China has condemned in the harshest terms the imposition of sanctions by Canada against eight Chinese officials in alleged human rights breaches, calling the action a violation of international law and interference in its internal affairs. A statement issued by the Chinese Embassy in Canada on Tuesday accuses Ottawa of “slandering and smearing” China while wrapped in human rights concerns.
The spokesperson questioned the legality of the sanctions as being “illegal and malicious” and called for an immediate withdrawal of this measure. The sanctions announced by Canadian Minister Mélanie Joly target former and current officials of China for abuses allegedly carried out in Xinjiang and Tibet and against practitioners of Falun Gong.
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China rejected the charges and maintained that it took human rights with high priority and had achieved great milestones in this direction. The spokesperson quoted economic development and a balanced society in Xinjiang and Tibet while maintaining cultural traditions and freedoms including religious beliefs and language rights.
visits to those places included claims by foreign diplomats, religious leaders, and scholars visiting Xinjiang and Tibet praising the regions for their economic and cultural development. It cited nearly 100 countries backing China’s position on Xinjiang and Tibet at the UN Human Rights Council. The statements regarding forced labor and arbitrary detention were dismissed from any base level by saying that those called baseless amounted to smear against China.
The spokesperson describes Falun Gong as a banned cult and described its prohibition as lawful. “Canada has no authority to lecture others on human rights,” the statement read. China avowed that if Canada did not withdraw the sanctions, Beijing would take resolute measures to protect its sovereignty and development interests.