United States officials called new sanctions from China on four U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom commissioners in January an infringement on universal rights.
The Department of State announced the sanctions, as well as their opposition to them, in a Jan. 10 press release.
"Beijing’s continued attempts to intimidate and silence those speaking out for human rights only contribute to the growing international scrutiny of the ongoing genocide and crimes against humanity in Xinjiang," said Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, in the release.
China previously sanctioned three current or former USCIRF commissioners, in addition to dozens of current and former U.S. officials and organizations that work to promote democracy and respect for human rights around the world, the release stated.
The DOS claims the sanctions imposed by China are without merit.
"We remain undeterred by these actions, and we stand in solidarity with USCIRF and its staff," Blinken said. "The United States is committed to defending human rights around the world and will continue to use all diplomatic and economic tools to promote accountability."
Blinken also called on China to end all acts of "transnational repression," which includes any coercive practices of imprisoning and denying freedom of movement to family members of Uyghur American activists, he said in the release.
The United States commits itself to defend human rights around the world and will continue to use all diplomatic and economic tools to promote accountability, Blinken added.
