China ‘offered Middle East appealing alternative to US’ amid Xinjiang scrutiny

China has presented itself as an alternative to the United States in rallying Middle East countries to help counter international criticism, notably over human rights in Xinjiang, according to observers.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s tour of the region, featuring renewed pledges on post-coronavirus economic aid and Covid-19 vaccines, was a chance to bolster support on human rights issues to mitigate a global backlash over Xinjiang, including in countries allied with Washington, experts said.

The Middle East manoeuvring came after Chinese diplomats including Wang clashed with American counterparts during a summit in Alaska last month. Washington has stepped up efforts to align with its allies and, along with the European Union, Britain and Canada, has placed sanctions on Chinese officials and entities over alleged human rights abuses against Uygurs and other Muslim minorities in Xinjiang.

During his trip to Saudi Arabia, Iran, Turkey and three other Gulf states, which ended last week, Wang repeatedly touted Muslim countries’ support on China’s policies in Xinjiang and Hong Kong.