Most African States Quietly Take China’s Side in Xinjiang Battle at the United Nations

Chinese police on patrol in the Xinjiang city of Kashgar in western China. JOHANNES EISELE / AFP

A duel erupted at the United Nations on Tuesday between rival factions who oppose and support China’s treatment of the predominantly Muslim Uyghur minority in Xinjiang. On one side, the US, UK and most other Western countries renewed their criticism of China for committing well-documented human rights abuses in Xinjiang.

On the same day, a coalition of 54 countries, including a number of African states, submitted a joint statement, written by Belarus, that defended China’s policies in Xinjiang. Egypt and the DR Congo were among the countries specifically named in the statement.

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by Eric Olander

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