Sanctions are not the answer to solving the issue of Xinjiang
- Disputes between China and Western nations over alleged human rights abuses in the restive region can be resolved only if both sides recognise the other’s concerns
The European Union has imposed sanctions on China for the first time in nearly 32 years, less than three months after the two toasted an agreement on the principles of an investment pact. Beijing responded swiftly with its own sanctions against European individuals and organisations.
Brussels was soon to be joined by the United States, Britain and Canada with their own sanctions against Chinese officials and entities. They all cited human rights abuses in Xinjiang for banding together.
However, the respective sanctions imposed by the US and its allies and Europe do not conform.
The EU targeted only middle-ranking officials, while the US-led group aimed higher, including a Politburo member identified with Xinjiang policy. The reason for the discrepancy is not clear. But it prompted speculation that Brussels was seeking parliamentary support from critics of the investment deal with China.
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Nonetheless the collective sanctions represent an escalation in tensions with Beijing and reflect US President Joe Biden’s plan to form alliances to deal with an increasingly assertive China.
Accusations from Western media and governments ranging from the use of forced labour to repression of religion and ethnic minority groups to genocide could not be more serious. Beijing not only rebuts them unequivocally but such policies would not serve China’s own interests.
Xinjiang, after all, is open to Chinese and evidence of abuses would have the potential to destabilise the country’s internal politics and social cohesion. That said, there are many elements of the strategy to strengthen national security in the region and problematic handling of various situations criticised by the West as human rights violations cannot be ruled out.
The situation is fraught with misunderstandings and myths, for which Beijing shares responsibility. To dispel them, it needs to adopt a much more open and transparent attitude and allow people freer access to see for themselves.
In that respect, a visit to Xinjiang last week by a team led by Wang Yang, a Politburo Standing Committee member who oversees ethnic and religious affairs, could suggest some adjustments may be on the cards. He called for a scientific review of policy, which means to rectify shortcomings and set a correct course of action.
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According to European trade negotiators, China has agreed to work towards ratification of an international convention on forced labour. That is another way to reassure Brussels. Beijing also has to recognise concerns about Xinjiang go far beyond the US and Europe.
China’s best interests in Xinjiang are served not by “wolf warrior” diplomacy but by fact-finding on the ground to determine what policy areas need fine-tuning, if not changing. To be effective at home and abroad, such a process must be open and transparent.
