In a joint statement after their virtual 2+2 talks, the leaders said, "We share serious concerns about reported human rights abuses against Uyghur and other Muslim minorities in Xinjiang."

"We call on China to grant urgent, meaningful and unfettered access to Xinjiang for independent international observers, including the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights," read the statement.

Speaking on the Hong Kong issue, the statement read: "We also urge the Hong Kong and Chinese authorities to uphold their commitments to the Hong Kong people."

"We share grave concerns about recent moves that weaken Hong Kong's democratic institutions and undermine the rights and freedoms guaranteed under the Hong Kong Basic Law and the Sino-British Joint Declaration," the statement said.

Chinese aggressive stance against several nations in recent years has earned criticisms in recent times.