US Congress approves stricter import regulations from Xinjiang

The US Congress has passed a bill that will largely restrict imports from China’s Xinjiang region. The law aims to prevent American companies from using products made through forced labor by Uyghurs.

Earlier this week, the House of Representatives already voted in favor of the bill, now the Senate has also done so. The law now goes to President Biden. He has already said that he will put his signature.

Genocide

The United States has long held the view that China is committing genocide against the Uyghur minority in Xinjiang. In addition, many exported products are said to be the result of forced labour. This includes cotton, gloves and silicone products.

The bill has been negotiated for months. The Republicans accused the Democrats of not wanting to introduce stricter rules because they would hinder President Biden’s sustainability plans. Many raw materials for solar panels come from Xinjiang.

Deliver proof

There is no mention of a total import ban in the final bill. It does state that American companies that want to import products from Xinjiang must prove that the goods do not originate from forced labour.

As far as is known, China has not yet responded to the American decision. The country has always denied any wrongdoing in Xinjiang. The policy there, according to China, is necessary to combat terrorism.

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