Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has firmly rebuked China’s allegations that Australia is rife with “systemic racism” and “hate crimes”. The scathing response comes after Australia’s top diplomat raised grave concerns about human rights violations in the Chinese regions of Xinjiang and Tibet.
The diplomatic row erupted when China’s foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian accused Australia and other nations who joined a UN statement condemning the abuses of engaging in “political manipulation under the pretext of human rights”. Lin claimed many of these countries “turn a blind eye to their severe human rights issues at home but in the meantime point their fingers at other countries”.
Australia Stands Firm on Human Rights
Brushing off the criticism, Albanese asserted that Australia would not hesitate to stand up for its interests and values. “When it comes to China, we’ve said we’ll cooperate where we can, we’ll disagree where we must, and we’ll engage in our national interest,” he declared from Samoa, where he is attending a Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.
The prime minister emphasized that Australia has consistently and clearly raised human rights issues with China. This stance was exemplified by James Larsen, Australia’s ambassador to the UN, who delivered a joint statement on behalf of 15 countries expressing “ongoing concerns about serious human rights violations in China”.
Calls for Transparency and Release of Detainees
Larsen urged China to uphold its international human rights obligations and release all “individuals arbitrarily detained in both Xinjiang and Tibet”. He also called for urgent clarification on the fate and whereabouts of missing family members.
“Transparency and openness are key to allaying concerns, and we call on China to allow unfettered and meaningful access to Xinjiang and Tibet for independent observers, including from the UN, to evaluate the human rights situation.”
– James Larsen, Australia’s Ambassador to the UN
The ambassador acknowledged that no country has a perfect human rights record, but stressed that no nation is above fair scrutiny of its human rights obligations. This measured statement stands in stark contrast to the heated rhetoric from Beijing.
China’s Stinging Rebuke
Lin Jian did not mince words in his response, alleging that Australia itself is “long plagued by systemic racism and hate crimes”. He accused the nation of severely violating the rights of refugees and immigrants, and leaving Indigenous people with vulnerable living conditions.
The spokesperson also pointed to the “abhorrent crimes” committed by Australian soldiers during overseas military operations, particularly in Afghanistan. These stinging rebukes underscore the deep tensions between the two countries, despite recent efforts to mend ties.
Xinjiang Abuses “May Constitute Crimes Against Humanity”
The human rights situation in Xinjiang has drawn international condemnation, with China accused of detaining an estimated million Uyghurs and other Muslim minority groups in internment camps. A damning report by former UN human rights commissioner Michelle Bachelet in 2022 found that China had committed “serious human rights violations” that may amount to crimes against humanity.
The 45-page report detailed the “arbitrary and discriminatory detention” of Uyghurs and other predominantly Muslim groups, as well as the broad denial of fundamental rights. Beijing vehemently rejected the findings, claiming the report was “based on the disinformation and lies fabricated by anti-China forces”.
A Delicate Diplomatic Balance
The war of words between Australia and China underscores the delicate balance Canberra must strike in its dealings with Beijing. On one hand, China remains Australia’s largest trading partner, with deep economic ties that have fueled growth and prosperity. On the other, the Australian government faces domestic and international pressure to take a strong stance on human rights and counter China’s growing assertiveness in the region.
Albanese’s response reflects this tightrope walk – while he dismissed China’s accusations, he also reaffirmed Australia’s willingness to cooperate where possible. It’s a diplomatic dance that will likely continue as the two nations navigate their complex relationship in an increasingly fraught geopolitical landscape.
As the international community watches on, it remains to be seen whether Australia’s push on human rights will yield meaningful change in China’s policies and actions. But one thing is clear – the path forward for these two Asia-Pacific powers will be marked by both cooperation and conflict, agreement and discord.
