(CNN) The United States has expressed concern over China's "worsening crackdown" on minority Muslim groups in the far western province of Xinjiang, amid allegations of widespread human rights abuses. The allegations have prompted a growing international outcry and calls for sanctions to be imposed on senior Chinese officials. 'Disturbing'Nauert's comments follow the release of a new report by Human Rights Watch (HRW) Monday detailing allegations of indefinite, arbitrary detention. On Monday, the new United Nations Human Rights chief Michelle Bachelet became the latest high profile international figure to speak out against alleged human rights abuses in XinjiangCalling the allegations against China "deeply disturbing," Bachelet said Beijing had to allow access to the region for impartial observers. In May, Chinese state media said more than a million local Chinese Communist officials were being sent to live with local families in Xinjiang.

Source: CNN September 12, 2018 06:06 UTC