China warns of retaliation as US Senate okays Xinjiang sanctions

Beijing, December 17

China on Friday said it would take all necessary measures to safeguard its institutions and enterprises after the US Senate passed a new law barring imports from the Xinjiang region unless businesses could prove their products were produced without forced labour.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said the measure approved on Thursday indicated that the US had no scruples about smearing China by every means. “The relevant actions seriously undermine the principles of market economy and international economic and trade rules, and seriously damage the interests of Chinese institutions and enterprises,” Wang told reporters at a daily briefing.

‘Abuse’ of religious minorities

• The move is the latest in a series intensifying US penalties over China’s alleged abuse of ethnic and religious minorities in Xinjiang.
• The targeted Chinese companies include biotech and surveillance firms, a leading drone manufacturer and government entities.

“China strongly deplores and rejects that and urges the US to immediately correct its mistake,” Wang said.

The law is the latest in a series intensifying US penalties over China’s alleged systemic and widespread abuse of ethnic and religious minorities in the western region, especially Xinjiang’s predominantly Muslim Uyghurs, that the administration terms genocide.

President Joe Biden, who is expected to sign the law after overcoming initial hesitation from the White House and what supporters said was opposition from corporations, also announced new sanctions on Thursday.

Those target several Chinese biotech and surveillance companies, a leading drone manufacturer and government entities for their actions in Xinjiang. Despite numerous independent investigations finding forced sterilisation and large detention camps where many Uyghurs allegedly are compelled to work in factories, China has denounced all such claims as the “lie of the century.” It portrays them as part of an effort to stifle China’s growth and smear its reputation. — Agencies