Blinken condemns the Chinese sanctions against US and Canadian officials

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Secretary of State Antony BlinkAntony Blinken US Tensions With China Threatens To Spark Anti-Asian Harassment At Home Congress Options To Promote Peace In Yemen Kerry: ‘No Government Is Going To Fix Climate Change’ MORE released a statement on Saturday condemning China for punishing US and Canadian officials amid mounting tensions over China’s treatment of Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang province.

The United States condemns unfounded sanctions by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) against two commissioners of the US Commission for International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), apparently in retaliation for US sanctions against PRC officials in connection with serious human rights violations in Xinjiang, “Shine said

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

China imposed sanctions earlier on Saturday to USCIRF Chairman Gayle Manchin, wife of Sen. Joe ManchinJoe ManchinBiden nominates Manchin’s wife as co-chair of Appalachian Regional Commission The Hill’s Morning Report – Biden shifts to filibuster Liberals think Biden just made it easier to get rid of the filibuster MORE (DW.Va.), and USCIRF Vice Chairman Tony Perkins.

Also on Saturday, Michael Chong was sanctioned, who is the vice chair of the Canadian Parliament’s standing committee on foreign affairs and international development (FAAE), as well as eight members of the committee’s subcommittee on international human rights.

The officials are not allowed in China, Hong Kong or Macau, and Chinese citizens and businesses cannot communicate with them.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin TrudeauJustin Pierre James Trudeau Overnight Energy: Putin, Xi Among Leaders Invited to White House Climate Summit | Kerry looks to the private sector on climate change | The White House has reportedly canceled a 50-member Interior Party over pandemic concerns Putin, Xi among leaders invited to the White House climate summit Harris is seeking her own unique path in the White House MORE called the sanctions “an attack on transparency and freedom of expression.”

“We stand with MPs against these unacceptable actions, and we will continue to defend 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 link to “serious human rights violations” against Uyghur Muslims.

The US and other countries have called the alleged treatment a genocide. China had denied allegations of human rights violations in the country.

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