China has urged the United States to resume participation in the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) under the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC), emphasizing the importance of multilateral cooperation to address global human rights challenges. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated on Tuesday that Washington’s refusal to attend its scheduled review undermines the credibility of international mechanisms.
The UPR, established by a UN General Assembly resolution, requires member states to undergo peer evaluations of their human rights records. The UNHRC recently adopted a consensus decision expressing regret over the U.S. absence, which has stalled the process. Lin criticized the U.S. for releasing annual human rights reports that “disregard facts and international obligations” while avoiding scrutiny of its own record.
“This double standard reveals the U.S. prioritizes political agendas over genuine human rights progress,” Lin said during a press briefing. He reiterated China’s commitment to the Global Governance Initiative, advocating for inclusive dialogue and people-centered policies to advance international human rights efforts.
