35 countries including Saudi Arabia and Russia support China's policy in Xinjiang Geneva (Reuters) - 35 countries inclu…

35 countries including Saudi Arabia and Russia support China's policy in Xinjiang Geneva (Reuters) - 35 countries including Saudi Arabia and Russia wrote a letter to the United Nations, a copy of which Reuters saw on Friday, saying they support China's policy in the Xinjiang region in western China, in clear contrast to strong Western criticism of Beijing's policy in the region. China is accused of detaining one million Muslims and persecuting Uyghurs in the Xinjiang region. 22 ambassadors signed a letter addressed to the UN Human Rights Council this week criticizing its policies in the region. But the letter supporting China praised what it described as China's remarkable achievements in human rights. The letter stated: "In facing the serious challenge of terrorism and extremism, China has taken a series of counter-terrorism and de-radicalization measures, including establishing vocational education and training centers." The letter added that security has returned to Xinjiang and that the basic human rights of people of all ethnic groups in the region are being preserved. It continued that there has not been a single terrorist attack in three years and that people have a stronger sense of happiness, achievement, and security. In addition to Saudi Arabia and Russia, the letter was signed by ambassadors of many African countries, North Korea, Venezuela, Cuba, Belarus, Myanmar, the Philippines, Syria, Pakistan, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, the UAE, and Bahrain. Beijing denies any human rights violations in the region. Su Qin, China's ambassador to the Human Rights Council, said Friday at the end of a three-week session of the Council that his country greatly appreciates the support it received from the signatory countries. News link: https://ara.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idARAKCN1U72EU