Blinken condemns China’s sanctions against US and Canadian officials

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State Secretary Anthony BlinkAntony BlinkenUS tensions with China risk fueling anti-Asian harassment at home Congress options to promote peace in Yemen Kerry: “No government will solve” climate change MORE issued a statement late Saturday condemning China for sanctioning US and Canadian officials amid hot tensions over how China treats Uighur Muslims in Xinjiang province.

“The United States condemns the unfounded sanctions of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) on two commissioners of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), apparently in retaliation for US sanctions on PRC officials linked to serious human rights abuses in Xinjiang.” said Blinken SAPS.

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

China has imposed sanctions earlier Saturday USCIRF President Gayle Manchin, wife sen. Joe ManchinJoe ManchinBiden nominates Manchin’s wife to co-chair Appalachian Regional Commission Hill’s Morning Report – Biden goes to filibuster Liberals believe Biden has just made it easier to get rid of filibuster MORE (DW.Va.) and USCIRF Vice President Tony Perkins.

Also on Saturday was Michael Chong, who is the vice chair of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development of the Canadian Parliament (FAAE), as well as eight members of the committee’s international human rights subcommittee.

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 Night Energy: Putin and Xi Invited to White House Climate Summit Leaders | Kerry looks at the private sector on climate change White House reportedly cancels 50-person Interior Department party over pandemic concerns Putin, Xi White House climate summit summit leader Harris seeks his own unique path to the White House MORE called sanctions “an attack on transparency and freedom of expression”

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

The sanctions came after the United States and Canada coordinated sanctions with the European Union on Monday against two Chinese government officials over alleged links to “serious human rights violations” against Uighur Muslims.

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

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