Europe torn over calling China out over Xinjiang 'genocide'

Lawmakers pressuring governments, which are keen to preserve economic interests

20210430 it is time to call it genocide

Protesters hold placards during a demonstration in support of Uyghur Muslims at Parliament Square in London on April 22. © AP

JENS KASTNER, Contributing writer

HAMBURG, Germany -- Lawmakers across Europe are calling on governments to label China's atrocities in Xinjiang as genocide, putting pressure on leaders keen to maintain economic ties with Beijing.

Following declarations by the U.S. and Canada, the parliaments of the Netherlands and the U.K. have this year passed resolutions containing the word genocide, prompting Chinese embassies to hit back using language such as "the most preposterous lie of the century, an outrageous insult and affront to the Chinese people."

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