US, German and other manufacturers opposed to China’s solar industry believe human rights abuses are a clear issue. Achieving a just transition to green energy requires all nations to protect the wellbeing of workers.

China dominates solar energy manufacturing, which is critical to the energy transition, and the country accounts for over 80 per cent of production in all stages of the solar supply chain. Within China, the Xinjiang region produces about 35 per cent of the world’s polysilicon, a key material in solar modules.