China’s rise has consequences for human rights beyond its borders.
What are the moves of China on human rights?
Ban on Activism - At many instances Chinese officials have harassed activists, primarily those from China, by photographing and filming them on UN premises in violation of rules and restricting their travel.
China has used its membership on the Economic and Social Council’s NGO Committee to block NGOs critical of China from getting UN accreditation.
China has sought to blacklist accredited activists and to cut funding for UN human rights officers.
Restrictions on freedom - Institutionalised freedoms in the country ensure the media and even state panels like US Commission on International Religious Freedom make up for it.
Any kind of diversity doesn’t exist in China, where the run-up to Communist Party Congress offers a reminder of how the country works and why it would not care about human rights.
Censorship - New limits had been placed on discussions in private group chats while tech companies were fined for failing to censor online content and travel for tourists to Tibet was being restricted.
Recently organisers of a discussion on the Middle East cancelled the event fearing possible pressure even as the word democracy was only used once in the adverts.
Moves on migrants - There are many reported instances of tougher measures targeted on migrants, to ensure any petitioners from out of town are rounded up immediately.
How China is backing its likeminded partners?
It has leveraged its powerful position as UNSC permanent member to oppose resolutions to address rights abuses in countries like North Korea and Syria.
Recently in the face of an untenable situation in Myanmar, it swam against the tide to support Myanmar at the UNSC.
It was for the second time in over a week that China had defended Myanmar amid mounting global pressure on Myanmar, to end the cleansing.
China’s Rohingya stand is the latest in its disregard for human rights as it expands its clout through its military might, infrastructure development and investments worth over $100 million globally.
China has done so along with what is known as “Like-Minded Group” of countries with dismal human rights records.
