On February 28, 2022, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi attended the high-level segment of the 49th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council via video link in Beijing and delivered remarks titled Upholding Equity and Justice to Promote Sound Development of the Global Human Rights Cause.

Wang Yi said that to ensure full enjoyment of human rights by all is an unremitting pursuit of humanity. Promoting and protecting human rights is the shared cause of all countries. China believes we should act as:

First, true champions of human rights. Human rights have historical, specific and practical contexts, and the human rights cause can only be advanced in light of each country's reality and its people's needs. The economic, political, social, cultural and environmental rights of all should be advanced in a coordinated manner to promote and achieve well-rounded human development.

Second, staunch guardians of people's interests. A happy life for all is the biggest human right. It is essential to put the people front and center and deliver more benefits of national governance and development to all people more fairly, making sure that no one is left behind.

Third, positive contributors to common development. President Xi Jinping has put forth the Global Development Initiative (GDI), committing to accelerating the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The GDI is yet another public good China provides for the development of the global human rights cause. It has been endorsed and supported by the UN and up to 100 countries.

Fourth, firm defenders of equity and justice. We need to steadfastly promote greater democracy and rule of law in international relations, follow true multilateralism, and steer global human rights governance toward greater fairness, equity and inclusiveness. The Human Rights Council needs to uphold the principles of non-selectiveness and non-politicization. It must not be reduced to a stage for political confrontation.

Wang Yi said, respecting and protecting human rights is the unremitting pursuit of the Communist Party of China (CPC). In 2021, we solemnly commemorated the 100th anniversary of the founding of the CPC. With the lifting of 770 million rural poor out of poverty, China brought about a historic resolution to the problem of absolute poverty. We realized a moderately prosperous society in all respects and pioneered a new and uniquely Chinese path to modernization. Throughout our fight against COVID-19, we put the people and human lives first, writing a most inspiring chapter in the protection of every person's life and health. China will continue to steadfastly pursue a human rights development path that meets the trend of the times and suits its national conditions. We will continue to uphold a human rights philosophy that puts people front and center, develop the whole-process people's democracy, promote common prosperity for all, and safeguard the human rights of the Chinese people at a higher level. We will continue to take an active part in UN human rights endeavors by making China's voice heard and contributing China's part to this worthy cause.

Wang Yi refuted the malicious hyping-up of China's Xinjiang and Hong Kong affairs, with facts and figures, and emphasized that China is ready to engage in human rights exchanges and cooperation with all countries on the basis of equality and mutual respect. Nevertheless, we do not accept self-styled "lecturers" on human rights and reject stoking bloc confrontation in the name of human rights.

Wang Yi said that a week ago, the Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022, which had captured so much attention worldwide, drew to a successful conclusion. The Paralympic Winter Games will take place soon in Beijing. China has presented to the world a streamlined, safe and splendid Games, living up to the Olympic motto of "Faster, Higher, Stronger - Together" and, equally important, instilling a sense of confidence and strength into a world overshadowed by the pandemic. Let us unite behind humanity's common values of peace, development, equity, justice, democracy and freedom, jointly advance the global human rights cause, and promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.