Kazakhstan's Ban Sparks Global Debate on China's Influence

East Turkistan's Foreign and Security Minister, Salih Hudayar, denounces Kazakhstan's decision to ban Dr. Rune Steenberg, linking it to Chinese influence. Steenberg, a notable anthropologist, has been vocal about China's oppression of minorities. Despite the ban, he persists in documenting human rights abuses remotely.

The Foreign and Security Minister for the East Turkistan Government-in-Exile, Salih Hudayar, has condemned Kazakhstan's move to deny entry to Danish anthropologist Dr. Rune Steenberg, labeling it as a 'disgraceful act of submission' to Chinese pressure. Hudayar's comments, posted on X, imply Kazakhstan is increasingly aligning with Chinese interests.

Hudayar's reaction highlights the broader concerns of Uyghur activists regarding China's influence over Kazakhstan's policies—especially those linked to its Uyghur minority. Dr. Steenberg, who leads an EU-funded research on China's treatment of Uyghurs, was barred from Kazakhstan, a move seen as linked to his critical stance on China's actions.

According to Global Voices, Kazakh authorities did not provide a reason for Steenberg's barring at the Kazakh-Kyrgyz border. However, Steenberg attributes the ban to his outspoken criticism of China's repression of Uyghurs and other Turkic minorities in Xinjiang. Despite prohibitions, Steenberg pledges to continue his advocacy through remote research, undeterred by obstacles in the region.

(With inputs from agencies.)