Tsering Dhundup
DHARAMSHALA, Jan 21: Human rights activists staged protests against Chinese Vice President Han Zheng during his attendance at US President Donald Trump’s inauguration ceremony on January 20 in Washington, D.C., highlighting concerns over China’s human rights record in Tibet, Hong Kong, and East Turkestan.
In a joint statement, Students for a Free Tibet (SFT), Washingtonians Supporting Hong Kong (DC4HK), and the Uyghur American Association (UAA) condemned Han Zheng’s presence at the inauguration on Monday, describing him as “a key architect of China’s oppressive policies.” The groups emphasised Han’s role in implementing policies they say have led to “ongoing genocide against Uyghurs and Tibetans” and the erosion of Hong Kong’s freedoms under the guise of “national security.” They also argued that his attendance “stains this solemn democratic event.”
The rights groups called on the incoming Trump administration to prioritise human rights in its dealings with China, urging specific actions including meetings with diaspora leaders and expanded sanctions on Chinese officials involved in human rights abuses. They also advocated for stronger legislation promoting accountability, such as the Uyghur Forced Labour Prevention Act and the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act.
Separately, more than 40 protesters, including members of Tibetan Youth Congress chapters from New York and New Jersey and Uyghur rights group gathered in front of the Chinese Embassy in Washington, D.C. The demonstrators maintained a three-hour protest, voicing opposition to oppressive China’s policies in Tibet, East Turkestan, and Hong Kong.
Trump’s spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt characterised the invitation as part of an effort to create “an open dialogue” with both allies and adversaries. While Xi Jinping did not attend the inauguration personally, he sent Han as his representative.
Han Zheng, born in 1954, is a member of the Politburo Standing Committee (PSC) of the Chinese Communist Party’s top decision-making body, since 2017. He has held the position of Party Secretary of Shanghai since 2012. Han has been a member of the Politburo since 2012 and a full member of the CCP Central Committee since 2002.