On December 10, Global Affairs Canada announced unlawful sanctions on Chinese individuals under the guise of human rights. It smears and discredits China, seriously violates international law and the basic norms of international relations, and grossly interferes in China’s internal affairs. The act is of egregious nature and China resolutely opposes it and strongly condemns it.

China has always given priority to respecting and safeguarding human rights, and has found a path of human rights development that is in keeping with the trend of the times and suited to its national conditions. China’s historic achievements in human rights are evident to all. Xinjiang and Xizang now enjoy economic prosperity and social harmony and stability and stable. Cultural traditions are well protected, inherited and promoted. Rights and freedoms of people of all ethnic groups, including the freedom of religious belief and the freedom to use and develop their own languages and scripts, are fully guaranteed. Since last year, thousands of foreign government officials, diplomatic envoys, religious figures, journalists and scholars have visited Xinjiang and Xizang. All of them spoke highly of the achievements in the economic and social development of Xinjiang and Xizang, and commended the great efforts made by the Chinese government to protect the local multi-ethnic culture and safeguard the freedom of religious belief. In recent years, nearly 100 countries have continuously supported China’s just position on issues related to Xinjiang and Xizang in the UN Human Rights Council in a variety of ways, including by making joint statements and individual statements. This fully illustrates extensive support China enjoys among the international community on human rights related matters. These facts and support easily debunk the lies of so-called “forced labor” and “arbitrary detention” aimed to discredit China. In addition, