim people all over the world. Similar outrage from Islamic World happened over the depiction of the Prophet in cartoons in a Danish newspaper in 2005. The Danish action was an exercise to test the principle of freedom of speech against Muslim intolerance. The point it sought to make was that immigrants must live by the cultural values of the land to which they immigrate. The nature of reactions showed that this was unacceptable to Muslims.

&nbsp;There is plenty in each religion which can be quoted against cruelty, killing of or inflicting injury on the innocents, causing wanton destruction etc. The problem arises when drawing from the same or equally authentic and impeccable sources, the opposite can also be justified. Contestants take subjective positions, deliberately or otherwise, which are in consonance with their self-interests, predispositions or psychological fixations and then find religious justifications to rationalize their actions. This begs an objective examination of how much space different religions provide, if any, in support of violence which is inhumanly cruel, can be directed against the innocents, and target people for having a faith and belief system in variance of their own.

Clash of civilisations,&nbsp;a prediction of Samuel Huntington, seems to be looming into a reality. The chasm between Islamic world and the democratic countries is widening. European nations are now seriously considering how to protect their native culture, block fresh immigration and reduce the scope of rights to the immigrants. There is little evidence to suggest that the Muslims of Islamic countries of the sub-continent think differently from the Islamic World, depending on the regions where they live. The near total elimination of Hindus in Pakistan and the ongoing similar process in Bangladesh disclose a similar Arab mindset.

&nbsp;Worldwide Democratic Governments need to promote reformist, modern and courageous Muslims and Islamic scholars, who must be encouraged to speak out, through radio, TV, seminars and debates, inviting the silent majority in a movement of reforms. The role of the Democratic Governments must remain that of enablers and facilitators without treading into the sensitive area of the religious domain. That could be highly counter-productive and invite genuine concerns of interference in personal religious beliefs and practices of individual citizens. A mass movement and campaign, initiated from within the Muslim community of democratic countries alone can avert the calamity towards which the world seems to be headed. In this context it is worth mentioning that some Danes feel that the intense debate within Danes Muslim Community on cartoon controversy has progressed the Islamic society in Denmark forward at least by 300 years.

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer)

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&nbsp;

“The foundation of belief and all reflection on its origin is excluded as sinful. What is wanted are blindness and intoxication and an eternal song over the waves in which reason has drowned.

