The State of Russia is rightfully banned from the Paris Olympics and heavily sanctioned by Europe for the aggression it is carrying out in Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin, who was recently re-elected, is facing an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court. Despite this, French President Emmanuel Macron is hosting Xi Jinping, the President of China, a country that continues its genocidal policies against the Uighur population with impunity. The Chinese government continues to impose forced labor on hundreds of thousands of Uighurs, incarcerating millions in camps and prisons based on their ethno-religious identity. Families of French Uighurs are detained in China, with many Uighurs in France losing contact with their loved ones and living under constant threats and intimidation.
Despite the nightmares, shattered lineages, feelings of powerlessness, and fears of being erased from human history experienced by the Uighur community, Emmanuel Macron sees fit to invite the perpetrator of this genocide to the Elysée. This decision is made in the name of reopening the country after the Covid years and fostering closer relations with China, celebrating sixty years of diplomatic ties. However, the invitation of the genocidal leader to the Elysée is seen by the Uighur community as a slap in the face. The focus on improving commercial relations and commemorating diplomatic ties seems misplaced given the ongoing atrocities being committed against the Uighurs.
The French government has officially condemned the genocide of the Uighurs in a resolution passed by the National Assembly on January 20, 2022. The resolution acknowledges the imprisonment and torture of Uighurs, Kazakhs, and other Turkic peoples in concentration camps and prisons by the Chinese regime. It highlights the forced sterilization of Uighur women and the drastic demographic decline of the Uighur population, with some prefectures experiencing an 84% decrease. Additionally, it recognizes the separation of hundreds of thousands of Uighur children from their families to assimilate them into Chinese culture in state-run orphanages or Han families. The resolution serves as a strong condemnation of the human rights violations perpetrated against the Uighur community.
The question arises of what topics Macron will actually be able to discuss with Xi Jinping during their meeting. Will they address the planned annexation of Taiwan, the separation of Tibetan children from their families, the repression of dissenting voices, the plight of political prisoners, or the suppression of Uighurs in Europe and France? Will they discuss the violation of French territorial sovereignty by Chinese ghost police stations? Macron’s decision to engage in dialogue with Xi Jinping raises concerns about the prioritization of economic interests and diplomatic relations over human rights and justice for the oppressed Uighur population.
The French government’s decision to host Xi Jinping amid ongoing human rights violations against the Uighur population in China has sparked criticism and outrage. The perceived lack of empathy and action towards addressing the genocide facing the Uighurs has led to questions about France’s commitment to upholding human rights. The meeting between Macron and Xi Jinping raises ethical concerns about prioritizing economic ties over human rights considerations, especially in the face of egregious violations against the Uighur community. As Macron engages with Xi Jinping in discussions, the impact of these decisions on international relations, human rights advocacy, and the protection of marginalized communities remains a point of contention and debate.
