What Can (or Should) the United States Do to Promote Human Rights in China?

Objective Summary

China faces massive criticism from other countries on its human rights situation, the striking points of which are political suppression, economic discrimination, religious intolerance, and internet control. The United States is being confronted with the issue of attaining human rights by keeping secure diplomatic and economic relations with China. The main areas of the issues are the introduction of political dissent, violations of the rights of ethnic groups like the Uighurs and Tibetans, religious freedom, and Internet censorship. Some suggestions to deal with these problems are multilateral engagement, public diplomacy activities, targeted sanctions, civil society support, technology governance, and business engagement. By adopting such a multifaceted way of cooperation, the U.S. can strive to uphold human rights and introduce positive changes in China.

Several key issues persist in China’s human rights landscape.

Several main problems still trouble the field of human rights in the People’s Republic of China, which causes both the people of the country and the international society to face significant difficulties. First of all, political repression is relevant as it is analogous to censorship, arbitrary arrests, and suppression of free speech, thus silencing the opposing voices and basic civil freedom. The second challenge is the ethnic discrimination targeting minority groups at the national level, especially the Uighurs in Xinjiang and Tibetans, concerning forced labor, cultural suppression, and mass internment, which have been widely condemned.1 On the other hand, religious persecution targets different religious traditions, such as Christians, Muslims, Buddhists, and Falun Gong adherents, who are under surveillance, restricted from religious activities, and punished for practicing their faith. Ultimately, internet censorship by the Great Firewall of China blocks access to information, suppressing freedom of expression, and computer users will not have a chance to gain diverse viewpoints. These wide-ranging human rights violations highlight the great importance of mutual efforts by the international community to make China accountable for these abuses and choose the path of lasting reforms.

Policy Recommendations

Multilateral Engagement

The policy of active multilateral engagement is the main way to deal with human rights problems in China. The United States should cooperate with allies and international bodies to collectively use club diplomacy to sway China. Co-authored statements, resolutions, and selective sanctions amplify the international community’s voice, demonstrating that they are united in their real abuses of human rights. The joint efforts by nations will enable them to wield more power and check the Chinese government to improve their human rights practices.2 Apart from the multilateral inclusive players, the feeling of comradeship among countries determined to protect human rights norms has emerged, strengthening the credibility and effectiveness of advocacy. The United States, together with its allies, by acting jointly, can demonstrate the universal importance of human rights as well as promote a commitment to all countries to safeguard fundamental freedoms. Multilateral engagement provides the way for continuing dialogue and coordination, which is needed to drive forward to a more equal and balanced society in China and other countries.

Public Diplomacy

The human rights consciousness and advocacy efforts in China are supported by the effective manner in which public diplomacy is performed. More funding and backing of public diplomacy systems will help achieve this goal by illuminating human rights abuses in China for the Chinese people and the international community. Intercultural dialogue, educational programs, and people-to-people exchanges enabled by public diplomacy have become a medium of communication, understanding, empathy, and sympathy for the victims of human rights abuses.3 Public diplomacy aims to give the voices of civic organizations, together with human rights defenders and independent media, more power in order to contribute to grassroots movements for change within mainland China. Besides, Chinese public diplomacy is not only an effective means to demonstrate the efforts of the Chinese government against propaganda and disinformation but also an activity of clarifying the real human rights picture in China. Through public diplomacy and a worldwide networking mentality, attitudes can be changed; at the international level, legislative processes may be enhanced, and demanding human rights might gain the support that has to be done.

Sanctions and Trade Policies

The sanctions and trade restrictions imposed by the United States and its partners are effective in solving the human rights problems of China’s leadership. The advent of crazy sanctions like asset freezes, and flight bans can really put the account of Chinese people and government agents under erasure who are accused of perpetrating serious violations.4 Such tariff policy makes it clear to the public that human rights violations should not be tolerated. For instance, different trade policies that are based on human rights standards mechanisms impact supply chain transparency and level of accountability, thus making slavery and other violations increasingly harder.5 By using sanctions against China at times, the United States cannot only offer Chinese officials an incentive to do their best in human rights but also refrain from the unintended disabling of vulnerable individuals and communities in the process.6 Similarly, it can be argued that in addition to diplomacy, trade embargoes and sanctions against China are an effective way to hold its officials accountable and bring changes to human rights.

