A forum discussing President Xi Jinping's perspectives on human rights drew over 150 African policymakers, scholars, and students to Addis Ababa this week. The event centered on the multilingual publication Xi Jinping: On Respecting and Protecting Human Rights, which outlines China's approach to rights governance and global cooperation.
Jiang Jianguo, a senior official with the China Society for Human Rights Studies, highlighted the book's relevance for developing nations. 'From poverty alleviation to technological innovation, China's human rights philosophy prioritizes tangible improvements in living standards,' he noted, emphasizing its potential to inform African modernization efforts.
Chinese Ambassador to Ethiopia Chen Hai underscored shared values between China and Africa: 'We reject the politicization of human rights while pursuing development models rooted in our distinct cultural contexts.' Liberia's Deputy Foreign Minister Jeddi Mowbray Armah echoed this sentiment, stating that 'Global South nations must balance universal principles with locally tailored solutions.'
The dialogue comes as China expands its engagement with African institutions, with participants discussing collaborative strategies for healthcare access, education reform, and sustainable infrastructure development.
