The Intelligence from The Economist Attention deficit: China’s campaign against Uighurs
Jul 6, 2020
Gadi Epstein, a China affairs editor, shares his insights on the harrowing human rights abuses faced by the Uyghurs in Xinjiang, discussing unparalleled surveillance and allegations of ethnic cleansing. Sumaya Keynes, Trade and globalization editor, highlights the economics profession's struggle with racial disparities, focusing on systemic change and mentorship for black economists. They also explore the irony of strong international rhetoric failing to translate into action, and how COVID-19 is reshaping Scandinavian perceptions of each other.
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Uyghur Crisis Scale
- China's campaign against Uyghurs in Xinjiang involves mass internment and alleged forced sterilizations.
- This is considered the largest arbitrary detention since World War II.
Trump's Contradictory Stance
- Despite signing the Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act, reports suggest Trump condoned the camps to Xi Jinping.
- This apparent contradiction highlights the complexities of US-China relations.
Limited Global Action
- While some governments condemn China's actions, concrete measures are limited.
- The US policy act lacks teeth, and other nations offer mostly symbolic support.