“The foundation of belief and all reflection on its origin is excluded as sinful. What is wanted are blindness and intoxication and an eternal song over the waves in which reason has drowned.” ~Friedrich Nietzsche (Daybreak: Thoughts on the Prejudices of Morality) As far as I understand we have only ONE World. However, nowadays, it has become very common to suffix the world after Abrahamic Religion – such as Islamic World, Christian World etc. To some extent funny while considering literally, at the same time horribly dangerous a trend we are heading towards. The entire Arab nations jumped into the chorus, as a part of the so-called ‘Islamic World’, against India over a provocative statement from the BJP spokesperson (presently suspended) in a Live TV debate. A perfect example of how to make a mountain out of a mole. Thousands of such abusive statements against every religion are posted or uploaded in social media or e-media platforms worldwide every day. However, this one got an exceptional response from ‘Islamic World’. Even though the entire population of Uighur Muslims were wiped out from China’s Xinjiang province, Chinese goods were never taken out from Qatar's supermarket. Throughout the history of mankind, religions have influenced civilisations more profoundly than any other single factor. Religion has been both a dominant cause and effect of rise and fall of civilisations, influencing the conduct of war and peace, social intercourse, political and economic life, cultural motif and individual and group ethics. Like all other religions, Islam too promotes all the nobilities of human society – compassion, love, justice etc. However, there are several issues/values which raises the dilemma – specifically the values that were needed in 6th century in order to bring order in Arab society. Right from the very beginning Muslim society were very reluctant to reform. Efforts in this direction were equated with apostasy, punishable with death. Majority of Islamic World is not flexible with the ideas such as Rights to Equality, Democratic System, Gender Equality and last not the least -Freedom of Expression. Rights to equality have been won by human society after a centuries of long struggle during which the concept of democracy kept on continuously evolving. Magna Carta, Reformation, Renaissance and Elected Governments were milestones in this journey. However, the true spirit of democracy is far from democracies that are practiced today. Still, the situation is far better than the Islamic World that does not permit freedom of independent thought or conscience at all. Anyone who dares to exercise such liberty, like Salman Rushdie, and Taslima Nasrin are immediately targeted. The Islamic World turns down gender equality also. In the earlier era women’s status was equated to property. Even today they are discriminated against in matters relating to inheritance, marriage, education, dress etc. In the Islamic World’s social, cultural and political front, women, as a class, still remain far removed from liberation and equality. The Islamic world imposes strict censorship on free expression of ideas. In this matter no meeting point exists between modern and Islamic thought. Democracies allow their citizens full liberties of expression and thought except in fields relating to public safety and morality. Responsible media in such countries exercise self-censorship so as not to offend Muslim sensitivities but Muslim intolerance does not keep itself bridled even when the law of the land is taking its due course on such issues. This was most recently seen in reactions by Muslim people all over the world. Similar outrage from Islamic World happened over the depiction of the Prophet in cartoons in a Danish newspaper in 2005. The Danish action was an exercise to test the principle of freedom of speech against Muslim intolerance. The point it sought to make was that immigrants must live by the cultural values of the land to which they immigrate. The nature of reactions showed that this was unacceptable to Muslims. There is plenty in each religion which can be quoted against cruelty, killing of or inflicting injury on the innocents, causing wanton destruction etc. The problem arises when drawing from the same or equally authentic and impeccable sources, the opposite can also be justified. Contestants take subjective positions, deliberately or otherwise, which are in consonance with their self-interests, predispositions or psychological fixations and then find religious justifications to rationalize their actions. This begs an objective examination of how much space different religions provide, if any, in support of violence which is inhumanly cruel, can be directed against the innocents, and target people for having a faith and belief system in variance of their own. Clash of civilisations, a prediction of Samuel Huntington, seems to be looming into a reality. The chasm between Islamic world and the democratic countries is widening. European nations are now seriously considering how to protect their native culture, block fresh immigration and reduce the scope of rights to the immigrants. There is little evidence to suggest that the Muslims of Islamic countries of the sub-continent think differently from the Islamic World, depending on the regions where they live. The near total elimination of Hindus in Pakistan and the ongoing similar process in Bangladesh disclose a similar Arab mindset. Worldwide Democratic Governments need to promote reformist, modern and courageous Muslims and Islamic scholars, who must be encouraged to speak out, through radio, TV, seminars and debates, inviting the silent majority in a movement of reforms. The role of the Democratic Governments must remain that of enablers and facilitators without treading into the sensitive area of the religious domain. That could be highly counter-productive and invite genuine concerns of interference in personal religious beliefs and practices of individual citizens. A mass movement and campaign, initiated from within the Muslim community of democratic countries alone can avert the calamity towards which the world seems to be headed. In this context it is worth mentioning that some Danes feel that the intense debate within Danes Muslim Community on cartoon controversy has progressed the Islamic society in Denmark forward at least by 300 years. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer) Watch WION's live TV here: ×

Dilemma of Islamic world: Perspective of democratic countries

According to a Chinese letter seen by Reuters and corroborated by diplomats from three different nations who received it, China is requesting that the UN human rights chief bury a highly anticipated report on human rights crimes in Xinjiang. After receiving harsh criticism from the general public for being too lenient toward China during a visit in May, UN High Commissioner Michelle Bachelet announced she will not run for re-election for personal reasons.

However, as reported by Reuters, she has promised to write a report on the western Chinese region of Xinjiang before she departs at the end of August. Rights organisations charge Beijing with mistreatment of the Uyghur people living in Xinjiang, including the widespread use of forced labour in internment camps. China has vehemently refuted the claims. According to four sources—three diplomats and a rights expert who all spoke on the condition of anonymity—the letter written by China expressed "grave concern" about the Xinjiang report and seeks to prevent its distribution. They claimed that in late June, China circulated it among diplomatic missions in Geneva and requested other nations sign it to demonstrate their support.

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The "joint letter," which Liu used to refer to China and the other signatories, and public statements made at the most recent UN Human Rights Council session, which ended on July 8, both expressed this support, according to Liu. Bachelet would have seen a "real Xinjiang with a safe and stable society" when she visited the area during her May trip to China, a representative for the Chinese foreign ministry told Reuters. The spokesperson predicted that efforts by other nations to "smear China's image" through the Xinjiang problem would fail.

(with inputs from agencies)

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According to a Chinese letter seen by Reuters and corroborated by diplomats from three different nations who received it, China is requesting that the UN human rights chief bury a highly anticipated report on human rights crimes in Xinjiang.

