The attempt of the United States and some other countries to smear China's human rights record failed again on Tuesday after numerous countries spoke in support of China at the General Debate of the Third Committee of the UN General Assembly. The United States, Germany, the United Kingdom and some other countries made unfounded accusations against China on issues related to Xinjiang and Hong Kong. Zhang Jun, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, refuted their statements and acts of interfering in China's internal affairs with the excuse of human rights and provoking confrontation among member states. Nearly 70 countries echoed China's position. In support of China, Pakistan, Cuba and Kuwait made joint statements each representing numerous countries on Xinjiang, Hong Kong and human rights issues. A large number of countries supported China in their own national statements. These countries spoke highly of China's progress in human rights and showed support for China's efforts to safeguard national sovereignty, security and unity, denouncing the politicization of human rights issues, double standards and political confrontation. REGRESSIVE STEP TO CONFRONTATION Speaking at the General Debate of the Third Committee, Zhang said the practice of provoking confrontation is against the trend of time. The world today is at a critical juncture with major challenges, said Zhang, reminding the Committee that the United Nations has just commemorated its 75th anniversary, when world leaders have agreed to fight COVID-19 and address other global challenges with solidarity and cooperation. Regrettably, some countries, represented by the United Sates, Germany and the United Kingdom, have ignored the collective call and insisted on provoking antagonism, he said. Zhang accused these countries of abusing the UN platform by politicizing human rights issues, provoking political confrontation, spreading misinformation and interfering with China's internal affairs. These deeds are firmly opposed and rejected by China, said Zhang. The behaviors of these countries, he said, are completely against the trend of history, as the world and its people want solidarity, not division; they want cooperation, not confrontation; they want mutual benefit, not zero-sum game. The United States is on the wrong side of history and is going against the international community, he said. |