China’s Human Rights Crisis Hasn’t Disappeared
Trump should raise the fates of imprisoned dissidents with Xi.
China's human rights crisis remains a critical issue, despite attempts to divert attention from it. As Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington, it is imperative that the president ensures human rights concerns are elevated on the agenda. This meeting will cover various topics, including tariffs, trade, artificial intelligence, and Taiwan, but China's human rights situation should not be overshadowed.
President Trump has previously demonstrated his ability to secure the release of prisoners, such as Jimmy Lai, a pro-democracy activist, and Ezra Jin Mingri. He should maintain this commitment and press Xi to free a number of Uyghur individuals, Tibetan monks, Christians, and other religious and political prisoners of conscience.
The Uyghur genocide, recognized by both administrations, must be addressed urgently. Additionally, Trump should demand the release of John Cao, who has been imprisoned for nearly a decade and is now battling cancer. The plight of U.S. citizen Min Zin, who has been detained since participating in an academic conference in China, should also be a priority.
Trump must make it clear that improving U.S.-China relations is contingent upon China ending its persecution of peaceful religious believers. He should highlight China's Sinicization of religion, which involves coercing and co-opting religion for the Communist Party's purposes. Furthermore, Trump should address the repressive laws in Hong Kong, such as the national security law and the ethnic unity law, which criminalize any criticism of the CCP.
Cases of prominent Hong Kong activists, such as Joshua Wong, should also be raised, along with other individuals from mainland China, the Uyghur region, and Tibet. Trump has a responsibility to seek the release of those with family connections in the United States, including Uyghur scholars, clergy, and Tibetan activists. He should also inquire about the whereabouts of the 11th Panchen Lama, who was kidnapped in 1995.
Written by urgent.news from Foreign Policy's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
