6.1 Global Tensions and Human Rights in China

7 min read•january 3, 2023

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Global Tensions with China

There are a number of issues that have contributed to global tensions with China in recent years. Some of the most significant include:

Trade disputes

Trade disputes between the United States and China have been a significant source of global tension in recent years. The United States has accused China of unfair trade practices, including intellectual property theft and the forced transfer of technology from foreign companies doing business in China. In response, the United States has imposed tariffs on Chinese imports and has taken other measures to try to address these issues.

China, in turn, has accused the United States of protectionism and has imposed tariffs on American goods in response. The ongoing trade dispute has led to concerns about the potential impact on the global economy and has strained relations between the two countries.

There have been several rounds of negotiations between the United States and China to try to resolve these trade disputes, including the signing of a phase one trade deal in January 2020. However, tensions have continued, and there have been ongoing negotiations to try to reach a more comprehensive trade agreement.

Cutting Investments with China

Tensions between the United States and China have led some U.S. companies to direct their investments elsewhere. There are a number of reasons why American companies may be considering pulling out of China or reducing their operations there.

Some of the most significant factors include:

Trade tensions: The ongoing trade disputes between the United States and China have led to increased tariffs on goods imported from China, which has made it more expensive for American companies to do business there. This has led some companies to consider alternative locations for production or to reduce their reliance on China as a source of goods.
Labor costs: In recent years, labor costs in China have been increasing, which has made it less attractive for some companies to produce goods there. This has led to a shift of production to other countries with lower labor costs, such as Vietnam and Indonesia.
Intellectual property concerns: There have been long standing concerns about intellectual property theft and the forced transfer of technology from foreign companies doing business in China. This has led some companies to be wary of operating in China and to consider alternative locations.
Political and social unrest: Political and social unrest in China, including protests and crackdown on dissent, can create an uncertain environment for businesses and may lead some companies to consider pulling out or reducing their operations.

Territorial disputes

Territorial disputes between China and its neighbors have been a source of tension in the region for many years. One of the most significant disputes is in the East China Sea, where China has territorial disputes with Japan over the Senkaku Islands (which are called the Diaoyu Islands by China). The islands are located in an area that is believed to have rich natural resources, and both China and Japan have claimed sovereignty over them.

Another significant territorial dispute is in the South China Sea, where China has territorial disputes with several Southeast Asian countries, including Vietnam, the Philippines, and Malaysia. China has built artificial islands in the region and has been accused of militarizing them, which has led to increased tensions with other countries in the region.

These territorial disputes have led to increased military activity in the region and have strained relations between China and its neighbors. They have also raised concerns about the potential for conflict in the region.

Cyber espionage

There have been concerns about cyber espionage and cyber attacks originating from China in recent years. Some governments and companies have accused the Chinese government of being behind these activities, alleging that they are used to steal sensitive information and gain an advantage in trade and other areas.

These allegations have led to increased tensions between China and other countries, and there have been efforts to address the issue through international agreements and other measures. However, the issue remains a source of tension and concern, particularly given the increasing reliance on technology and the potential for cyber attacks to disrupt critical infrastructure and other systems.

Influence and political interference

In recent years, there have been concerns about China's growing influence and allegations of political interference in other countries. This has included concerns about China's economic influence through infrastructure projects, such as the Belt and Road Initiative, which has been criticized for its potential to create debt vulnerabilities in participating countries.

There have also been allegations of Chinese propaganda and disinformation campaigns in other countries, with some accusing the Chinese government of attempting to influence public opinion and shape political outcomes. These concerns have led to increased scrutiny of China's activities and have contributed to strained relations between China and other countries.

Human Rights in China

Human rights concerns have long been a source of tension between China and other countries. There have been long standing allegations of human rights abuses in China, including the treatment of ethnic minorities such as the Uighurs in Xinjiang province, and the suppression of political dissent.

The Chinese government has faced criticism from other countries and international organizations for its treatment of ethnic minorities and its suppression of political dissent. This has led to calls for China to improve its human rights record and to respect the rights of its citizens.

In recent years, there have also been reports of widespread human rights abuses in Xinjiang province, which have been met with widespread condemnation and have further strained relations between China and other countries.

Uighurs and Re-education Camps

The Uighurs are a predominantly Muslim ethnic group native to Xinjiang province in China. In recent years, there have been widespread allegations of human rights abuses against the Uighurs, including the detention of large numbers of Uighurs and other ethnic minorities in so-called "re-education camps."

These camps are reportedly designed to forcibly "re-educate" Uighurs and other ethnic minorities, and have been described as a form of mass detention and political repression. Reports indicate that Uighurs and other detainees are subjected to torture, abuse, and other forms of mistreatment in the camps.

The Chinese government has faced widespread condemnation and criticism for its treatment of the Uighurs and its use of re-education camps. There have been calls from other countries and international organizations for China to close the camps and respect the rights of the Uighurs and other ethnic minorities.

The Chinese government has justified its use of so-called "re-education camps" in Xinjiang province as a necessary measure to combat terrorism and extremism. The government has claimed that the camps are used to provide vocational training and education to Uighurs and other ethnic minorities in an effort to reduce poverty and improve stability in the region.

Some experts and human rights organizations have described the camps as a form of mass detention and political repression, and have accused the Chinese government of using them to forcibly "re-educate" Uighurs and other ethnic minorities in an effort to suppress dissent and maintain control over the region.

Mulan (2020)

The live-action version of the Disney movie "Mulan" (released in 2020) faced controversy due to the filming of the movie in Xinjiang province, where there have been widespread allegations of human rights abuses against the Uighur minority, including the use of "re-education camps." Some critics called for a boycott of the film due to these concerns.

In addition, there were also concerns about the depiction of the character of Mulan and the cultural accuracy of the film. Some critics argued that the film did not accurately portray Chinese culture and history, and that it made significant changes to the original story.

The film faced significant backlash and controversy, leading to debates about cultural appropriation, representation, and human rights issues.

Chinese Human Rights Activists

There are many Chinese human rights activists who have spoken out against the Chinese government and its policies. Some of the most well-known include:

Liu Xiaobo: Liu Xiaobo was a Chinese writer, literary critic, and human rights activist who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2010. Liu was an outspoken critic of the Chinese government and was imprisoned for his activism. He died in 2017 while still in custody.
Chen Guangcheng: Chen Guangcheng is a Chinese lawyer and human rights activist who has spoken out against forced abortions and other human rights abuses in China. He fled to the United States in 2012 and has continued to advocate for human rights in China.
Ai Weiwei: Ai Weiwei is a Chinese artist and human rights activist who has been critical of the Chinese government and its policies. He has been arrested and detained multiple times for his activism and has used his art to raise awareness about human rights issues in China.
Gao Zhisheng: Gao Zhisheng is a Chinese lawyer and human rights activist who has spoken out against human rights abuses in China, including the treatment of ethnic minorities such as the Uighurs. Gao has been arrested and detained multiple times for his activism and has faced torture and other forms of mistreatment.

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6.1Global Tensions and Human Rights in China