The Chinese government announced that it had sanctioned nine British personalities, including two high-ranking parliamentarians, and four bodies accused of “spreading lies” about alleged human rights violations in Xinjiang. The sanctions are the response to those ordered by the EU, Great Britain, the United States and Canada against some Chinese leaders accused of forced labor and discrimination against ethnic Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities in the northwestern region of China.
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At least one million Uighurs and people from other religious groups, mostly Muslims, are reported to be held in prison camps in the region, according to reports from groups fighting for the respect of the human rights of these populations. Local authorities are also accused of practicing sterilization of women and of imposing forced labor. Among the British sanctioned by Beijing is Iain Duncan Smith, former leader of the British Conservative party, along with other political figures from Great Britain.
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by our correspondent Alberto d’Argenio
“The United Kingdom – the Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a statement – has imposed unilateral sanctions on relevant Chinese individuals and institutions, citing so-called human rights issues in Xinjiang. This move, based only on lies and disinformation, violates in a way flagrant international law and the basic rules governing international relations, grossly interferes in China’s internal affairs and seriously undermines China-United Kingdom relations “.
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Beijing therefore warns London to “go no further on the wrong path”. He points out that sanctioned British people and institutions are banned from China – including Hong Kong and Macao – while their properties in the country are frozen. Chinese citizens and institutions are also prohibited from dealing with them.
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