U.S. Unexpectedly Sanctions China Officials Hours After Demanding Beijing Condemn Russia
The Biden administration appears ready to escalate with China.
Monday (March 21) afternoon U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced more visa restrictions on Chinese officials related to prior charges that state authorities are overseeing the ethnic cleansing of Uyghurs.
Blinken called on China to “end its ongoing genocide and crimes against humanity in Xinjiang, repressive policies in Tibet, crackdown on fundamental freedoms in Hong Kong, and human rights violations,” as cited in Bloomberg.
“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 U.S. 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.”
Earlier, the White House issued a statement saying—such as UK prime minister Boris Johnson’s words over the weekend—that Beijing must condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and stop downplaying it.
