HRW calls on APEC to address human rights concerns during Xi’s visit

By Tsering Dhundup

DHARAMSHALA, Nov 10: Human Rights Watch has released a statement, urging United States and foreign leaders to address concerns related to human rights during Chinese President Xi Jinping’s upcoming visit to the United States. President Xi is scheduled to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in San Francisco on November 14-15, 2023, and engage in meetings with various officials, including US President Joseph Biden.

By the summit’s theme, “Creating a Resilient and Sustainable Future for All,” participating APEC countries are encouraged to prioritize action on climate change and economic justice while reaffirming international human rights norms and institutions to confront worsening repression and instability around the world.

Elaine Pearson, Asia director at Human Rights Watch, emphasized the need for sustained public pressure on the Chinese government regarding issues in East Turkistan, Tibet, domestic repression, and the erosion of democracy in Hong Kong. Government leaders at APEC are urged to address both domestic rights violations and China’s attempts to undermine global human rights norms.

President Xi’s visit to APEC marks his first trip to the United States since 2017. The Biden administration has consistently emphasized the promotion of human rights as a fundamental aspect of its foreign and China policy.

The statement stated that During their meetings with President Xi, the US and other leaders are called upon to take a clear and public stance on human rights concerns. They should unequivocally condemn the Chinese government’s actions against Uyghurs and other Turkic communities, express support for international investigations and accountability for these grave crimes, and advocate for the release of those arbitrarily detained in Xinjiang’s prisons. Leaders should also identify imprisoned human rights defenders across China and denounce the curtailment of Hong Kong’s freedoms while calling for the repeal of the National Security Law and the release of detained pro-democracy leaders.

In addition to human rights issues, APEC government leaders are encouraged to make or reaffirm commitments to phasing out fossil fuels and ending tropical deforestation ahead of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28). The United Arab Emirates, as the COP host, is expected to release unjustly imprisoned human rights defenders and ensure meaningful participation of independent voices. Respecting human rights in climate policies is seen as a critical concern at COP28, with several governments attending APEC, including China, Vietnam, and Indonesia, having prosecuted or jailed environmental advocates.

Earlier this week, 59 human rights organizations and individuals have called on US President Biden ahead of the APEC summit urging him to address concerns about Beijing’s human rights record during discussions with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

In the letter, the signatories welcomed previous statements from the Biden administration that indicated the US government’s commitment to holding the Chinese government accountable for international system abuses. They also acknowledged the promise of imposing consequences on the Chinese government for its actions in the Uyghur region, which have been deemed as ongoing genocide and crimes against humanity.