China's Human Rights Statements in the United Nations: What are the Future Implications?

Abstract

This article examines a particular data set on China's statements in the United Nations (UN) on human rights issues that has heretofore not received attention. As this data set is from the Chinese government's own selection, and not from the UN's repository, it reflects the Chinese government's position on human rights that it aims to advance. The author's review reveals that while the Chinese government strives to shield governments of developing countries with respect to human rights abuses, it has consistently criticised the governments of developed countries about human rights issues. To better understand China's strong support for developing countries, this article examines China's support for Myanmar, North Korea and Sri Lanka as case studies. The Chinese government has selectively—not consistently—opposed country-specific human rights criticism. Based on the prevailing pattern, the author addresses the implications for the future of global governance and of China's actions in international politics pertaining to human rights.