China says US return to UN Human Rights Council will face opposition over "politicization of human rights issues"

[Asia Economy Reporter Yuri Kim] China stated regarding the United States' return as a member of the UN Human Rights Council, "If the United States continues to politicize human rights issues with double standards and oppress other countries, it will face strong opposition."

Zhao Lijian, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was asked on the 15th about the US return to the Human Rights Council and the US intention to focus on China's human rights situation. He responded, "We vividly remember that the US announced its withdrawal from the Human Rights Council over three years ago," and emphasized, "What the United States truly needs to do is promptly rectify the serious human rights violations it has committed both domestically and internationally and steadily contribute positively to global human rights efforts."

He added, "We hope the United States will practice multilateralism, engage in constructive dialogue and cooperation with all parties, and play a positive role in the development of the UN Human Rights Council's work."

On the 14th (local time), the United States was elected as a member of the UN Human Rights Council in a vote held during the UN General Assembly plenary session, allowing it to begin a three-year term as a council member starting January 1 next year. This marks the official return after three and a half years since the Trump administration withdrew from the council.

Linda Thomas-Greenfield, US Ambassador to the UN, issued a statement regarding the return, saying, "As a member of the Human Rights Council, our initial focus will be on what can be achieved in urgent situations such as Afghanistan, Myanmar, China, Ethiopia, Syria, and Yemen."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.