Support for Civil Society

The promotion of civil society is part of the process of safeguarding human rights in China. The backing of the Chinese civil society organizations and independent media outlets through funding and resources enhances their ability to speak out against the wrongdoings and hold the government accountable for their actions.7 Through the development of training programs and initiatives to strengthen their capacity, governments might face the challenge of repression and censorship impunity. Enabling grassroots organizations results in grassroots movements that put pressure on reforms from below and increase the power of minorities.8 Moreover, global backing adds a strong note of solidarity to the civil society figures who experience pressure and torture. Through civic society investment, the U.S. can foster a flourishing platform of activism and dissent that will add more to the already transforming semi-open Chinese society.9 While respecting the autonomy of local actors and meeting their particular needs and important circumstances is crucial, it is necessary to adjust the aid accordingly.

Tech Regulation and Cybersecurity

Technological regulation and cyber security steps are vital for resolving human rights abuse issues on China’s Internet. Promoting responsible international standards and rules on internet freedom can check China’s internet digital tyranny.10 Imposing a law on exporting surveillance or censorship technology and legislating it in the U.S. tech industry can curtail their involvement in human rights violations. Therefore, strengthening cybersecurity measures is essential to save the activists, journalists, and ordinary citizens from hacking and surveying activities of the state.11 Collaboration of allies and states with similar views will be the best tool to work out the cooperative approach to the regulations and collective pressure on China. Nevertheless, government officials should strike a delicate balance between security and the privacy of individuals and freedom of speech and expression.12 The United States can effectively promote responsible tech practices and defend online freedoms, thus promising to protect human rights in the digital age and help uphold democratic values globally.

Engagement with Business Community

Establishing partnerships with the business community is crucial in China’s push for human rights. Incentivizing U.S. companies involved in Chinese economic activities to abide by human rights standards such as labor rights and workforce freedom would reduce the likelihood of their involvement in any illegal conduct.13 tax concessions or better contract treatment can be provided to successful and responsible businesses as an incentive. In addition, transparency in the supply chain is crucial in preventing forced labor and other human rights violations.14 Nevertheless, dialogue with the business sector must involve responsibility structures to warrant abidance to ethical standards. The United States can also utilize its economic power to persuade corporations to embrace social responsibility and human rights norms in their global business operations. The business community could benefit from this culture of ethical business practices by making them powerful allies who contribute to building an ethical and sustainable global economy.

Advocacy for Action

Protecting human rights in China is more than a moral responsibility; it also provides a base for worldwide stability, security, and prosperity. By demonstrating its determination to oppose human rights infringements, the United States will set the example of the global champion in human rights protection. It might help Washington assert its global leadership momentum. However, the situation ahead will certainly be complex and loaded with political challenges to be dealt with carefully, so the U.S. must stay focused on its cause, the rights of the Chinese people. The Chinese design of obtaining their outcome is based on their approach to peace and rights development that incorporates both diplomatic pressure and sanctions, public diplomacy, sanctions against the economy, support of civil society, tech regulation, and accompaniment of those doing the business delegated in the United States.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the promotion of human rights in China stands out as the primary objective of various forms of diplomatic interactions, such as elderly diplomacy, sanctions, social community collaboration, technology regulation, and cooperation between businesses. The U.S. needs to tread carefully in dealing with China with due regard to its principles and to ensure that worthwhile change is achieved. Thus, with unrestrained countries and international organizations, the U.S. can pressure China to condemn all systemic human rights violations. Public enlightenment and campaigning are important in arousing support and making the government answerable. Secondly, enhancing collaboration with the business world would create healthy competition and establish clear lines of ethics in the business sector. However, the efforts of those for human rights in China remain a moral obligation and a fundamental part of peace, security, and prosperity worldwide. The United States can always play a major role in every individual’s peaceful and dignified coexistence by persevering through its efforts and unchanging the commitment.

