China Intensifies Lobbying to Thwart Criticism of Muslim Detentions

Beijing petitions diplomats against censure at U.N. and gives tours of Xinjiang in PR push

China has turned the northwestern region of Xinjiang into a vast experiment in domestic surveillance. WSJ investigated what life is like in a place where one’s every move can be monitored with cutting-edge technology. Video: Clément Bürge/WSJ; Image: DeepGlint (Originally published Dec. 17, 2017)

China has escalated efforts to repel foreign criticism of its policing, mass detentions and forced-assimilation measures targeting Muslims in the restive Xinjiang region, stepping up diplomacy and public-relations efforts.

Chinese diplomats have petitioned several governments in their capitals against attacking Beijing’s Xinjiang policies at the United Nations, according to diplomats briefed on the matter.

Beijing...