According to a Chinese letter seen by Reuters and corroborated by diplomats from three different nations who received it, China is requesting that the UN human rights chief bury a highly anticipated report on human rights crimes in Xinjiang. After receiving harsh criticism from the general public for being too lenient toward China during a visit in May, UN High Commissioner Michelle Bachelet announced she will not run for re-election for personal reasons. However, as reported by Reuters, she has promised to write a report on the western Chinese region of Xinjiang before she departs at the end of August. Rights organisations charge Beijing with mistreatment of the Uyghur people living in Xinjiang, including the widespread use of forced labour in internment camps. China has vehemently refuted the claims. According to four sources—three diplomats and a rights expert who all spoke on the condition of anonymity—the letter written by China expressed "grave concern" about the Xinjiang report and seeks to prevent its distribution. They claimed that in late June, China circulated it among diplomatic missions in Geneva and requested other nations sign it to demonstrate their support. Also Read: Sri Lankan crisis: Economy lessons India can learn The "joint letter," which Liu used to refer to China and the other signatories, and public statements made at the most recent UN Human Rights Council session, which ended on July 8, both expressed this support, according to Liu. Bachelet would have seen a "real Xinjiang with a safe and stable society" when she visited the area during her May trip to China, a representative for the Chinese foreign ministry told Reuters. The spokesperson predicted that efforts by other nations to "smear China's image" through the Xinjiang problem would fail. (with inputs from agencies)

China tries to prevent the UN rights chief from releasing report on human rights violations in Xinjiang

Highlighting that religions in the country should adapt to the socialist society being pursued by the ruling Communist Party of China, President Xi Jinping has said that Islam in China must be Chinese in orientation.

Jinping's statement comes after his first visit to the controversial region of Xinjiang since 2014 where a million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities have allegedly been detained in camps.

Stressing on fostering a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation, Xi underlined the need to improve the governance capacity of religious affairs and realise the healthy development of religions.

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State-run Xinhua news agency quoted him as saying that enhanced efforts should be made to ensure that the normal religious needs of believers should be united closely around the party and the government.

Calling for educating and guiding people of all ethnic groups to strengthen their identification with the motherland, he emphasised the importance of cultural identity.

The East Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM), which is active in the region, has been accused by China of carrying out numerous terrorist attacks.

Insisting that its policies have helped combat the threat of Islamic extremism, China has denied Western allegations labelling its actions in Xinjiang a "genocide".

After a long drawn-out negotiation process with Beijing, UN Human Rights Council chief Michelle Bachelet recently visited Xinjiang and raised concerns over the application of counter-terrorism and de-radicalisation measures by China.

Jinping, who is all set to secure a third consecutive term at the helm of the world's second-largest economy, is widely expected to break with decades of Communist Party precedent.

(With inputs from agencies)

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&nbsp;

Highlighting that religions in the country should adapt to the socialist society being pursued by the ruling Communist Party of China, President Xi Jinping has said that Islam in China must be Chinese in orientation.

Highlighting that religions in the country should adapt to the socialist society being pursued by the ruling Communist Party of China, President Xi Jinping has said that Islam in China must be Chinese in orientation. Jinping's statement comes after his first visit to the controversial region of Xinjiang since 2014 where a million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities have allegedly been detained in camps. Stressing on fostering a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation, Xi underlined the need to improve the governance capacity of religious affairs and realise the healthy development of religions. × State-run Xinhua news agency quoted him as saying that enhanced efforts should be made to ensure that the normal religious needs of believers should be united closely around the party and the government. Calling for educating and guiding people of all ethnic groups to strengthen their identification with the motherland, he emphasised the importance of cultural identity. The East Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM), which is active in the region, has been accused by China of carrying out numerous terrorist attacks. Insisting that its policies have helped combat the threat of Islamic extremism, China has denied Western allegations labelling its actions in Xinjiang a "genocide". After a long drawn-out negotiation process with Beijing, UN Human Rights Council chief Michelle Bachelet recently visited Xinjiang and raised concerns over the application of counter-terrorism and de-radicalisation measures by China. Jinping, who is all set to secure a third consecutive term at the helm of the world's second-largest economy, is widely expected to break with decades of Communist Party precedent. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here: ×

Xi Jinping says that Islam in China must be Chinese in orientation

Chinese state media has hailed strides made by Xinjiang amid a visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping for the first time since 2014.

Six years ago, three people were killed in an attack that presaged the start of the mass detention campaign in Xinjiang three years later.&nbsp;

Praising the work of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps (XPCC), Jinping said the group had made "great progress" in reform and development.

During a trip to the city of Shihezi in the region's north, Jinping received rapturous applause from residents in traditional clothing and he could be seen speaking to students and local officials in state media footage.

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After visiting Hong Kong on its anniversary of the British handover, Jinping visited Xinjiang ahead of a key party congress later this year.

With decades of Communist Party precedent, Jinping is expected to secure a third consecutive term at the helm of the world's second-largest economy.

While the United States has accused China of detaining over a million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities in camps, Beijing denies these allegations.

Insisting that its policies have helped combat the threat of Islamic extremism, China has called them the "lie of the century".

Urging Beijing to avoid "arbitrary and indiscriminate" measures in Xinjiang, United Nations' human rights chief Michelle Bachelet acknowledged the harm caused by "violent acts of extremism".&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Chinese state media has hailed strides made by Xinjiang amid a visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping for the first time since 2014. Six years ago, three people were killed in an attack that presaged the start of the mass detention campaign in Xinjiang three years later.

Chinese state media has hailed strides made by Xinjiang amid a visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping for the first time since 2014. Six years ago, three people were killed in an attack that presaged the start of the mass detention campaign in Xinjiang three years later. Praising the work of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps (XPCC), Jinping said the group had made "great progress" in reform and development. During a trip to the city of Shihezi in the region's north, Jinping received rapturous applause from residents in traditional clothing and he could be seen speaking to students and local officials in state media footage. × After visiting Hong Kong on its anniversary of the British handover, Jinping visited Xinjiang ahead of a key party congress later this year. With decades of Communist Party precedent, Jinping is expected to secure a third consecutive term at the helm of the world's second-largest economy. While the United States has accused China of detaining over a million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities in camps, Beijing denies these allegations. Insisting that its policies have helped combat the threat of Islamic extremism, China has called them the "lie of the century". Urging Beijing to avoid "arbitrary and indiscriminate" measures in Xinjiang, United Nations' human rights chief Michelle Bachelet acknowledged the harm caused by "violent acts of extremism". (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here: ×

Chinese state media hails strides made by Xinjiang as Jinping visits it first time since crackdown

Nearly 70 British lawmakers from various political parties have urged the government to outlaw the use of commonly used CCTV models that have been linked to human rights abuses in China. Along with prominent Labour human rights advocates Baroness Chakrabarti and Baroness Kennedy of the Shaws, former Conservative ministers David Davis MP, Lord Bethell, Steve Baker MP, and Damien Green MP, as well as leader of the Liberal Democrats Sir Ed Davey, SNP Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Alyn Smith, Green MP Caroline Lucas, and crossbench peers, make up the group.

The 67 lawmakers demand a ban on the technology's usage or sale in the UK as they "condemn [Hikvision and Dahua's] role in technology-enabled human rights abuses in China."

They also called for "an independent national review of the scale, capabilities, ethics and rights impact of modern CCTV in the UK".

Big Brother Watch, a privacy and civil liberties organisation, coordinated the statement, which is also supported by Rene Cassin, Stop Uyghur Genocide, Free Tibet, and Hong Kong Watch, among other rights organisations.

Due to security concerns and evidence of their widespread use in so-called "re-education" camps in Xinjiang, where an estimated 1 million Uyghurs are detained and subjected to abuse, torture, and forced sterilisation, Hikvision and Dahua, which are partially owned by the Chinese government, are now prohibited from doing business in the US. In November of last year, the House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee urged the UK to impose similar restrictions on Chinese spy agencies.

New research reveals that UK public organisations are giving sizeable contracts to acquire the contentious Chinese-made equipment, despite the fact that the government has declined to take any action. The MPs' statement comes after a six-month investigation by Big Brother Watch that involved thousands of Freedom of Information requests. Big Brother Watch discovered that the majority of public institutions, including 73 percent of UK councils, 57 percent of secondary schools in England, 6 out of 10 NHS Trusts, UK universities, and police forces, use CCTV cameras made by Hikvision or Dahua.

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Nearly 70 British lawmakers from various political parties have urged the government to outlaw the use of commonly used CCTV models that have been linked to human rights abuses in China.

