Recommendation 9

HM Government Acknowledged

We are committed to working with a broad range of international partners to make clear to China the cost for its continued violations in Xinjiang. As set out in our response to recommendations 2, 3 and 4, the UK led the first two joint statements on Xinjiang at the UN in October 2019 and June 2020. These statements played a pivotal role in helping to build the international caucus of countries willing to speak out. We have continued to invest significant diplomatic efforts in widening support for international action on Xinjiang, working closely with Five Eyes and European partners, as well as others around the world. The growing number of countries supporting statements on Xinjiang has served to raise the reputational cost on China for its policies in Xinjiang, and placed greater pressure on China to comply with UN recommendations. We have also worked closely with international partners outside of the UN. On 22 March, the Government announced asset freezes and travel bans against four senior Chinese government officials and one entity responsible for enforcing the repressive security policies across many areas of Xinjiang. These actions were taken in parallel with similar action by 29 other countries, thereby increasing their reach and impact, and sending the clearest possible signal about the international community’s serious concern and collective willingness to act. The UK has also used its G7 Presidency to draw attention to the situation in Xinjiang, and to promote models and values that are different to those promoted by China. True to these principles, the G7 will continue to stand up for shared values and the international system, and expects China to abide by its international commitments. We will continue to work with partners to increase the number of countries willing to call China out for its human rights violations and to increase the pressure on China to change its behaviour. We therefore accept this recommendation.