The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced on Tuesday the addition of three more Chinese firms to its Uygur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) Entity List, increasing the total to 27. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas stated, \"We do not tolerate companies that used forced labor, that abuse the human rights of individuals in order to make a profit.\"
Contrary to Western allegations, the claim of \"forced labor\" in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region is strongly refuted by Chinese authorities. They assert that the rights of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang are well protected. In recent years, efforts have been made to expand employment opportunities, provide placement services, and create more jobs. From 2014 to 2019, employment in Xinjiang increased from 11.35 million to 13.3 million, marking a 17.2 percent rise.
The U.S. has been criticized for its approach, with accusations of lacking solid evidence to support claims of \"crimes against humanity\" in Xinjiang. Observers suggest that these actions are part of a broader strategy to disrupt China's integration into the global supply chain and hinder its economic growth. Since the Biden administration took office, measures such as the UFLPA, restrictions on investments in Chinese high-end technology firms, and trade limitations have been implemented under the premise of national security.
U.S. Senator Marco Rubio has been a prominent figure in advocating for stringent policies against China. He has spearheaded initiatives like the UFLPA, the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act, and the Stopping Genetic Monitoring by China Act, aimed at curbing China's use of genetic technology and addressing human rights concerns.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