Nearly 70 British lawmakers from various political parties have urged the government to outlaw the use of commonly used CCTV models that have been linked to human rights abuses in China. Along with prominent Labour human rights advocates Baroness Chakrabarti and Baroness Kennedy of the Shaws, former Conservative ministers David Davis MP, Lord Bethell, Steve Baker MP, and Damien Green MP, as well as leader of the Liberal Democrats Sir Ed Davey, SNP Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Alyn Smith, Green MP Caroline Lucas, and crossbench peers, make up the group. The 67 lawmakers demand a ban on the technology's usage or sale in the UK as they "condemn [Hikvision and Dahua's] role in technology-enabled human rights abuses in China." They also called for "an independent national review of the scale, capabilities, ethics and rights impact of modern CCTV in the UK". Big Brother Watch, a privacy and civil liberties organisation, coordinated the statement, which is also supported by Rene Cassin, Stop Uyghur Genocide, Free Tibet, and Hong Kong Watch, among other rights organisations. Due to security concerns and evidence of their widespread use in so-called "re-education" camps in Xinjiang, where an estimated 1 million Uyghurs are detained and subjected to abuse, torture, and forced sterilisation, Hikvision and Dahua, which are partially owned by the Chinese government, are now prohibited from doing business in the US. In November of last year, the House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee urged the UK to impose similar restrictions on Chinese spy agencies. New research reveals that UK public organisations are giving sizeable contracts to acquire the contentious Chinese-made equipment, despite the fact that the government has declined to take any action. The MPs' statement comes after a six-month investigation by Big Brother Watch that involved thousands of Freedom of Information requests. Big Brother Watch discovered that the majority of public institutions, including 73 percent of UK councils, 57 percent of secondary schools in England, 6 out of 10 NHS Trusts, UK universities, and police forces, use CCTV cameras made by Hikvision or Dahua. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

UK MPs seek ban on Chinese cos making CCTVs used in Xinjiang

Amid allegations of discrimination against Uyghurs and other ethnic and religious minorities in the Xinjiang region, International Labour Organization (ILO) &nbsp;members have decided Saturday to send a mission to China.&nbsp;

The ILO's main annual assembly adopted a committee finding to send a "technical advisory mission" to China to "assess the situation", stopping short of a higher-level investigation, as requested by the United States, Britain and other countries.

During the more than two-week International Labour Conference, the committee tasked with assessing China's compliance with global labour practices had heard allegations, vehemently denied by China, of systemic labour violations especially targeting Uyghur and other ethnic minorities in Xinjiang.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uyghur-genocide-un-team-arrives-in-china-ahead-of-visit-by-human-rights-chief-474000">Uyghur genocide: UN team arrives in China ahead of visit by human rights chief</a>

In its conclusions, adopted in full by the assembly Saturday, the committee "deplored the use of all repressive measures against the Uyghur people, which has a discriminatory effect on their employment opportunities and treatment as a religious and ethnic minority in China".

It issued a long line of recommendations to Beijing, including to "immediately cease any discriminatory practices against the Uyghur population and any other ethnic minority groups, including internment or imprisonment on ethnic and religious grounds for de-radicalisation purpose".

It urged Beijing to accept an ILO technical advisory mission and asked it to provide a report by September 1 with information on how it is applying the labour convention against discrimination in employment.

China reacted angrily to the findings, with government representative Qian Xiaoyan insisting that ILO committees should not be used as a "political instrument of some Western countries to smear and denigrate China".

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/human-rights-activists-call-on-china-to-release-uyghur-scholar-416014">Human rights activists call on China to release Uyghur scholar</a>

The committee review came after a group of 20 UN labour experts in February voiced their "deep concern" after evaluating the treatment of ethnic and religious minorities in China.

They had assessed allegations by the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) in late 2020 that Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities in Xinjiang were systematically being used for forced labour in agriculture.

Rights groups also say at least one million Uyghurs have been incarcerated in "re-education camps" in the western region. Beijing flatly denies all such charges and maintains the camps are vocational training centres aimed at reducing the appeal of Islamic extremism.&nbsp;

Since China has not completed its ratification of conventions against forced labour, the committee review focused only on the country's adherence to Convention 111 against discrimination in employment, to which it is a party.

[with inputs from agencies] 
&nbsp;

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Amid allegations of discrimination against Uyghurs and other ethnic and religious minorities in the Xinjiang region, International Labour Organization (ILO) members have decided Saturday to send a mission to China.

