Embassy spokesperson's remarks on the wrong comments related to China by the UK side at the 50th session of the UN Human Rights Council

Question: In the closing statement at the 50th Session of the UN Human Rights Council, a UK official once again made groundless accusations against China on the freedom of religious belief and issues related to Hong Kong and Xinjiang. What is your comment?

Embassy Spokesperson: The above-mentioned remarks of the UK side disrespect facts, confuse right and wrong, blatantly interfere in China's internal affairs, and grossly violate the basic norms governing international relations. The Chinese side firmly opposes and strongly condemns this.

Respecting and protecting freedom of religious belief is a basic policy of the Communist Party of China and the Chinese Government. This is enshrined in the Constitution of China and enjoys strict enforcement and full guarantee. In the past 25 years since China's resumption of exercise of sovereignty over Hong Kong, under the full support of the motherland and with the concerted efforts of the Hong Kong SAR Government and all sectors of Hong Kong society, "One Country, Two Systems" has achieved success recognised the world over. Hong Kong citizens now enjoy far more rights and freedoms than they did under the British colonial rule. The issues related to Xinjiang have nothing to do with human rights, but everything to do with counter-terrorism, anti-separatism and de-radicalisation. Now is the best time in history for the development in Xinjiang. The Chinese side strongly opposes the UK side's irresponsible remarks about the visit to China by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and its malicious hyping up of the so-called Xinjiang-related report.

The lies fabricated and peddled by some people in a few Western countries, including the UK, do not change the basic fact that China has made enormous progress in human rights. Nor do they shake the firm commitment of the Chinese people to their own path of human rights development. At the 50th session of the UNHRC, some 100 countries upheld justice and  voiced their support for China's legitimate position. This once again proves that people can tell right from wrong and a just cause wins strong support.

We once again urge the UK side to correct the abominable practice of applying double standards on human rights, sincerely reflect on its own grave human rights violations both at home and abroad, and stop interfering in China's internal affairs under any pretext.