Chinese issues sanctions against British lawmakers and thinktanks raising

London/Beijing: China has imposed sanctions against the British lawmakers, along with thinktanks, for raising the issue of Uyghur genocide in the Xinjiang province. An aggressive reaction has been received from the United Kingdom over the Chinese sanctions. Bes Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that he was proud of the British lawmakers. British Foreign Minister Dominic Raab warned that the United Kingdom strongly opposes this Chinese oppression of the people speaking about the Chinese human rights situation.

A few days ago, the United Kingdom and the United States, European Union and Australia had announced action against China over the Uyghur issue. The Chinese rules suffered a severe jolt because of the United States’ joint action and its allies. Infuriated China has started targeting countries like the United Kingdom and Australia, and the sanctions against British lawmakers and thinktanks becomes a part of the same strategy.

The Chinese foreign ministry announced sanctions alleging ‘Some people and groups from the United Kingdom are spreading false and incorrect information regarding China, out of malice. This is a violation of international laws and rules regarding international relations. Simultaneously, Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying also claimed that China was forced to take this action for its defence as the United Kingdom had imposed sanctions against China based on incorrect information.

The list of lawmakers facing Chinese sanctions includes Sir Ian Duncan Smith, Tom Tugendhat, Neil O’Brien, Tim Loughton and Nusrat Ghani. Other than these, Lord David Elton, Baroness Helena Kennedy and senior Barrister Sir Geoffrey Nice have also been targeted by Chinese sanctions. Other than these nine, thinktanks China Research Group, Conservative Party Human Rights Commission, Uyghur Tribunal and Essex Court Chambers face Chinese sanctions.

Sir Ian Duncan Smith retorted that he would be celebrating the Chinese sanctions as a trophy. Whereas Nusrat Ghani warned that she would not bow in front of any pressure and no one can suppress her voice. While registering an aggressive reaction against the Chinese sanctions, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned that he was standing firm with the lawmakers. Prime Minister Johnson also praised that the lawmakers and others, speaking boldly against the human rights violations, are the ‘Shining Lights’.

The sanctions imposed by China indicate that the tension between China and the United Kingdom is festering further. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has consistently taken an aggressive stand against Chinese activities, including issues such as Hongkong, South China Sea, Taiwan, 5G, and cyberwar. Although the Chinese government has repeatedly threatened the United Kingdom over these issues, the United Kingdom has refused to change its stand.