China has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering international cooperation in human rights governance during a high-level address at the United Nations Human Rights Council. Chen Xu, China's permanent representative to UN agencies in Geneva, outlined three core principles for advancing global human rights during the council's 60th session this week.
A Vision for Collaborative Governance
Speaking on Tuesday, Chen emphasized China's support for multilateralism and national sovereignty in human rights development. "There is no universal model for human rights progress," he stated, highlighting the need to respect diverse civilizational approaches while opposing "unilateral coercive measures."
Three Pillars of China's Approach
1. Sovereignty First: Chen stressed adherence to the UN Charter's principles, including non-interference in domestic affairs under human rights pretexts. 2. Cultural Diversity: The diplomat advocated for dialogue-driven progress that respects different development paths. 3. People-Centered Development: Chen called for prioritizing economic, social, and cultural rights alongside traditional civil liberties.
Context of Global Challenges
The speech comes as the UN marks its 80th anniversary, with Chen noting persistent governance challenges. He positioned China's Global Governance Initiative as a framework for creating a "more just international order." The current Human Rights Council session, running through October 8, brings together representatives from over 100 countries and regions.
