The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has issued a bipartisan policy update demanding resolute actions from the Biden administration to counter China’s pervasive influence within the United States. The commission’s detailed report, released recently, meticulously outlines a spectrum of concerns related to China’s human rights violations, spotlighting the nexus of technology, religious freedom, and political influence.
The USCIRF’s comprehensive analysis underscores the pressing need for proactive measures to address transnational repression and protect the rights of diaspora communities residing in the U.S. Aiming to shed light on the relentless pursuit of influence, harassment, and intimidation perpetrated by the Chinese government, the report emphasizes the impact on diaspora religious communities, political dissidents, and individuals with ties to China living in the United States.
The Epoch Times reported on Sunday, December 7, that the USCIRF’s report specifically names Uyghur Muslims, Tibetan Buddhists, Christians, and Falun Gong practitioners as groups facing targeted actions. Rabbi Abraham Cooper, Chair of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, stated, “The Chinese government relentlessly pursues, harasses, and intimidates diaspora religious communities, political dissidents, and others with ties to China who reside in the United States, including Uyghur Muslims, Tibetan Buddhists, Christians, and Falun Gong practitioners.”
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The policy update meticulously outlines the multifaceted nature of China’s influence, encompassing not only religious persecution but also concerns regarding technology and political repression. The report advocates for a comprehensive approach to address these issues and safeguard the rights of affected communities.
A key recommendation put forth in the report is for the Biden administration to fortify policies protecting individuals within the United States from China’s transnational repression. This includes the development of mechanisms to counteract harassment, intimidation, and coercion directed at diaspora communities.
Furthermore, the USCIRF report urges heightened scrutiny of technology companies with ties to China, emphasizing the potential for such entities to be complicit in human rights abuses. The commission calls for robust oversight and regulatory measures to ensure that technology is not weaponized against religious and ethnic minorities, dissidents, and other targeted groups.
Released amidst a global discourse on China’s human rights practices, especially its treatment of Uyghur Muslims, the USCIRF’s focus on China’s actions within the United States accentuates the urgency for domestic policies safeguarding religious freedom and individual rights in the face of foreign influence.
As the Biden administration navigates the complexities of its relationship with China, the USCIRF’s recommendations serve as a crucial roadmap for addressing the intricate challenges posed by China’s influence on religious and ethnic communities within the United States. The report issues a compelling call to action, advocating for proactive measures to uphold human rights and religious freedom, both domestically and within the broader context of U.S.-China relations.
