China rejects UN human rights criticisms from UK, Australia, and Japan

Sun Lei, China’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, has rejected human rights criticisms leveled against China during the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee general debate. Sun responded to statements from representatives of the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, Ireland, the Czech Republic, and Lithuania, characterizing their accusations as baseless and politically motivated.

Sun argued that the accusing nations lack the moral authority to lecture China, citing their own domestic human rights and social issues. He highlighted that over 100 million people in China have been lifted out of extreme poverty. In contrast, he pointed to the United Kingdom, where more than 14 million people live below the poverty line, and Japan, where relative poverty rates reach 15% with rising child poverty.

Furthermore, the Chinese diplomat addressed issues of ethnic rights and democratic processes. He defended the implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law and stated that the rights of ethnic groups in Xinjiang and Tibet are protected. He concluded by accusing the criticizing nations of hypocrisy, noting their perceived inaction regarding human rights issues in Palestine, Iran, and Cuba.