Amid allegations of discrimination against Uyghurs and other ethnic and religious minorities in the Xinjiang region, International Labour Organization (ILO) members have decided Saturday to send a mission to China. The ILO's main annual assembly adopted a committee finding to send a "technical advisory mission" to China to "assess the situation", stopping short of a higher-level investigation, as requested by the United States, Britain and other countries. During the more than two-week International Labour Conference, the committee tasked with assessing China's compliance with global labour practices had heard allegations, vehemently denied by China, of systemic labour violations especially targeting Uyghur and other ethnic minorities in Xinjiang. Also Read: Uyghur genocide: UN team arrives in China ahead of visit by human rights chief In its conclusions, adopted in full by the assembly Saturday, the committee "deplored the use of all repressive measures against the Uyghur people, which has a discriminatory effect on their employment opportunities and treatment as a religious and ethnic minority in China". It issued a long line of recommendations to Beijing, including to "immediately cease any discriminatory practices against the Uyghur population and any other ethnic minority groups, including internment or imprisonment on ethnic and religious grounds for de-radicalisation purpose". It urged Beijing to accept an ILO technical advisory mission and asked it to provide a report by September 1 with information on how it is applying the labour convention against discrimination in employment. China reacted angrily to the findings, with government representative Qian Xiaoyan insisting that ILO committees should not be used as a "political instrument of some Western countries to smear and denigrate China". Also Read: Human rights activists call on China to release Uyghur scholar The committee review came after a group of 20 UN labour experts in February voiced their "deep concern" after evaluating the treatment of ethnic and religious minorities in China. They had assessed allegations by the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) in late 2020 that Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities in Xinjiang were systematically being used for forced labour in agriculture. Rights groups also say at least one million Uyghurs have been incarcerated in "re-education camps" in the western region. Beijing flatly denies all such charges and maintains the camps are vocational training centres aimed at reducing the appeal of Islamic extremism. Since China has not completed its ratification of conventions against forced labour, the committee review focused only on the country's adherence to Convention 111 against discrimination in employment, to which it is a party. [with inputs from agencies] WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

ILO sending mission to China to report on discrimination against Uyghurs in Xinjiang region

The United States has slammed China for its religious repression and committing genocide against Uighurs. In the annual report on religious freedom across the world, released by the US State Department, the country's ambassador Rashad Hussain has said “far too many governments remain undeterred of their repression of their citizens”.

“It comes as no surprise that the People’s Republic of China is a glaring example here,” he told reporters.

“The PRC government continue[s] to commit genocide and crimes against humanity against Uighurs, who are predominantly Muslim, and members of other ethnic and religious minority groups.”

According to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, ''China continues its genocide and repression of predominantly Muslim Uighurs and other religious minority groups.''

''Since April 2017 more than one million Uighurs, ethnic Kazakhs, Kyrgyz and others have been detained in internment camps in Xinjiang," he added.

Initially, China had denied the existence of any detention camps in Xinjiang. In 2018, Beijing said it had set up "vocational training centres" necessary to curb what it said was terrorism, separatism, and religious radicalism in the region.

“NGOs and media continued to report deaths in custody and that the government tortured, physically abused, arrested, disappeared, detained, sentenced to prison, subjected to forced labor and forced indoctrination in CCP ideology, and harassed adherents of both registered and unregistered religious groups for activities related to their religious beliefs and practices,” according to the 2021 Report on International Religious Freedom.

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US authorities are ready to implement a ban on imports from China's Xinjiang region when a law requiring it becomes enforceable later in June.

''We're all on a very tight timeframe,'' Elva Muneton, Customs and Border Protection's (CBP) acting executive director for the UFLPA Implementation Task Force said.

"The expectation is that we will be ready to implement the Uyghur act on June 21, and that we have the resources," Muneton told a webinar on enforcing the law. "So the question is, are we ready to implement? Yes, we are," she said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-slams-chinas-efforts-to-restrict-and-manipulate-un-rights-chief-visit-to-xinjiang-483076">Also read |&nbsp;US slams China's efforts to restrict and manipulate UN rights chief visit to Xinjiang</a>

Importers will have the option to re-export prohibited cargo back to the country of origin, and any exemptions to the presumption must be granted by the CBP commissioner and reported to Congress, Muneton said.

"It's important to know that the level of evidence that's going be required by the Uyghur act is very high," she said.

"It's going to require documentation, clear and convincing evidence, that the supply chain of the product that's being imported is free from forced labor." 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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The United States has slammed China for its religious repression and committing genocide against Uighurs. In the annual report on religious freedom across the world, released by the US State Department, the country's ambassador Rashad Hussain has said “far too many governments remain undeterred of their repression of their citizens”.

