World War 3: Amendment on detention of Muslims in Xinjiang potentially puts UK-China relations at risk

China’s stance on certain issues, including the regional conflicts, could easily fuel fears of tensions turning into world war 3 if no resolution is reached. A recent amendment in the House of Lords could now put relations between the United Kingdom and China at risk over the detention of Muslims in Xinjiang.

China has denied the accusations against them of detaining millions of Uyghur Muslims in camps in Xinjiang, along with other accusations of human rights abuse. However, despite denying the accusations made against them, China also has refused requests to visit by the international press. A new amendment at the UK’s House of Lords on the trade deal could now put relations between the two countries at risk as it now gives the UK the power to rule whether genocide on the Uyghur Muslims is being done by China.

The amendment was backed by several members from other political parties. However, the foreign office was said to have opposed such an amendment, citing that international courts should make the ruling instead of the UK. However, this was denied by the Department of International Trade’s spokesperson, saying that both offices have the same stance on the policy towards China.

Foreign Office Minister Nigel Adams warned that an “asset fight” might occur should the UK immediately impose sanctions on Chinese officials that are suspected of being involved in human rights abuses on the Muslims detained in Xinjiang. Despite advising caution, Adams also noted that there is increasing evidence of forced labor used in the area, especially after reports have surfaced of camp prisoners being forced to work without receiving payment.

World war 3 may not have happened in recent years, but declassified files have revealed that it almost began during the Cuban missile crisis between the United States and the Soviet Union. A year after the historic stand-off brought forth the Manned Orbiting Laboratory or MOL project as part of the US Air Force’s human spaceflight program that was supposed to succeed Corona - satellites placed by the CIA. MOL was supposed to be a single-use laboratory on a regular spacecraft that would allow astronauts to send images back to Earth.