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The United States has enforced visa restrictions on both current and former Thai officials who were complicit in the forced repatriation of Uyghur Muslims. This move is part of a new strategy aimed at supporting groups vulnerable to persecution in China.
The policy specifically targets foreign officials who play a role in the coerced return of ethnic or religious minorities to China, where they face torture and other human rights violations.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the US commitment to countering China’s influence in pressuring governments to send back Uyghurs and other marginalized groups. Rubio urged global leaders not to participate in such actions given China’s history of human rights abuses.
The restrictions imposed on the undisclosed Thai officials were in response to their involvement in the repatriation of 40 Uyghurs to China earlier this year. While Thailand is a key ally of the US, its economic ties with China have made it hesitant to challenge Beijing on such matters.
Although the specifics of the visa restrictions were not detailed, they typically involve denying entry visas to the US for the implicated individuals. Rubio hinted that family members of those officials could also be subject to similar measures.
The Uyghurs, a minority group from Xinjiang, have been at the center of international scrutiny due to China’s alleged mistreatment and mass detention of over a million individuals. Despite global condemnation, Beijing denies any wrongdoing in its treatment of Uyghurs.
This policy shift reflects the Trump administration’s stance on addressing human rights violations in China. Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo previously accused China of genocide, a claim reiterated by his successor Antony Blinken in the Biden administration.
Rubio, known for his vocal criticism of China, is expected to continue advocating for human rights alongside other officials like former Green Beret and current National Security Adviser Mike Waltz.
Observers are keen to see how the Trump administration navigates human rights issues in its negotiations with China, particularly in the context of broader trade discussions. The approach towards addressing alleged abuses in China could have significant implications for diplomatic relations with President Xi Jinping.