On the occasion of the start of the holy month of Ramadan, US President Joe Biden extended his wishes to Muslims worldwide with the greeting ‘Ramadan Kareem.’ In an unexpected move, Biden also expressed his solidarity with China’s embattled Uyghur minority population, who are facing an existential crisis.
“Today, Jill and I extend our best wishes to Muslim communities across the country and around the world as they begin the Islamic holy month of Ramadan – a time of fasting, renewal, charity, worship and growth,” said Biden in the address.
“Together with our partners, the United States stands in solidarity with Muslims who continue to face oppression, including Uyghurs in the People’s Republic of China, Rohingya in Burma, and other Muslim communities facing persecution around the world,” he added.
During Ramadan, US President Biden showed support for earthquake and flood victims in Turkey, Syria, and Pakistan, and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to Muslim communities facing hardship.
Biden’s mention of the Uyghur Muslims, who are allegedly undergoing genocide in China’s Xinjiang province, comes at a time of heightened tensions between the US and China.
A recent visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to Russia has further strained relations, following the recent spy balloon controversy. Last year, a UN report accused China of committing ‘crimes against humanity’ against the Uyghur population.
Despite Chinese attempts to delay or obstruct it, the report, which had been in development for several years, was ultimately published.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has repeatedly stated that Islam can only exist in China if it is reformed in accordance with Chinese values. The Chinese government has acknowledged the existence of concentration camps, which it refers to as “vocational training camps.”
