The recent representation of China at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) regarding Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories has unveiled glaring hypocrisy in its foreign policy. While China is advocating for the justice of Palestinians, Ma Xinmin, China’s foreign ministry legal adviser underscored the grant of “armed struggle” for liberation under international law, it conveniently ignores its own grave human rights violations against the Uyghur population in Xinjiang.
This stance of China starkly contrasts with its actions in the Xinjiang region where China is accused of committing crimes against humanity and possibly genocide against the Uyghur/Turkic populations. Reportedly, there are details of mass detentions, forced labour, torture, and cultural suppression. Uyghur communities face systematic discrimination for practising their religion and preserving their cultural identity.
While selectively applying international law and championing the right to armed struggle for Palestinians, China denies similar rights to the Uyghur/Turkic people in Xinjiang. China’s stance at the ICJ hearings demonstrates its hypocrisy and highlights the pressing need for an international law and human rights approach based on principles.