France resolution against China on rights violations likely to soar relations

The recent resolution passed by the French Parliament, denouncing alleged rights violations in China signals a new stage in the war against China by the West.

The resolution was adopted by the lawmakers ahead of the inauguration of the Winter Olympics in China in what threatens to strain ties between France and China.

China's embassy in France opposed the resolution that the French Parliament adopted over human rights issues in Xinjiang province, and expressed concerns over the "damage" it could cause to bilateral relations.

It said the resolution deliberately smeared China and grossly interfered in its internal affairs.

"China has held a strong dialogue with France on this issue on many occasions and at multiple levels, and made it clear and serious that Xinjiang-related issues are not ethnic, religious or human rights issues, but anti-terrorism, de-radicalization and anti-separatism issues, which bear on China's sovereignty, territorial integrity and national security," the embassy said.

It added that the genocide in Xinjiang is a "big lie" fabricated on the basis of prejudice and hostility toward China.

In its resolution, the French Parliament slammed the "genocide" of its Uyghur Muslims.

The resolution, which could sour relations between Paris and Beijing, urged the French government to protect the ethnic minority in the Xinjiang region and take "the necessary measures within the international community and in its foreign policy towards the People's Republic of China".

The non-binding resolution, adopted with 169 votes in favour and just one against, was proposed by the opposition Socialists in the Lower House of Parliament.

As per the adopted resolution, the French National Assembly officially recognized the violence perpetrated by China against the Uyghurs as constituting crimes against humanity and genocide.

Last year, similar resolutions were passed by parliaments in Britain, Canada, and the Netherlands last year, and the US government has also condemned what it deems genocide in Xinjiang.