China has sanctioned two Canadian groups and 20 affiliated individuals, freezing assets and banning cooperation in its latest diplomatic move. The measures target organizations Beijing claims promote separatism in sensitive regions 🚨.
What's Happening?
Effective December 21, 2024, the measures block all transactions with the Uyghur Rights Advocacy Project and Canada-Tibet Committee. Chinese residents and businesses are now prohibited from engaging with these groups – a move Beijing calls a “necessary response to foreign interference.”
Who's Affected?
Uyghur Rights Advocacy Project (15 people): • Mehmet Tohti (Executive Director) • Jasmine Kainth (Policy Director) • Legal advisors including David Matas and Sarah Teich
Canada-Tibet Committee (5 people): • Chair Samphe Lhalungpa • Executive Director Sherap Therchin • Community manager Youngdoung Tenzin
Why Now?
While no immediate trigger was specified, analysts suggest this escalates tensions stemming from disagreements about minority rights advocacy. Those sanctioned face visa bans and asset freezes in China – including Hong Kong and Macao 💼✈️.
