China Sanctions Rights Body, American And Canadian Citizens Citing 'Political Manipulation' Over Xinjiang

President Xi Jinping led Chinese administration has announced sanctions against a rights advocacy body, and two American, a Canadian citizen over their criticism of Beijing's treatment of Uyghurs, reports Economic Times.

This comes as a retaliatory move by China, days after the European Union (EU), the United Kingdom (UK), Canada and the United States (US) sanctioned several members of Chinese province Xinjiang's political and economic hierarchy this week over the allegations.

Following the sanctions by the aforementioned nations, the Chinese foreign ministry had accused the US and Canada of imposing sanctions based on "rumours and disinformation".

Retaliating against the move and announcing its sanctions, the Chinese foreign ministry said that the ones banned by it should refrain from conducting business with Chinese citizens and institutions and must stop "political manipulation" on Xinjiang-related issues and should stop interfering in China's internal affairs.

As per the rights body which has been sanctioned by the Chinese establishment, at least a million Uyghurs and people from other mostly Muslim groups have been held in camps in Xinjiang. It has accused the authorities of forcibly sterilising women and imposing forced labour.