The United States has slammed China for its religious repression and committing genocide against Uighurs. In the annual report on religious freedom across the world, released by the US State Department, the country's ambassador Rashad Hussain has said “far too many governments remain undeterred of their repression of their citizens”. “It comes as no surprise that the People’s Republic of China is a glaring example here,” he told reporters. “The PRC government continue[s] to commit genocide and crimes against humanity against Uighurs, who are predominantly Muslim, and members of other ethnic and religious minority groups.” According to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, ''China continues its genocide and repression of predominantly Muslim Uighurs and other religious minority groups.'' ''Since April 2017 more than one million Uighurs, ethnic Kazakhs, Kyrgyz and others have been detained in internment camps in Xinjiang," he added. Initially, China had denied the existence of any detention camps in Xinjiang. In 2018, Beijing said it had set up "vocational training centres" necessary to curb what it said was terrorism, separatism, and religious radicalism in the region. “NGOs and media continued to report deaths in custody and that the government tortured, physically abused, arrested, disappeared, detained, sentenced to prison, subjected to forced labor and forced indoctrination in CCP ideology, and harassed adherents of both registered and unregistered religious groups for activities related to their religious beliefs and practices,” according to the 2021 Report on International Religious Freedom. US authorities are ready to implement a ban on imports from China's Xinjiang region when a law requiring it becomes enforceable later in June. ''We're all on a very tight timeframe,'' Elva Muneton, Customs and Border Protection's (CBP) acting executive director for the UFLPA Implementation Task Force said. "The expectation is that we will be ready to implement the Uyghur act on June 21, and that we have the resources," Muneton told a webinar on enforcing the law. "So the question is, are we ready to implement? Yes, we are," she said. Also read | US slams China's efforts to restrict and manipulate UN rights chief visit to Xinjiang Importers will have the option to re-export prohibited cargo back to the country of origin, and any exemptions to the presumption must be granted by the CBP commissioner and reported to Congress, Muneton said. "It's important to know that the level of evidence that's going be required by the Uyghur act is very high," she said. "It's going to require documentation, clear and convincing evidence, that the supply chain of the product that's being imported is free from forced labor." (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here:

US slams China for its religious repression, committing genocide against Uighurs

US authorities are ready to implement a ban on imports from China's Xinjiang region when a law requiring it becomes enforceable later in June.

US ready to implement ban on Xinjiang goods on June 21

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has slammed China's efforts to restrict and manipulate UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet's visit to Xinjiang.

Expressing concerns about a lack of independent assessment of the human rights environment in China, Blinken said he was ''troubled by reports that residents of Xinjiang were warned not to complain or speak openly about conditions in the region, (and) that no insight was provided into the whereabouts of hundreds of missing Uyghurs and conditions for over a million individuals in detention.''

"The High Commissioner should have been allowed confidential meetings with family members of Uyghur and other ethnic minority diaspora communities in Xinjiang who are not in detention facilities but are forbidden from travelling out of the region," he added.

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Calling it "a mistake to agree to a visit under the circumstances", State Department spokesman Ned Price said that China will use her trip as an endorsement of its rights record.

Bachelet's high profile and rare visit to Xinjiang was criticised by rights groups and Western countries as they believe it lacked transparency.

Urging Beijing to review its counter-terrorism policies to ensure they comply with international human rights standards, Bachelet sided with the dragon and reiterated that her six-day visit to Xinjiang was not an investigation into China's human rights policies but an opportunity to engage with the government.

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UN High Commissioner Bachelet's visit to China's Xinjiang region provided an opportunity to observe and experience first-hand the real Xinjiang, Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu briefs the media on Sat. <a href="https://t.co/4yG0mR8FjE">pic.twitter.com/4yG0mR8FjE</a>
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During an online press briefing, she said "I have raised questions and concerns about the application of counter-terrorism and deradicalisation measures under broad application, particularly the impact on the rights of Uyghurs and other predominantly Muslim minorities."

As warned by Washington earlier, Bachelet's access was limited as China arranged for her to travel in a "closed loop". With no foreign press present, China said it isolated people within a virtual bubble to prevent the spread of COVID-19.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has slammed China's efforts to restrict and manipulate UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet's visit to Xinjiang. Expressing concerns about a lack of independent assessment of the human rights environment in China, Blinken said he was ''troubled by reports that residents of Xinjiang were warned not to complain or speak openly about conditions in the region, (and) that no insight was provided into the whereabouts of hundreds of missing Uyghurs and conditions for over a million individuals in detention.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has slammed China's efforts to restrict and manipulate UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet's visit to Xinjiang. Expressing concerns about a lack of independent assessment of the human rights environment in China, Blinken said he was ''troubled by reports that residents of Xinjiang were warned not to complain or speak openly about conditions in the region, (and) that no insight was provided into the whereabouts of hundreds of missing Uyghurs and conditions for over a million individuals in detention.'' "The High Commissioner should have been allowed confidential meetings with family members of Uyghur and other ethnic minority diaspora communities in Xinjiang who are not in detention facilities but are forbidden from travelling out of the region," he added. Calling it "a mistake to agree to a visit under the circumstances", State Department spokesman Ned Price said that China will use her trip as an endorsement of its rights record. Bachelet's high profile and rare visit to Xinjiang was criticised by rights groups and Western countries as they believe it lacked transparency. Urging Beijing to review its counter-terrorism policies to ensure they comply with international human rights standards, Bachelet sided with the dragon and reiterated that her six-day visit to Xinjiang was not an investigation into China's human rights policies but an opportunity to engage with the government. UN High Commissioner Bachelet's visit to China's Xinjiang region provided an opportunity to observe and experience first-hand the real Xinjiang, Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu briefs the media on Sat. pic.twitter.com/4yG0mR8FjE — Global Times (@globaltimesnews) May 28, 2022 × During an online press briefing, she said "I have raised questions and concerns about the application of counter-terrorism and deradicalisation measures under broad application, particularly the impact on the rights of Uyghurs and other predominantly Muslim minorities." As warned by Washington earlier, Bachelet's access was limited as China arranged for her to travel in a "closed loop". With no foreign press present, China said it isolated people within a virtual bubble to prevent the spread of COVID-19. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US slams China's efforts to restrict and manipulate UN rights chief visit to Xinjiang

UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet after meeting Chinese officials said her meetings in Xinjiang were "unsupervised" by authorities.

Bachelet said the visit was "not an investigation" as she added that the virtual meeting with President Xi Jinping was a chance to "listen to each other".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uyghurs-urge-un-rights-chief-to-ask-hard-questions-in-xinjiang-and-not-be-misled-by-pr-stunts-481688">Also Read:&nbsp;Uyghurs urge UN rights chief to ask hard questions in Xinjiang</a>

The US State Department had earlier declared that it had "no expectation that the PRC (People's Republic of China) will grant the necessary access required to conduct a complete, unmanipulated assessment of the human rights environment in Xinjiang."

"We are aware of the number of people seeking news on the fate of loved ones... this and other issues were raised with authorities," the&nbsp;UN human rights chief said.

The State Department spokesman Ned Price said the Biden administration was "deeply concerned about the upcoming visit" and expressed unhappiness over alleged human rights violations in Xinjiang.

Watch: First visit by UN Human Rights official to China&nbsp;since 2005

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Price added that was "a mistake to agree to a visit under the circumstances".

Human Rights Watch had added earlier that the Chinese Communist Party may "manipulate the visit as a public relations stunt."

Michelle Bachelet said Xinjiang officials had assured her that the controversial "re-education" camps have been "dismantled" as she urged Chinese officials not to undertake "arbitrary and indiscriminate measures" and avoid counter-terrorism" crackdown in the Xinjiang.

China has consistently denied the existence of detention camps in Xinjiang but in 2018 it had conceded there were &nbsp;"vocational training centres" even as the United States has said China has been&nbsp;conducting "genocide" against Uyghurs in Xinjiang.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Agencies)

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UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet after meeting Chinese officials said her meetings in Xinjiang were "unsupervised" by authorities. Bachelet said the visit was "not an investigation" as she added that the virtual meeting with President Xi Jinping was a chance to "listen to each other".

UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet after meeting Chinese officials said her meetings in Xinjiang were "unsupervised" by authorities. Bachelet said the visit was "not an investigation" as she added that the virtual meeting with President Xi Jinping was a chance to "listen to each other". Also Read: Uyghurs urge UN rights chief to ask hard questions in Xinjiang The US State Department had earlier declared that it had "no expectation that the PRC (People's Republic of China) will grant the necessary access required to conduct a complete, unmanipulated assessment of the human rights environment in Xinjiang." "We are aware of the number of people seeking news on the fate of loved ones... this and other issues were raised with authorities," the UN human rights chief said. The State Department spokesman Ned Price said the Biden administration was "deeply concerned about the upcoming visit" and expressed unhappiness over alleged human rights violations in Xinjiang. Watch: First visit by UN Human Rights official to China since 2005 Price added that was "a mistake to agree to a visit under the circumstances". Human Rights Watch had added earlier that the Chinese Communist Party may "manipulate the visit as a public relations stunt." Michelle Bachelet said Xinjiang officials had assured her that the controversial "re-education" camps have been "dismantled" as she urged Chinese officials not to undertake "arbitrary and indiscriminate measures" and avoid counter-terrorism" crackdown in the Xinjiang. China has consistently denied the existence of detention camps in Xinjiang but in 2018 it had conceded there were "vocational training centres" even as the United States has said China has been conducting "genocide" against Uyghurs in Xinjiang. (With inputs from Agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Meetings in Xinjiang 'unsupervised', China visit 'not an investigation': UN rights chief

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