China has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening international cooperation on human rights governance during a high-profile address at the 60th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. Ambassador Chen Xu, China's permanent representative to UN institutions in Switzerland, outlined Beijing's vision for addressing global challenges through multilateralism and respect for national sovereignty.
Speaking on Tuesday, Chen emphasized that 2024 marks the 80th anniversary of the United Nations' founding – a milestone occurring amid what he described as 'severe challenges' in global governance. The ambassador presented China's Global Governance Initiative as a framework for creating 'a more fair and just international order,' with three core principles guiding human rights development:
Sovereignty and International Law
Chen stressed the importance of respecting nations' rights to choose their own human rights development paths, stating: 'All parties should abide by the UN Charter's purposes and principles, opposing interference in internal affairs under human rights pretexts.' He cited China's support for Palestinian national rights as an example of this principle in action.
Multilateral Cooperation
'There is no universally applicable model for human rights development,' Chen asserted, advocating for dialogue that respects civilizational diversity. The ambassador criticized unilateral coercive measures, positioning China as a defender of collaborative international approaches.
People-Centered Development
The final pillar calls for balanced advancement of all human rights categories, particularly economic, social, and cultural rights. Chen highlighted the need to accelerate progress on development rights while maintaining focus on traditional civil liberties.
As global institutions face increasing scrutiny, China's proposals offer a distinct vision for human rights governance – one emphasizing national autonomy, multilateral cooperation, and practical development outcomes. With Beijing positioning itself as a key player in shaping this agenda, international observers will be watching how these principles translate into concrete policy actions in coming years.
