China defends itself on human rights by pointing to US history on slavery

In the wake of international backlash for reported human rights abuses in the Xinjiang province, Chinese officials are attempting to reverse the blame by shining a light on slavery.

"As for the issue of 'forced labor' itself, the accusations against Xinjiang made by some Western countries, including the U.S., are totally based on lies," Hua told reporters Thursday. "Here is a picture of black slaves being forced to work in cotton fields in the US," Hua, who came prepared with photos, demonstrated to reporters. "Here is another picture of cotton fields in China's Xinjiang where more than 70 percent of the cotton is picked with machines. There is never ‘forced labor’ in picking cotton in Xinjiang."