독일 Volkswagen's Possible Withdrawal from Xinjiang Plant... China Says "Differences Must Be Recognized and Cooperation Maintained"

Controversy Over Human Rights Abuses Against Uyghurs in Xinjiang

Germany's Volkswagen Group, the largest automobile company in Europe, is considering withdrawing its factory from the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in China, prompting China to urge against such a move.

According to the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the 23rd, Wang Yi, Director of the Central Foreign Affairs Office of the Communist Party of China (also serving as Foreign Minister), met with Jens Fleutner, Foreign Policy Advisor to the German Chancellor, in Beijing on the same day, stating, "While acknowledging (the differences between the two countries), we must find common ground and focus on cooperation," adding, "We should resolve disagreements while progressing and developing together."

The King and the Director of the Central Foreign Affairs Office of the Communist Party of China (also serving as the Minister of Foreign Affairs)
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Earlier, Volkswagen established an assembly plant in Urumqi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in 2013 through a joint venture with Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC). However, the plant faced operational difficulties amid ongoing criticism from human rights organizations alleging that Uygur Muslims and other ethnic minority Muslims in the region were subjected to human rights abuses in forced labor camps. Components made in Xinjiang used in Volkswagen Group vehicles such as Porsche and Bentley led to a suspension of imports by the United States.

In this context, as German media reported that Volkswagen Group is considering withdrawing from the region, China has stated that there has been no human rights abuse. On the day, Director Wang said, "The relationship between China and Europe must develop healthily and stably." He also explained, "China is willing to strengthen communication with Germany and consolidate strategic mutual trust."

Advisor Fleutner reportedly expressed that "Germany values its relationship with China" and "positively evaluates economic and trade cooperation between Germany and China." He also reportedly added, "Germany hopes to strengthen strategic dialogue with China and expand cooperation in various fields to jointly lead the global green transition."