As the world marks Human Rights Day on December 10, China has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing global human rights governance through multilateral cooperation and domestic modernization efforts. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun announced at a December 11 briefing that Beijing will host representatives from over 40 countries and UN experts this week for the Second Workshop on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.
"China's human rights development path aligns with both contemporary trends and our national conditions," stated Guo, highlighting achievements under the recently concluded 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025). These include poverty eradication milestones, enhanced legal protections, and environmental improvements that collectively elevated human rights safeguards.
The spokesperson emphasized China's proactive UN engagement, noting 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the global body's founding. This year's progress builds on October's adoption of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) recommendations by the Communist Party of China Central Committee, which outlines strategies for sustainable development and international cooperation.
While pledging to implement President Xi Jinping's Global Governance Initiative, Guo criticized unnamed countries for "politicizing human rights issues" and historical wartime atrocities. The comments come as Beijing positions itself as a champion of developing nations' rights, with the ongoing workshop fostering dialogue on economic and cultural entitlements across Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
Analysts suggest China's human rights narrative increasingly ties national development goals to global governance reforms, particularly through platforms like the UN Human Rights Council. With the 15th Five-Year Plan set to commence in 2026, observers anticipate intensified focus on technology-driven social programs and cross-border development partnerships.
