The German government has refused to provide investment guarantees to a company due to the human rights situation in China, the first time it has done so as concerns grow about the sufferings of minorities in the country. The ministry justified the step referring to the human rights situation in Xinjiang province, which has worsened in recent years and is “characterized by forced labour and mass internment of members of the Uighur minority.” The German government therefore no longer provides investment guarantees for certain projects in China. The step concerns projects in Xinjiang itself or p…