Pompeo’s determination does not come with any immediate repercussions although the legal implications mean the US must take it into account in formulating policy toward China. The US has spoken out and taken action,implementing a range of sanctions against senior Chinese Communist Party leaders and state-run enterprises that fund the architecture of repression across Xinjiang.
Many of those accused of having taken part in the repression are already under US sanctions. The “genocide” designation means new measures will be easier to impose.
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“After careful examination of the available facts,I have determined that since at least March 2017,the People’s Republic of China,under the direction and control of the Chinese Communist Party,has committed crimes against humanity against the predominantly Muslim Uighurs and other members of ethnic and religious minority groups in Xinjiang,” Pompeo said in a statement.
“In addition,after careful examination of the available facts,I have determined that the PRC,under the direction and control of the CCP,has committed genocide against the predominantly Muslim Uighurs and other ethnic and religious minority groups in Xinjiang. I believe this genocide is ongoing,and that we are witnessing the systematic attempt to destroy Uighurs by the Chinese party-state."