Human rights in China

Chinese President Xi Jinping made a rare visit to Xinjiang on Saturday, state media reported, calling on officials to conserve "hard-won social stability" in a troubled region where Beijing is accused of severe human rights abuses.

The Chinese government has pursued a years-long campaign against what it describes as terrorism and Islamic extremism in the northwestern region, detaining large numbers of Uyghurs and other Muslims.

A United Nations report last year found China's actions in Xinjiang may constitute "crimes against humanity", and the United States and legislatures in other countries have labelled the policies a "genocide" -- claims Beijing denies. — AFP