Chair,

The United States, the United Kingdom and some other countries made baseless accusations against China in their statements. This is gross interference in China's internal affairs and deliberate provocation of confrontation at the United Nations. China firmly opposes and rejects such practice.

I must point out that the US statement is absolutely untrue. What China has achieved in human rights is clear to everyone. Xinjiang's preventive measures of counter-terrorism and de-radicalization are based on law and consistent with the will of the people. This is not about human rights, and has nothing to do with racial discrimination. The words of a few countries, however eloquent, cannot erase the historic achievements in Xinjiang's human rights cause, cannot negate the positive results of Xinjiang's counter-terrorism and de-radicalization efforts, and cannot shake China's determination to uphold national security and stability.

I must point out that there is, in the US statement, hidden political agenda and ulterior motive. The human rights issue is always an instrument for US hegemonism and power politics. Care for human rights is a hypocritical excuse employed by the United States to interfere in the internal affairs of other countries. By making relentless efforts to defame China on Xinjiang, the United States aims to undermine China's stability and contain China's development. Such malicious attempt will never work.

I must point out that the US argument is unpopular and against the trend of history. Belarus just made a joint statement on behalf of 54 countries. Pakistan, Russia and other friendly countries commended China's human rights achievements and measures of counter-terrorism and deradicalization in Xinjiang. In July this year, 50 countries co-signed a letter to the President of UN Human Rights Council and High Commissioner for Human rights in support of the measures taken in Xinjiang. This proves that people of the world see the truth and have their own judgment. We want to tell the United States and a few other countries not to confront the international community and not to go any further on the wrong path. We want to ask those countries that have the blood of ethnic minorities on their hands: who put you in the position of criticizing others?

China will stay firm on the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics and continue to work tirelessly to protect and promote human rights to meet our people's desire for a better life. No force can stop the Chinese people and Chinese nation forging ahead. China will certainly enjoy an even better future.

I thank you, Chair.