US bans imports of solar components from China

The US Secretary of Homeland Security, Alejandro Mallorcas, has denounced the use of human rights abuses by Chinese companies from various industries. “This is unfair not only to law-abiding companies that adhere to international labor standards, but also to consumers who may inadvertently purchase goods made under the conditions of modern slavery.” People should not be deprived of their rights, humanity and dignity because of an unfair economic advantage. “The United States will not tolerate modern slavery in our supply chains,” Mayorcas said.

Recently, allegations of forced labor by minorities such as the Uyghur Muslims have increased in Xinjiang in northwest China. Human rights groups estimate that hundreds of thousands of Uyghurs, Kazakhs, Hui, and members of other minorities have been sent to re-education camps in Xinjiang. China denies the allegations as “lies” and talks about training centers. The Uyghurs feel oppressed by the Han Chinese ruling Xinjiang. After taking power in Beijing in 1949, the Communists incorporated the former East Turkestan into the People’s Republic of China. Beijing accuses Uighur groups of separatism and terrorism.