Notes

1. Natalia Grincheva. “The past and future of cultural diplomacy.” International Journal of Cultural Policy 30, no. 2 (2024): 175
2. Samuel Asumadu Sarkodie, Samuel Adams, Phebe Asantewaa Owusu, Thomas Leirvik, and Ilhan Ozturk. “Mitigating degradation and emissions in China: the role of environmental sustainability, human capital and renewable energy.” Science of the Total Environment 719 (2020): 150
3. Yanliu Lin. “Social media for collaborative planning: A typology of support functions and challenges.” Cities 125 (2022): 134
4. Natalia Grincheva. “Cultural diplomacy under the “digital lockdown”: pandemic challenges and opportunities in museum diplomacy.” Place Branding and Public Diplomacy 18, no. 1 (2022): 8
5. Hanna Tuominen. “Effective human rights promotion and protection? The E.U. and its Member States at the U.N. Human Rights Council.” JCMS: Journal of Common Market Studies 61, no. 4 (2023): 944
6. Max Roger Taylor. “Inside the E.U.–China Human Rights Dialogue: assessing the practical delivery of the E.U.’s normative power in a hostile environment.” Journal of European Integration 44, no. 3 (2022): 375
7. Anna Lawson and Angharad E. Beckett. “The social and human rights models of disability: towards a complementarity thesis.” The International Journal of Human Rights 25, no. 2 (2021): 353
8. Uradyn E. Bulag. “The wheel of history and minorities’‘self-sacrifice’for the Chinese nation.” Comparative Education 60, no. 1 (2024): 100
9. Zheng Su, Xu, X., & Cao, X. (2022). What explains popular support for government monitoring in China? Journal of Information Technology & Politics, 19(4), 387
10. Suzanne Xiao Yang. “Complexity in China’s current role in multilateral orders.” China International Strategy Review 2, no. 2 (2020): 290
11. Salvador Santino F. Regilme, Jr and Obert Hodzi. “Comparing U.S. and Chinese foreign aid in the era of rising powers.” The International Spectator 56, no. 2 (2021): 118
12. Paul Chaney & Sarbeswar Sahoo. “Civil society and the contemporary threat to religious freedom in Bangladesh.” Journal of Civil Society 16, no. 3 (2020): 198
13. Han Zhu, and Lu Jun. “The crackdown on rights-advocacy NGOs in Xi’s China: politicizing the law and legalizing the repression.” Journal of Contemporary China 31, no. 136 (2022): 518
14. Zhao Alexandre Huang, and Rui Wang. “‘Panda engagement’in China’s digital public diplomacy.” Asian Journal of Communication 30, no. 2 (2020): 120
15. RuixueJia, and Weidong Li. “Public diplomacy networks: China’s public diplomacy communication practices in twitter during Two Sessions.” Public Relations Review 46, no. 1 (2020): 104

Bibliography

Bulag, Uradyn E. “The wheel of history and minorities self-sacrifice for the Chinese nation.” Comparative Education 60, no. 1 (2024): 96–117. https://doi.org/10.1080/03050068.2023.2271781

Black’s evidence proves the requirement for the USA to resolve the problem of ethnic discrimination and to defend outright the rights of minority groups involving Uighurs being its advocacy for Human Rights in China.

Chaney, Paul, and Sarbeswar Sahoo. “Civil society and the contemporary threat to religious freedom in Bangladesh.” Journal of Civil Society 16, no. 3 (2020): 191-215. https://doi.org/10.1080/17448689.2020.1787629

Chaney and Sahoo’s study implies that assisting civil society institutions in China allows them to speak up concerning human rights and resist government suppression, which reinforces the mission of the United States in China to enhance human rights.

Grincheva, Natalia. “Cultural diplomacy under the “digital lockdown”: pandemic challenges and opportunities in museum diplomacy.” Place Branding and Public Diplomacy 18, no. 1 (2022): 8–11. https://doi.org/10.1057/s41254-021-00237-z

Grincheva’s evidence shows the necessity of funding allocation and support for public diplomacy programs that can promote human rights awareness in both local Chinese and international communities.

Grincheva, Natalia. “The past and future of cultural diplomacy.” International Journal of Cultural Policy 30, no. 2 (2024): 172–191. https://doi.org/10.1080/10286632.2023.2183949

Grincheva’s article advocates for the U.S. to consider sponsoring projects involving cultural exchange and people-to-people interactions with China as part of ongoing efforts toward human rights consciousness and open dialogue.

Huang, Zhao Alexandre, and Rui Wang. “‘Panda engagement in China’s digital public diplomacy.” Asian Journal of Communication 30, no. 2 (2020): 118–140. https://doi.org/10.1080/01292986.2020.1725075

The research by Huang and Wang indicates that the U.S. has the opportunity to press for global rules and norms on internet freedom, which can be used in the fight against China’s authoritarian model in cyberspace, thus achieving the U.S. objectives.

Jia, Ruixue, and Weidong Li. “Public diplomacy networks: China’s public diplomacy communication practices in twitter during Two Sessions.” Public Relations Review 46, no. 1 (2020): 101818. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pubrev.2019.101818

Jia and Li’s work indicates the American public’s role in digital platforms for the awareness of human rights.

Lawson, Anna, and Angharad E. Beckett. “The social and human rights models of disability: Towards a complementarity thesis.” The International Journal of Human Rights 25, no. 2 (2021): 348–379. https://doi.org/10.1080/13642987.2020.1783533

Lawson and Beckett’s approach indicates that implementing disability rights measures is one of the components of the broader human rights movement and reminds the United States to support China.

Lin, Yanliu. “Social media for collaborative planning: A typology of support functions and challenges.” Cities 125 (2022): 103–641. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cities.2022.103641

The research by Lin points out the strategy of using social media and technologies to promote advocacy efforts that would attract public participation to support the recommendation to the United States.

Regilme, Jr, Salvador Santino F., and Obert Hodzi. “Comparing U.S. and Chinese foreign aid in the era of rising powers.” The International Spectator 56, no. 2 (2021): 114-131. https://doi.org/10.1080/03932729.2020.1855904

The contribution of Regilme, Jr., and Hodzi indicates that the U.S. must employ multilateral engagement as well as targeted sanctions towards China.

Sarkodie, Samuel Asumadu, Samuel Adams, Phebe Asantewaa Owusu, Thomas Leirvik, and Ilhan Ozturk. “Mitigating degradation and emissions in China: the role of environmental sustainability, human capital and renewable energy.” Science of the Total Environment 719 (2020): 137-530. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.137530

The study by Sarkodie et al. emphasizes the need for a multifaceted approach to solving human rights problems in China and the request for the U.S. to include human rights in its environmental strategies and diplomacy.

Su, Z., Xu, X., & Cao, X. (2022). What explains popular support for government monitoring in China? Journal of Information Technology & Politics, 19(4), 377-392. https://doi.org/10.1080/19331681.2021.1997868

Su, Xu, and Cao’s study calls for multifaceted methods in promoting human rights awareness and human rights advocacy activities within China.

Taylor, Max Roger. “Inside the E.U.–China Human Rights Dialogue: Assessing the practical delivery of the E.U.’s normative power in a hostile environment.” Journal of European Integration 44, no. 3 (2022): 365–380. https://doi.org/10.1080/07036337.2020.1854245

Taylor’s study displays the complexities in approaching the engagement with the U.S. on human rights issues and argues for a nuanced and targeted approach to dealing with China.

Tuominen, Hanna. “Effective human rights promotion and protection? The E.U. and its Member States at the U.N. Human Rights Council.” JCMS: Journal of Common Market Studies 61, no. 4 (2023): 935–950. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcms.13433

Tuominen indicates that cooperation might have a multiplier effect by fortifying the effectiveness of advocacy actions; hence, the U.S. should cooperate with its allies and international organizations to put diplomatic pressure on China.

Yang, Suzanne Xiao. “Complexity in China’s current role in multilateral orders.” China International Strategy Review 2, no. 2 (2020): 288–305. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42533-020-00054-8

Yang’s work shows the significance of multilateral engagements in fostering Human rights in China and the U.S.

Zhu, Han, and Lu Jun. “The crackdown on rights-advocacy NGOs in Xi’s China: politicizing the law and legalizing the repression.” Journal of Contemporary China 31, no. 136 (2022): 518-538. https://doi.org/10.1080/10670564.2021.1985829

Zhu and Lu showcase the importance of civil society in China, which aims to fight for the respect of rights and challenge government oppression.