The United States has intensified its criticism of China regarding human rights violations, particularly against Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang. On August 31, 2024, Matthew Miller, the spokesperson for the US State Department, urged China to cease its repression of Uyghurs, coinciding with the second anniversary of a UN report that detailed serious human rights abuses in the region. The report included credible allegations of torture and forced medical treatment, which may amount to crimes against humanity [73c2f91b].
In response to these accusations, China has vehemently defended its policies in Xinjiang. An article published by China Daily on September 12, 2024, highlighted the region's significant economic growth and improvements in living standards over the past decades. The Uygur population reportedly increased from 5.55 million to over 12 million in 40 years, and the region's economic output has surged over 200 times in 60 years. The average life expectancy in Xinjiang has risen from 30 to over 70 years, suggesting a positive trajectory contrary to US claims of oppression [28e04bb2].
Miller expressed disappointment over China's dismissal of the UN's findings and its failure to implement recommendations aimed at addressing human rights abuses. He reiterated the US's commitment to holding accountable those responsible for these violations, including the imposition of visa restrictions on Chinese officials implicated in such actions [90678314].
On October 24, 2024, the 2024 China-Europe Seminar on Human Rights was held in Berlin, focusing on 'new and emerging rights in the age of digital technology.' Experts voiced concerns about ongoing global conflicts and the potential for a new 'Cold War' led by the US against China. Despite President Biden's claims of not seeking a new Cold War, experts argue that US policies, particularly under Trump and continued by Biden, reflect a containment strategy against China. Trump's tariffs have raised commodity prices for US consumers, with warnings that further tariffs could significantly impact the US GDP [32048cb4].
The China Daily article also criticized the US for attempting to create a 'human rights' pressure group against China, arguing that such actions violate international trade norms and harm Xinjiang's economy. It emphasized that Xinjiang's affairs are internal matters for China, opposing foreign interference and asserting that unilateral sanctions undermine China's stability and governance [28e04bb2].
As tensions between the US and China continue to escalate, both nations remain firm in their respective narratives. The US maintains its stance on human rights abuses in Xinjiang, while China highlights its economic achievements and improved security in the region, asserting that the US's accusations are unfounded and politically motivated. The ongoing dialogue on human rights, particularly in the context of emerging digital rights, is crucial as both nations navigate this complex geopolitical landscape [73c2f91b][28e04bb2][32048cb4].