Develop Human Rights with Chinese Characteristics, Jointly Advance the Cause of Human Rights
走中国特色人权发展之路，共促人权事业发展
A Signed Article by H.E. Dr. Xiao Jianguo, Chinese Ambassador to Timor-Leste
驻东帝汶大使肖建国在《东帝汶之声》发表署名文章
6 April 2021
2021年4月6日
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the 72nd anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. Under the CPC leadership, China has embarked on the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics which is widely endorsed by our people, and successfully blazed the trail of human rights development that suits China’s national conditions and needs. The cause of Chinese human rights has made tremendous achievements acknowledged throughout the world.
今年是中国共产党百年华诞，也是中华人民共和国成立72周年。在中国共产党领导下，中国成功开创出一条得到人民广泛拥护的中国特色社会主义道路，成功走出了一条符合中国国情和需要的人权发展道路，中国人权事业取得了举世瞩目的巨大成就。
In late February, Chinese State Councilor and Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi attended the High-level Segment of the 46th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council and delivered a speech, introducing the development of Chinese human rights cause to summarize the Chinese outlook of human rights as follows: First, we should embrace a human rights philosophy that centers on the people; Second, we should uphold both universality and particularity of human rights; Third, we should systemically advance all aspects of human rights; Fourth, we should continue to promote international dialogue and cooperation on human rights. Nowadays, facing the facts that the COVID-19 is still spreading around the world, global inequality is exacerbated and the North-South gap is widened, China has given its own answer on how to promote and protect human rights.
2月下旬，中国国务委员兼外交部长王毅出席联合国人权理事会第46届会议高级别会议并发表讲话，介绍中国人权事业发展，将中国人权观概括为：一是坚持以人民为中心的人权理念；二是坚持人权普遍性与各国实际相结合；三是坚持系统推进各类人权；四是坚持国际人权对话与合作。在新冠肺炎疫情在世界蔓延，全球不平等加剧，南北差距拉大的当下，中方就如何促进和保护人权给出自己的答案。
“Respect and safeguard human rights” is an important principle of governance for the CPC and Chinese government, which has been clearly written into the Constitution of the People’s Republic of China and the Constitution of the CPC. Meanwhile, we will promote and develop human rights in an all-dimensional, all-field and all-process manner in accordance with national conditions and people’s needs so as to increase the people’s sense of gains, happiness, and security and make the development achievements benefit more people in a more equitable way.
“尊重和保障人权”是中国共产党和中国政府治国理政的重要原则，已被明确写入《中华人民共和国宪法》和《中国共产党章程》。同时，依据本国国情和人民需求，全方位、全领域、全过程地推进和发展人权，旨在努力增加人民的获得感、幸福感、安全感，使发展成果更多更公平地惠及全体人民。
The ultimate human right is that people can lead a happy life. On the land of China, there is no fear of war or being homeless, in which hundreds of millions of Chinese people live a happy life through hard work. Since the reform and opening up, China has maintained rapid economic development and long-term social stability. China’s gross domestic product (GDP) exceeded the 100-trillion-yuan in 2020. China has built the world’s largest social security system, covering pensions, medical care, and subsistence allowances. In late February, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced that China has secured a complete victory in its fight against poverty and the total 98.99 million impoverished rural residents living under the current poverty line have all been lifted out of poverty. In addition to basic needs such as food and clothing, the rights to education, medical care and housing are ensured for everyone.
人民的幸福生活是最大人权。在中国的土地上，没有战乱恐惧、没有颠沛流离，亿万中国人民通过努力奋斗过上幸福生活。改革开放以来，中国保持经济快速发展和社会长期稳定，国内生产总值突破100万亿元人民币，建成了世界上最大的社会保障体系，涵盖养老、医疗、低保等方面。2月下旬，习近平主席庄严宣告，中国脱贫攻坚战取得全面胜利，现行标准下9899万农村贫困人口全部脱贫，除温饱外，确保了每个人的教育权、医疗权和住房权。
The quality of human rights is tested during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since 2020, in the face of the sudden outbreak of the COVID-19, China has put people’s life and health first to save every patient from a 108-year-old to a baby just 30 hours old, by maximizing the cure rate, reducing the mortality rate. Facing the tremendous pressure on domestic prevention and control, China has done its best to support and assist the international community in fighting the pandemic, demonstrating China’s sincere desire to promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.
