BERLIN, (Reuters) – Volkswagen (ETR 🙂 intends to continue operations in China’s Xinjiang area despite recent reports about human rights violations. The chief executive stated this in comments made Monday by Handelsblatt.

German carmaker is part of a joint venture that includes China’s biggest automaker SAIC Motor. It has operated a Urumqi plant since 2013. This capital city in the west region, where Western countries and rights organizations claim Uyghurs suffer torture and detention, since 2013.

Herbert Diess, chief executive of SAIC Volkswagen, was quoted as saying: “I believe the presence SAIC Volkswagen leads the situation improving for the people.”

Handelsblatt was told by Diess that she traveled to those countries, as well as ensuring the implementation of labour standards, cultural and religious distinctions are protected.

The report states that he said any evidence of wrongdoing in the Xinjiang plants would get a massive response.

According to Der Spiegel, Germany’s Economy Ministry refused to give VW guarantees for new Chinese investments because of alleged violations of human rights.

China denied mistreatment Uyghurs repeatedly, and described alleged detention camps a voluntary vocational training facility.

Volkswagen was also under pressure from Brazil to resolve human rights concerns. Brazilian public prosecutors launched an investigation into allegations of human rights violations in connection to Brazil’s cattle farms.