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China says it has managed to gain support from some Persian Gulf States on its treatment of Uyghurs, following talks between their foreign ministers. Beijing invited ministers from Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, and Kuwait, and the secretary-general of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to discuss further cooperation, The Times (UK) reports.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said the ministers and secretary-general of GCC expressed solid support for the Chinese position on Taiwan, ‘Xinjiang’, and human rights.
They said they opposed any interference in the internal affairs of China, the politicization of human rights issues. The GCC also rejected the politicization of sports and reaffirmed its support for the Beijing Winter Olympics.
Meanwhile, China has arbitrarily detained millions of Uyghurs in their homeland in an attempt to wipe out their traditional culture, language, and beliefs.
Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates often issue statements against interference in their affairs when criticized for their human rights abuses. China and the U.S. are increasingly aiming for influence in the Middle East, where China is also extending its Belt and Road Initiative. China is dependent on Middle Eastern oil and gas.
A.Kader