Wednesday, September 23, 2020

Coronavirus News (234)



China invites EU leaders to ‘see real situation in Xinjiang’ amid claims of Uygur detention and abuse ‘We have always welcomed friends … to go to Xinjiang for a walk,’ says Chinese foreign ministry Previous foreign delegations to the home of Uygur minorities have been carefully controlled, limited in scope and labelled Chinese propaganda tools ........  the invitation had been extended during a virtual summit on Monday between Chinese President Xi Jinping and three EU leaders: European Council president Charles Michel, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and German Chancellor Angela Merkel. ...........  Reuters reported in November that the EU had rejected the offer because China had set unreasonable conditions – such as saying the delegation could not discuss human rights issues – and refused to allow a meeting with Xinjiang’s top official, Communist Party boss Chen Quanguo. ......... Beijing has been the subject of international condemnation for the detention camps it operates tin Xinjiang. ........  According to Beijing, the centres are “pre-emptive measures against extremism” that offer “trainees” jobs and other life skills. Late last year, Xinjiang officials claimed most of the Uygurs in the centres had “graduated” and returned to society. 

China must deliver on opening up promises ahead of Xi Jinping’s ‘last chance’ EU virtual summit next week President Xi Jinping is expected to take part in a virtual summit with European leaders, including German Chancellor Angela Merkel, on Monday The talks are seen as key as Beijing tries to convince Europe it is sincere about opening its markets and free trade ahead of the US presidential election   

No comments: