Rights Groups Urge Beijing to Act Before Xi's Washington Visit

A broad coalition of human rights groups, led by Chinese Human Rights Defenders and supported by the Uyghur Human Rights Project along with 28 other organizations, has issued a joint open letter to General Secretary Xi Jinping. The document calls for immediate and unconditional action on several critical issues, including the release of prisoners of conscience and the cessation of transnational repression, ahead of a planned visit to Washington, DC on September 24, 2026.

According to the signatories, the letter serves as a precondition for a constructive diplomatic engagement. The organizations argue that without concrete steps to address documented violations, the visit will be overshadowed by criticism of the Chinese government’s record on civil liberties and religious freedom. The appeal emphasizes that specific legal reforms and the release of detained activists are necessary to diminish the negative focus on the state's human rights track record during this high-profile diplomatic event.

Historical Context of Alleged Violations

The letter outlines a history of systematic concerns that the organizations claim have persisted since 2012. It cites widespread documentation of atrocities aimed at erasing the culture, identity, and language of Tibetan, Uyghur, and other communities. The groups also reference the suppression of civic culture and free media in Hong Kong, as well as the targeting of journalists, lawyers, and public health experts across China. These allegations are framed as violations of both domestic and international legal obligations.

Furthermore, the document highlights the concern that the scale of arbitrary detention in China may constitute crimes against humanity, a position shared by United Nations human rights experts. The signatories express solidarity with victims and survivors, noting that newly imposed statutes, such as the Ethnic Unity and Progress Law, stand in contrast to China's international human rights commitments. This context frames the current diplomatic visit as a critical juncture for addressing these long-standing grievances.

Transnational Repression and Legal Targets

A significant portion of the appeal is dedicated to the issue of transnational repression. The organizations report that many of the signatories have faced harassment, stalking, or surveillance in the United States by authorities or proxies linked to the Chinese government. Some US-based activists have had family members in China targeted in retaliation for their work. The letter encourages the US and other governments to continue investigating and prosecuting these extralegal activities, while the signatories pledge to continue documenting such violations.

The letter specifically calls for the repeal or amendment of laws that the groups argue breach international human rights obligations. This includes the 2020 Hong Kong National Security Law and the 2026 Ethnic Unity and Progress Law. Additionally, the organizations urge the confirmation that individuals outside China, including the 14th Dalai Lama, will be allowed to travel safely to reunite with family members. This demand underscores the intersection of domestic policy and international diplomatic relations.

Specific Demands for Diplomatic Engagement

The coalition has listed a series of specific actions they urge Xi Jinping to take before his arrival in Washington. These include the immediate and unconditional release of named prisoners of conscience, such as Dr. Gulshan Abbas, Jimmy Lai, and Ilham Tohti, among others. The list includes individuals with strong connections to the US, whose release has been sought by US lawmakers. The organizations view these releases as a tangible measure of good faith and a step toward improving the human rights situation.

According to the GN geopolitics/rights (en-US) report, the letter is part of a broader strategy to leverage the upcoming diplomatic visit to secure tangible improvements in rights protections. The forward question remains whether the Chinese leadership will engage with these specific demands or maintain its current stance on sovereignty and non-interference. The response, or lack thereof, in the coming weeks will likely shape the tone and outcome of the September 24 visit, setting a precedent for future diplomatic interactions between the two nations.