Rights First: What the US Should Prioritize in Its Top-Level Visit to China

China Visit: Highlighting Human Rights Concerns

On June 18, 2023, United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken is set to visit China, marking his first visit as secretary of state and the first by a US secretary of state since 2018. In light of this visit, human rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch, have urged Blinken to prioritize human rights concerns during his discussions with Chinese authorities. The focus on human rights is sorely needed given China’s persistent and well-documented human rights abuses.

Calls for Accountability

The 42 human rights groups who penned a letter to Blinken have specifically called on him to address the Chinese government’s treatment of human rights defenders and to meet with the families of the victims of the 1989 Tiananmen Massacre. These demands should not be overlooked or dismissed as mere symbolic gestures. They represent fundamental aspects of human rights, such as the right to freedom of expression and the right to truth and justice for victims and their families.

In addition, there is a pressing need for Blinken to use this visit to express the US commitment to pursuing an international investigation into the atrocity crimes being committed in Xinjiang. The Chinese government’s treatment of Uyghurs and other minority groups in the region has been widely condemned by the international community, and it is imperative that the Biden administration shows its support not only for the victims but also for the international institutions that can hold Beijing accountable.

Philosophical Considerations

The question of whether the United States’ engagement with China should prioritize human rights concerns is both practical and philosophical. On the practical side, the United States must consider its economic and geopolitical interests, as well as the complex dynamics of the US-China relationship. However, from a philosophical standpoint, the protection and promotion of human rights should be non-negotiable and form the basis of any meaningful engagement between nations.

Human rights are universal and indivisible. To compromise on them is to undermine the very principles that we hold dear as a society. By prioritizing human rights during his visit to China, Blinken would not only be reaffirming the United States’ commitment to these principles but also sending a powerful message to authoritarian governments around the world that they cannot escape scrutiny and accountability for their human rights abuses.

The Role of Diplomacy

Engaging with China on human rights issues requires deft diplomatic maneuvering. Blinken must strike a delicate balance between expressing concerns and making tangible progress. It is essential to communicate the gravity of the situation and the international community’s expectations, while at the same time maintaining open channels of communication to facilitate dialogue and constructive engagement.

Trade and Human Rights

One of the challenges Blinken will face is the relationship between trade and human rights. The United States and China enjoy a substantial economic partnership, and trade considerations are often intertwined with human rights. Balancing economic interests with human rights concerns is undoubtedly a challenging task, but it is crucial to demonstrate that human rights are not expendable in pursuit of economic gains.

The Biden administration has repeatedly emphasized the importance of a values-driven foreign policy. This commitment should extend to its relationships with countries like China. By integrating human rights concerns into economic discussions, Blinken can send a clear message that the United States values human rights as much as economic prosperity and is willing to hold China accountable when it comes to abuses against its own people.

Editorial: A Critical Turning Point

Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s visit to China represents a critical turning point in US-China relations. The Biden administration has made it clear that it seeks to uphold democratic values and promote human rights globally. This visit offers an opportunity for the United States to demonstrate its commitment to these principles and set a new tone for engagement with China.

The United States cannot shy away from difficult conversations about human rights. The Chinese government’s systematic repression of dissent and its treatment of minority groups are deeply concerning and demand international attention. Blinken should use this visit as an opportunity to shine a spotlight on these issues, highlighting the urgency for change and the need for accountability.

While dialogue and engagement are essential, they must be rooted in a firm stance on human rights. The United States must not sacrifice principles for the sake of expediency or short-term gains. The use of diplomacy to advocate for human rights should be an integral part of US foreign policy, even when dealing with powerful nations like China. This is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic one. By promoting human rights, the United States can foster greater stability, justice, and cooperation on the global stage.

Advice: The Power of International Pressure

As Secretary of State Antony Blinken prepares for his visit to China, there are several crucial considerations that should guide his approach:

1. Communicate Expectations

Blinken should clearly articulate the United States’ expectations regarding human rights, including concrete steps China should take to address the ongoing violations. This includes addressing the treatment of human rights defenders, allowing independent investigations into the situation in Xinjiang, and providing justice and redress for the victims of the Tiananmen Massacre.

2. Collaborate with International Partners

The United States should work closely with its international partners, including like-minded countries and human rights organizations, to increase the collective pressure on China. By presenting a united front, the international community can amplify its message and increase the chances of effecting positive change.

3. Leverage Economic Influence

Economic considerations should not be divorced from human rights concerns. Blinken should emphasize that the United States values economic relationships that adhere to human rights principles. By leveraging its economic influence, the United States can send a powerful message to China that human rights violations come with consequences.

4. Support International Institutions

The United States should support the role of international institutions, such as the United Nations and its human rights mechanisms, in holding China accountable for its actions. Blinken should reaffirm the United States’ commitment to these institutions and advocate for their involvement in addressing the ongoing human rights abuses in China.

5. Foster Civil Society Engagement

Blinken should prioritize engagement with Chinese civil society organizations and human rights defenders. Their voices and perspectives are crucial in understanding the ground realities and identifying potential avenues for change. By supporting and amplifying their voices, the United States can bolster domestic movements for human rights in China.

Conclusion

Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s upcoming visit to China provides an opportunity for the United States to assert its commitment to human rights and global accountability. By prioritizing human rights concerns, engaging in constructive diplomacy, and leveraging international pressure, the United States can play a vital role in addressing China’s abuses and ensuring that human rights remain at the forefront of international relations.

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