The Trump administration is on a diplomatic mission to persuade other countries to step up their criticism of China for human rights violations against Muslims in Xinjiang.
The US bid for more support in isolating Beijing over Xinjiang comes at a sensitive phase in its relations, as both countries are locked in intense negotiations to resolve their trade war. Liu He, China’s vice-premier, is heading to Washington this week for a new round of talks with Robert Lighthizer, the US trade representative, and Steven Mnuchin, the Treasury secretary, which are due to begin on Thursday.
There is no guarantee the US campaign for a more global front against China over the northwestern region of Xinjiang will succeed. Its attempts to persuade other countries to reject 5G technology sold by Huawei, the Chinese telecommunications network company, which many American officials believe to be a security threat, have had mixed results. Despite Washington’s calls to be wary, many countries — including US allies — have bolstered their commercial relationships with China.