Blinken condemns China’s sanctions on Canadian and American officials

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secretary of state Anthony BlinkAntony BlinkenUS tensions with China risk fueling anti-Asian harassment at home Congress options to advance peace in Yemen Kerry: “No government will solve” climate change issued a statement Saturday afternoon condemning China for sanctioning U.S. and Canadian officials amid slow-fire tensions over how China treats Uighur Muslims in Xinjiang province.

“The United States Condemns Unfounded Sanctions by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) on Two Commissioners of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) Apparently in Retaliation for U.S. Sanctions on Related PRC Officials with serious human rights abuses in Xinjiang, ”Blinken said dit.

“Beijing’s attempts to intimidate and silence those who speak for human rights and fundamental freedoms only contribute to the growing international scrutiny of the ongoing genocide and crimes against humanity in Xinjiang,” he continued.

China imposed sanctions Saturday before to USCIRF President Gayle Manchin, the senator’s wife. Joe ManchinJoe ManchinBiden nominates Manchin’s wife to co-chair the Appalachian Regional Commission. The Hill’s Morning Report: Biden changes filibuster Liberals think Biden has made it easier to get rid of filibuster MORE (DW.Va.), and USCIRF Vice President Tony Perkins.

On Saturday, Michael Chong, who is the vice chair of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (FAAE) of the Canadian Parliament, as well as eight members of the committee’s International Human Rights Subcommittee, were also sanctioned.

Officials are not allowed in China, Hong Kong or Macao and Chinese citizens and businesses cannot communicate with them.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin TrudeauJustin Pierre James Trudeau Night energy: Putin and Xi, among the leaders invited to the White House climate summit | Kerry looks to the private sector on climate change White House reportedly canceled 50-person Interior Department party over pandemic concerns Putin, Xi, among the leaders invited to the White House climate summit, Harris is looking for his own way in the White House MORE he described the sanctions as “an attack on transparency and freedom of expression”.

“We are with parliamentarians against these unacceptable actions and we will continue to stand up for human rights around the world with our international partners,” he said on Twitter.

The sanctions came after the US and Canada coordinated sanctions with the European Union on Monday against two Chinese government officials for their alleged connection to “serious human rights abuses” against Uyghur Muslims.

The United States and other countries have called the alleged treatment of genocide. China had denied allegations of human rights abuses in the country.

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