China defends human rights record and says it is ‘in line with the trend of the times’ | World News
The Chinese leader defended the country’s human rights record, saying the country was on “the path of human rights development in line with the trend of the times”.
Xi Jinping, head of the ruling Communist Party – which does not allow political opposition and tightly controls freedom of expression – has criticized countries for lecturing others on human rights and accused of being politically incorrect. cure this problem.
“Through long-term and persistent efforts, China has succeeded in developing human rights in line with the trends of the times and in accordance with its national conditions,” Xi told the head of the human rights committee. United Nations Michelle Bachelet during a video call, according to an online report by state broadcaster CCTV.
Ms. Bachelet is in the midst of a six-day visit to China that includes stops in Xinjiang, a remote area in the northwest that has been accused by the Chinese government. human rights violations and genocide against the Uighurs and other ethnic groups.
Her trip has drawn criticism from the US and others who believe China will manage each phase of her trip and use it for propaganda purposes.
Chinese President Xi Jinping, right, holds a virtual meeting with United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet
Ms. Bachelet, the UN’s high commissioner for human rights, said it was valuable to speak directly with Mr. Xi and senior Chinese officials.
China’s foreign ministry quoted Bachelet as telling Xi that she admired China’s efforts and achievements on poverty and human rights issues – but her office denied this and said she did not. say this.
The Communist Party has been known for its often harsh treatment of dissidents, activists and activists. minority group in Tibet and Inner Mongolia.
Trip was ‘a mistake’
State Department spokesman Ned Price said the United States does not expect China to allow access. Ms. Bachelet would need to take a clear look at the human rights situation in Xinjiang.
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“We think it is wrong to agree to visit under these circumstances where the high commissioner will not be granted unhindered access, free and complete access, that would be required fully appreciate and come back with a full picture of the atrocities, crimes against humanity, and genocide taking place in Xinjiang,” he said.
During the meeting, Mr. Xi laid out the Communist Party’s longstanding position on human rights, which argued that China should find its own way, not completely copy the model of other countries and rejects criticism from outside as meddling in their domestic affairs.
“On human rights, there is no perfect ‘utopia’,” he said.
Ms. Bachelet, the UN high commissioner for human rights, was criticized for her trip
“We don’t need ‘masters’ ordering other countries, let alone politicizing and turning human rights issues into instruments, practicing double standards and meddling in their internal affairs. other countries on the grounds of human rights.”
Ms. Bachelet started her trip in Guangzhou, a city in southeastern China. Her itinerary also included the cities of Kashgar and Urumqi, both in Xinjiang.
