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China has announced sanctions against nine people and four UK entities, saying they had “maliciously spread lies and misinformation” about Beijing’s treatment of the Uighur Muslim minority.
It was the latest salvo in an escalating diplomatic dispute that has seen several Western powers, including the European Union and the United States, protest the human rights situation in China’s northwest Xinjiang region.
At least one million Uyghurs and people from other predominantly Muslim groups have been held in camps in the region, according to rights organizations, where authorities are also accused of forcibly sterilizing women and imposing forced labor.
Among those sanctioned announced today are Iain Duncan Smith, former leader of the British Conservative Party, and other lawmakers.
Duncan Smith, in a post on Twitter, said: “Those of us who live free lives under the rule of law must speak up for those who have no voice. If that brings the wrath of China down on me, I will wear it insignia of honor “.
China’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement: “The United Kingdom (United Kingdom) imposed unilateral sanctions on relevant Chinese individuals and entities, citing the so-called human rights issues in Xinjiang.
“This measure, based solely on lies and misinformation, flagrantly violates international law and the basic rules governing international relations, seriously interferes in China’s internal affairs and seriously undermines China-UK relations.”
He added that the sanctioned parties would not enter China, including Hong Kong and Macao. Their property in the country would be frozen and Chinese citizens and institutions would be prohibited from dealing with them.
He also warned Britain “not to go the wrong way”.
China has also launched a public relations war against Western brands that have criticized rights abuses in Xinjiang, and celebrities have severed ties with Nike.
Chinese TV stars Wang Yibo and Tan Songyun said they would end all promotional partnerships with Nike, after a statement from the company a year ago was released online saying it was “very concerned” about allegations of forced labor.
Earlier this month, EU member states agreed to impose sanctions on four Chinese officials and one state entity for Beijing’s crackdown on the Uighur minority.
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