US expands travel bans on Chinese officials accused of persecuting ethnic and religious minorities
- The move adds to visa restrictions originally imposed by the Trump administration over China’s treatment of Uygur Muslims in the western region of Xinjiang
- The State Department did not identify which officials would be subject to the expanded ban nor say how many would be affected
The Biden administration on Monday expanded existing US travel bans against Chinese officials whom it accuses of repressing ethnic and religious minorities.
The State Department said it is barring those targeted from travelling to the United States due to their involvement in crackdowns on freedom of speech and religion in China and abroad. The department did not identify which officials would be subject to the expanded ban nor say how many would be affected.
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Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement that the sanctions are being applied to Chinese officials who “are believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, policies or actions aimed at repressing religious and spiritual practitioners, members of ethnic minority groups, dissidents, human rights defenders, journalists, labour organisers, civil society organisers, and peaceful protesters in China and beyond.”
The move adds to visa restrictions originally imposed by the Trump administration over China’s treatment of Uygur Muslims in the western region of Xinjiang as well as for repression of pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong and advocates for freedoms in Tibet.
“The United States rejects efforts by (Chinese) officials to harass, intimidate, surveil, and abduct members of ethnic and religious minority groups, including those who seek safety abroad, and US citizens, who speak out on behalf of these vulnerable populations,” Blinken said.
“We are committed to defending human rights around the world and will continue to use all diplomatic and economic measures to promote accountability.”