In London this month, protesters gathered outside Royal Mint Court, the proposed site for the new Chinese Embassy. The demonstration highlighted growing concerns about China’s influence in the UK and its human rights record.
Protesters carried banners and signs, many calling for an end to China’s treatment of Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities in Xinjiang. They also criticized the British government’s decision to allow Huawei, a Chinese tech giant with alleged ties to Beijing’s military, to participate in the UK’s 5G network.
Among the protesters was Dr. Adrian Zenz, a leading expert on China’s policies towards its ethnic minorities. He spoke about the “systematic and deliberate” nature of human rights abuses against the Uyghurs, comparing it to crimes against humanity.
The protest comes at a time when relations between the UK and China are increasingly tense. In addition to concerns over Huawei and human rights, Britain has also criticized China’s national security law in Hong Kong as well as its actions in the South China Sea.
However, some argue that the UK’s relationship with China is too important to risk by speaking out on these issues. They point to China’s significant investment in British infrastructure and trade as reasons for maintaining a more cautious approach.
Meanwhile, China has dismissed criticism of its human rights record as “groundless” and accused Western countries of interfering in its internal affairs. It maintains that its policies in Xinjiang are necessary for counter-terrorism and stability.