Foreign minister says Xinjiang camps needed to fight ‘terrorism’ as western nations seek clarification on Uighur camps.
The world should ignore « gossip » about China’s Xinjiang region and trust authorities there, the government’s top diplomat said on Tuesday, when asked if Beijing would allow international observers to inspect camps holding Muslims there.
Western countries, including Canada, France, Germany and the United States, have urged China to shut down camps in Xinjiang, where activists say as many as one million members of the Uighur minority and other Muslims are being detained.
It rejects all accusations of mistreatment and denies mass internment. It says far western Xinjiang faces a threat from Islamist separatists.
After initial denials, however, Chinese officials have said some people guilty of minor offences were being sent to « vocational » training centres, where they are taught work skills and legal knowledge aimed at curbing militancy.
After meeting Heiko Maas, Germany’s foreign minister, State Councillor Wang Yi said he hoped people would understand and support the Xinjiang regional government’s efforts to fight terrorism, end the spread of « extremism » and ensure social stability.
