US declines to sign letter criticising China over torture of human rights lawyers

Trump administration refuses to offer explanation for decision week after Secretary of State Rex Tillerson's conciliatory diplomatic mission to Asian superpower

China's President Xi Jinping meets US State of Secretary Rex Tillerson at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on March 19 2017 (Thomas Peter/Reuters)

The United States has declined to join other countries in criticising China over allegations of torture against human rights lawyers.

The UK, Germany, Canada and eight others signed a letter raising concerns about lawyers and rights activists detained incommunicado for long periods.

The letter urges China to investigate torture claims against lawyer Xie Yang and others.

The US abstention comes as activists raise growing concerns that the Trump administration is de-emphasising human rights in diplomacy.

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson struck a conciliatory tone with China during a visit last week.

The State Department won't say why the US didn't sign, who made the decision and whether the White House was involved.

The State Department says the US raises “serious” human rights concerns as part of “regular discussions” with China.

Associated Press