Japan’s parliament passed a resolution expressing concern about Uyghur human rights on February 1. The
resolution, adopted by the lower chamber, said the international community has expressed concerns over
such issues as internment and the violation of religious freedom in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region,
Tibet and Hong Kong. It said, "Human rights issues cannot just be domestic issues, because human rights
hold universal values and are a rightful matter of concern for the international community". "This chamber
recognises changes to the status quo with force, which are symbolised by the serious human rights situation, as a threat to the international community." Yasue Funayama, an opposition lawmaker and co-chair of one
of the parliamentary human rights groups leading the effort, said “It’s an enormous first step. If the whole of
parliament agrees that there are concerns about the human rights situation, we will have to look at what to
do about it.” China reacted promptly with its Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian saying, "China
reserves itself the right to take further measures". You Wenze of the NPC's Foreign Affairs Committee
accused Japan of "serious interference in PRC domestic affairs", adding "For any vile actions that attempt to
interfere in China's internal affairs and harm China's interests, China will surely fight back firmly and
forcefully."
(Comment: The Japanese resolution did not directly use the word "China" anywhere in the text, and steered
clear of such expression as "human rights violation", saying, instead, "human rights situation", in a possible
nod to close bilateral economic ties.)
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