- In China, there are tensions between the ruling Han Chinese and ethnic minorities such as the Uyghurs.
- Human rights groups have accused the Chinese government of torture, abuse, and indoctrination for years.
- At the Munich Security Conference, the Chinese Foreign Minister commented on the accusations.
Munich. At the Munich Security Conference, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi sharply rejected accusations about China's treatment of the Uyghur Muslim minority. He said there had "never" been so-called systematic forced labor or so-called re-education camps in Xinjiang province. "These are lies that have been fabricated and spread as disinformation," Wang Yi, who was video-connected, said Saturday, according to a translation.
He added, "You can believe me that the Chinese government is telling the truth here, you can trust our publications here."
Numerous accusations against China's government
Human rights groups estimate that hundreds of thousands of Uyghurs and other members of minorities have been placed in re-education camps in Xinjiang in recent years. There are allegations of torture, abuse, and indoctrination. There is tension in Xinjiang between the ruling Han Chinese and ethnic minorities. Uighurs complain of cultural and religious oppression. Beijing accuses them of separatism and terrorism. read more