March 28, 2024, 4:19 pm


Diplomatic correspondent

Published:
2022-07-07 18:25:38 BdST

US lies over Xinjian may be detrimental to Bangladesh RMG: Chinese envoy


Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Li Jiming said Washington is lying about Xinjian "forced labour" which may affect Bangladesh RMG sector.

In a video post, titled "#AMinuteWithAmbassador" on the Chinese Embassy verified Facebook page last night, he urged Bangladesh to be aware of the lies.

“It has come to my attention that a certain RMG industry association in Bangladesh recently alerted its members to the risks associated with cotton from China, due to USA's allegation of 'forced labour in Xinjiang'. I also noticed that the alert was issued following a meeting between the association and two representatives from 'Indo-Pacific Opportunity Project' affiliated to some US Agency.

The so-called 'forced labour in Xinjiang' is entirely a lie. But why do they lie? It is now circulated on the internet that two US diplomats previously posted in Guangzhou reportedly confessed in 2021, and I quote, 'Nothing is wrong about Xinjiang, but to attack their human right policies is an effective means to make Xinjiang break away from international industrial chain, and to make Uyghurs unhappy, turbulent and then fight against the Chinese government.”

Calling Washington’s accusations a smear campaign, Li said: "The reason why I brought it up here today is that, if Bangladeshi people are not cautious enough, this lie may hurt Bangladeshi RMG industry as well. Don’t you think so?”

Last Month, BGBA president KI Hossain cautioned its members against importing fabrics made with Uighur cotton and shipping it to the US, as the whole shipment would be seized and forfeited under the new US law.

“The US has put a restriction on Chinese cotton growing in Xinjiang province from June 21. So, I request all the buying houses, before importing any fabrics from China, please see the procedure regarding how to avoid this restriction. Otherwise, you will not be able to ship anything to the US,” said the BGBA president in his message to the members of the association.

Beijing has been accused of locking up thousands of Uighur in re-education camps and forcefully integrating them into China’s Han majority.

Beijing has denied such charges saying that it is providing vocational training to reduce the allure of Islamist extremism following violence, according to an AFP report.

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