人权成色足不足，疫情也是一块试金石。2020年以来，面对突如其来的新冠肺炎疫情，中国坚持把人民生命安全和身体健康放在第一位，全力救治每位病患，包括上至108岁的耄耋老人，下至出生仅30个小时的婴儿，最大限度提高治愈率、降低病亡率。我们在自身疫情防控面临巨大压力的情况下，尽己所能支持援助国际社会抗疫，彰显了中国推动构建人类命运共同体的真诚愿望。
China supports more exchange and cooperation on human rights in the principle of mutual respect. But we oppose using human rights to interfere in other countries’ internal affairs. At the just-concluded 46th Session of the UN Human Rights Council, some Western countries have been using Xinjiang-related matters to smear China’s human rights condition, making unjustified accusations of “genocide,” “forced labor,” and “religious oppression” in Xinjiang in an attempt to undermine Xinjiang’s social stability by spreading lies. The fact is that over the past 40 years, the population of the Uyghur ethnic group in Xinjiang has increased from 5.5 million to 12.8 million, and the average life expectancy has increased from 30 to 72 years. In recent years, the Uyghur population in Xinjiang has registered a growth rate of 25%, far higher than 2% growth rate of the Han population in the region. Where exists such a “genocide”? Workers of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang can choose professions based on their own will, and enjoy labor rights and interests. They all sign labor contracts and receive payment. Where exists “forced labor”? There has never been any restriction on personal freedom. Xinjiang protects the freedom of religious belief for all ethnic groups in the region in accordance with law. There are more than 24,000 mosques in Xinjiang, and that’s one mosque for every 530 Muslims on average. Is this the so-called “religious oppression”?
中国支持世界各国本着相互尊重的原则加强人权交流与合作，反对借人权问题干涉别国内政。在刚刚结束的人权理事会第46届会议上，一些西方国家借涉疆问题抹黑中国人权状况，无端指责中国新疆实行“种族灭绝”“强迫劳动”和“宗教压迫”，企图通过散布谎言破坏新疆社会稳定。事实是，40多年来，新疆维吾尔族人口从550万增长到1280万，人均寿命从30岁提高到70岁。近年来，新疆维吾尔族人口增长幅度为25%，远高于汉族人口2%的增幅，哪里有这样的“种族灭绝”？新疆各族劳动者根据自己的意愿选择职业，享有各项劳动权益，人身自由从未受到任何限制，他们通过签订劳务合同，得到报酬，何来“强迫劳动”？新疆依法保障各族民众宗教信仰自由，建有2.4万多座清真寺，平均每530位穆斯林就拥有一座清真寺。难道这就是所谓的“宗教压迫”？
On August 2018, Lawrence Wilkerson, former chief of staff to former Secretary of State Colin Powell and retired US Army Colonel said in a speech that the US CIA would want to destabilize China and that would be the best way to do it to foment unrest and to join with those Uyghurs in pushing the Han Chinese in Beijing from internal places rather than external. His words fully exposed the ugly faces of some anti-China politicians in the West. Therefore, the so-called Xinjiang-related issues are never about human rights, but about counter-terrorism, anti-separatism and de-radicalization. Only a few years ago, Xinjiang was plagued by terrorism and religious extremism. Thousands of violent terrorist incidents were plotted and carried out by extremely violent and terrorist forces, causing thousands of innocent casualties. In order to protect the lives of people of all ethnic groups, Xinjiang has been earnestly implementing the UN Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism and gained positive results. For four years in a row, Xinjiang has been free from violent terrorist incident. Xinjiang now enjoys social stability and prosperity, the local people are living a safe and happy life and the ethnic groups are united and harmonious.
2018年8月，前美国国务卿鲍威尔的办公室主任、前陆军上校劳伦斯·威尔克森在一次公开演讲中表示，如果美国中情局能够利用好在新疆的2000万维吾尔族人，与他们一起不断地刺激北京，这样就无需外力，直接从内部搞垮中国。一席话充分暴露了西方一些反动政客的丑恶嘴脸。所以，所谓新疆问题根本不是人权问题，而是反暴恐、反分裂、去极端化问题。但仅仅数年前，新疆饱受恐怖主义和极端思潮侵害，极端暴恐势力在当地策划实施几千起恐怖事件，造成数千名无辜民众伤亡。为了保护各族人民的生命安全，新疆认真落实联合国《防止暴力极端主义行动计划》，依法采取预防性反恐和去极端化举措，取得积极效果。近4年来，新疆没有发生一起暴恐案件。当前，新疆社会安定繁荣，人民安居乐业，民族团结和谐。
Also at this session, some Western countries have also attacked China on Hong Kong-related issues. Are the Hong Kong-related issues about Human rights and democracy? The answer is no. Since June 2019, massive riots have taken place in Hong Kong due to the revision of the Fugitive Offenders Ordinance. Some anti-China elements and local radicals have colluded with external forces to publicly advocate “Hong Kong independence”, seriously disrupting the operation of Hong Kong’s administrative and legislative institutions, arbitrarily attacking citizens, destructing property and facilities and seriously undermining China’s sovereignty, security and development interests. In June 2020, the National People’s Congress of China adopted the Law of the People’s Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) so as to stop chaos and restore order. Meanwhile, in order to uphold and improve the “one country, two systems” system and maintain the long-term stability of Hong Kong, on March 11 of this year, the National People’s Congress of China has voted to adopt the Decision on Improving the Electoral System of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region for the full implementation of “patriots administering Hong Kong”. Governance by patriots is a common practice in all countries, and it is the basic political ethic of public officials. Just imagine, which country will allow people who advocate and engage in separatist activities to run wild? “Patriots administering Hong Kong” has nothing to do with the accusation of “suppressing critics”, “eroding democracy” and “undermining the one country, two systems” in electoral system. On the contrary, it’s beneficial to the steady development of Hong Kong’s democratic system.
