China’s Human Rights Violations: A Wake-Up Call for America
By Giuseppe Palmeri, Jackson Township Councilman
China’s track record on human rights has long been a matter of international concern. Yet, the systematic repression of ethnic and religious minority groups in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region represents one of the most egregious violations of human dignity in modern times. Since April 2017, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has taken its decades-long repressive policies to unprecedented levels, targeting Uyghurs, ethnic Kazakhs, Kyrgyz, and other minority groups in what experts have widely condemned as crimes against humanity.
Over one million people from these groups have been detained in internment camps under the guise of combating extremism. These camps aim to strip detainees of their cultural identities, religious practices, and even their reproductive autonomy. Reports from survivors describe forced indoctrination, physical abuse, sterilization, and suppression of traditional customs. The CCP’s goal is clear: to eradicate the distinct ethnic and religious identity of these communities while maintaining total control over their population growth.
This systematic repression should send a clear warning to the United States about the risks of economic entanglement with a regime that has little regard for human rights or international norms.
The Risks of Dependence on China
China’s global economic dominance extends far beyond consumer goods. The U.S. has become heavily reliant on Chinese manufacturing for retail products, electronics, and even pharmaceuticals. Approximately 80% of the active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) used in U.S. medications are sourced from China or India, with China playing a significant role in the supply chain. This dependence creates vulnerabilities not only in trade but also in national security.
For example, in the event of geopolitical tensions, China could weaponize its dominance in critical supply chains, including essential medicines. The COVID-19 pandemic already exposed how fragile global supply chains can be when disrupted. A nation that systematically violates the human rights of its own citizens cannot be trusted as a reliable trade partner in critical industries.
A Call to Action for the United States
The U.S. must reevaluate its economic relationship with China to prioritize human rights, national security, and supply chain resilience. This includes:
1. Diversifying Supply Chains: Encourage American companies to shift manufacturing to allied nations or back to the U.S. to reduce reliance on China.
2. Strengthening Domestic Production: Invest in pharmaceutical and critical goods manufacturing to ensure self-sufficiency.
3. Implementing Ethical Trade Policies: Use trade agreements and sanctions to hold the CCP accountable for its human rights abuses.
4. Raising Awareness: Encourage consumers to make informed choices about the products they purchase and the companies they support.
The CCP’s actions in Xinjiang are a stark reminder of what can happen when authoritarian regimes operate unchecked. The U.S. must take a stand not only to protect its own interests but also to send a message that the systematic violation of human rights will not be tolerated.
It’s time for America to recognize that dependence on China comes at a significant cost—a cost measured not only in economic vulnerabilities but also in the erosion of the values we hold dear.