New “Air Silk Road” from China to Europe – opportunity or threat?

September 2, 2025 | Pulse

According to an analysis by the Washington-based advocacy group Uyghur Human Rights Project (UHRP), over the past 12 months, more than 40 air routes have been established connecting Europe with airports in Xinjiang. Goods are being shipped to countries including the UK, Germany, Hungary, Greece, Switzerland, Belgium, Ireland, and Spain.

UHRP emphasizes that planes are carrying e-commerce products, clothing, footwear, electronics, car parts, and agricultural goods—sectors particularly vulnerable to the exploitation of Uyghur forced labor.

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“Every uncontrolled shipment from Ürümqi is a potential human rights violation and a failure in combating forced labor,” notes Henryk Szadziewski, UHRP Research Director.

Cited: Report by Peter Irwin and Dr. Henryk Szadziewski (Manifest Risk: New “Air Silk Road” Cargo Flights Carry Risk of Uyghur Forced Labor into Europe).

Read the full article: https://www.pulse-z.eu/new-air-silk-road-from-china-to-europe-opportunity-or-threat