一些西方国家还在人权理事会上就涉港问题向中方发难。涉港问题是人权和民主问题吗？答复是否定的。2019年6月以来，香港因修订《逃犯条例》引发暴乱，一些反中乱港和本土极端分子勾结外部势力，公开鼓吹“香港独立”，严重干扰香港行政和立法机构运作，任意袭击平民，破坏财产设施，严重损害中国主权、安全和发展利益。为止暴制乱、恢复秩序，2020年6月，中国全国人大审议通过《中华人民共和国香港特别行政区维护国家安全法》。为坚持和完善“一国两制”制度体系、维护香港长治久安，今年3月11日，中国全国人大表决通过关于完善香港特别行政区选举制度的决定，强调“爱国者治港”原则。爱国者治理是世界各国的通例，是公职人员最基本的政治伦理。试想，哪一个国家会容许鼓吹和从事分裂国家活动的人肆意横行？“爱国者治港”与一些国家指责完善香港特区选举制度“压制批评声音”、“侵蚀民主”、“破坏’一国两制’”没有丝毫联系，反而有利于香港民主制度的稳健发展。
Justice will never fail to prevail and facts speak so much louder. At this session, 64 countries made a joint statement in support of China’s position on Xinjiang-related matters, stressing that Xinjiang is an inseparable part of China, and they urge relevant parties to abide by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, stop using Xinjiang-related matters to interfere in China’s internal affairs and firmly oppose the politicization of human rights issues and double standards. Meanwhile, 71 countries delivered a joint statement to reiterate their support for China’s practice of “one country, two systems” in the Hong Kong SAR and urge the relevant parties to stop interfering in Hong Kong affairs and China’s internal affairs. These statements clearly show the support of the people, also show that lies are lies and never stand the test of facts.
公道自在人心，事实胜于雄辩。在本届人权理事会会议上，64个国家就涉疆问题共同发言支持中国，强调新疆是中国不可分割的一部分，敦促有关方面恪守《联合国宪章》宗旨和原则，停止利用涉疆问题干涉中国内政，坚决反对将人权问题政治化和双重标准作法。71个国家就涉港问题共同发言，重申支持中国在香港特区实行“一国两制”，敦促有关方面停止干涉香港事务和中国内政。这充分反映了人心向背，也再次表明谎言终究是谎言，经不起事实检验。
China and Timor-Leste both are developing countries, share similar positions on human rights issues and maintain good communication and cooperation in this field. The Constitution of Timor-Leste clearly states protecting human rights, also emphasizes mutual respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, equality of all countries and non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries. From striving for independence, national building, improvement of people’s livelihood to fighting against the epidemic, China has actively made contributions. After the outbreak of the COVID-19 in Timor-Leste last year, China demonstrated full support and was the first country to give a helping hand and send chartered flights, which were widely praised by all walks of life in Timor-Leste. At present, the pandemic in Timor-Leste is severe and the response work is facing unprecedented pressure. China will continue to provide assistance within its capacity. On the premise of epidemic containment, China is ready to work with Timor-Leste to promote a high-quality “Belt and Road” cooperation, deepening cooperation between the two countries, promoting economic and social development in Timor-Leste and enhancing the well-being of Timorese people.
中国和东帝汶同为发展中国家，在人权问题上立场相近，在人权领域保持良好沟通和合作。东帝汶宪法明确保护人权，同时强调相互尊重主权、领土完整和国家平等，不干涉他国内政。从东争取独立、国家建设、民生改善到抗击疫情，中方积极贡献力量。去年东暴发疫情后，中国全力支持东方，是第一个向东伸出援手、第一个用包机援助的国家，受到东各界广泛赞誉。当前，东疫情形势严峻，防控面临前所未有的压力，中方愿继续提供力所能及的帮助。中方愿在做好防疫前提下，继续同东高质量共建“一带一路”，不断深化两国合作，促进东经济社会发展和增进民生福祉。
“Mountains and seas cannot separate those who share a common aspiration.” China will continue to strengthen exchanges and cooperation in the field of human rights with Timor-Leste and other countries on the basis of equality and mutual respect, put more wisdom and strength to the development of the world’s human rights cause and jointly build a community with a shared future for mankind.
“志合者，不以山海为远”。中国将继续在平等和相互尊重的基础上，同东帝汶在内的各国加强人权领域交流合作，为促进世界人权事业发展贡献更多智慧和力量，共建人类命运共同体。