U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has publicly called out Beijing for its alleged ongoing ‘genocide’ against minority Muslims in China ahead of his visit to the country. Blinken cited ongoing human rights abuses against the Uighur Muslim minority in the Xinjiang region as a significant concern.

This follows a number of statements by U.S. officials and international human rights organizations criticizing China’s treatment of Uighurs. There have been widespread allegations of mass detentions, forced labour, sterilization and other abuses by the Chinese government, all claims that China has repeatedly denied.

Blinken stressed the importance of holding China accountable for its actions, although it remains to be seen how this issue will be handled during his upcoming visit. His trip to China will likely involve complex discussions on various issues, including trade, strategic competition, and human rights.