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Remark by Spokesperson of the Embassy of China in Belgium on the Xinjiang-related Proposal by Some Members of the Belgian Chamber of Representatives
2021-02-12 17:54

We have learned from the media and other channels that a couple of members of the Belgian Federal Chamber of Representatives compiled and proposed a Xinjiang-related resolution, groundlessly claiming that China committed "genocide" in Xinjiang, and once again spread the so-called "forced labor" and "compulsory sterilization" misinformation. We are astonished by this and express our strong condemnation and opposition.

Xinjiang affairs are purely China's internal affairs, which bears on China's sovereignty, security and territorial integrity. Xinjiang-related matters are not about ethnicity, religion, or human rights, but about anti-terrorism, de-radicalization, and anti-separatism. The Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region has adopted a number of anti-terrorism and de-radicalization measures in accordance with the law, which have strengthened the sense of social security and effectively curbed the frequent occurrence of terrorist attacks. Xinjiang has not seen a single violent or terrorist attack for more than four years. These measures have effectively protected the legitimate rights and interests of people of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang and have received their universal support.

The Chinese government attaches great importance to continuously improving the welfare of people of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang and the protection of their rights. Currently, Xinjiang enjoy economic prosperity, social stability, and its people lead peaceful lives. From 2014 to 2019, Xinjiang's GDP grew at an average annual rate of 7.2%, and per capita income increased at an average annual rate of 9.1%. The problem of absolute poverty has been resolved historically. The Uyghur population continues to grow, with an increase of 25.04% from 2010 to 2018, much higher than the 2% increase of the Han ethnic group. The so-called "genocide" is groundless, pure slander, and extremely absurd. The so-called "forced labor" is also fake news. Out of full respect of the employment wishes and needs of the people of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang, the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region government actively adopts measures to promote employment through local employment, cross-regional employment within Xinjiang, and transfer of employment to provinces that pair up with Xinjiang to assist with its development. These measures help ethnic minority people from poor areas in Xinjiang to find jobs. Workers of all ethnic groups sign labor contracts with employers in accordance with the law on a voluntary and equal basis, and they will not suffer any discrimination due to differences in ethnicity, gender, and religious beliefs. There is no such thing as "compulsory sterilization" in Xinjiang. Whether people of all ethnic groups should adopt contraceptive measures and which method of contraception to use are determined by individuals voluntarily. The freedom of religious belief of all ethnic minorities in Xinjiang is safeguarded by law, and their spoken and written language, traditional culture, and customs are also well protected and carried forward.

Over the past 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Belgium, the two countries have always maintained friendly relations and mutually beneficial cooperation on the basis of mutual respect. However, there are always some individuals who do not want to see the sound and stable development of China-Belgium relations, echoing with international anti-China elements to hype up false information attempting to undermine the development of bilateral relations. Such dishonorable attempts must not be allowed to succeed.

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