The ContextThe Chinese government has been systematically persecuting Muslim minorities: separating families, subjecting Uighurs and Kazakhs to forced labor and operating internment camps. It is also embroiled in a political crisis over Hong Kong, a special administrative region of China. At the same time, President Trump has taken a hard line on trade with China, imposing economically damaging tariffs. Should respect for Hong Kong’s political independence, under the terms of the handover agreement with Britain, be a prerequisite for normal relations and trade with China? Should normal relations and trade be contingent on China’s closing its internment camps for Uighurs and other Muslim minority groups?

Source: International New York Times February 07, 2020 03:56 UTC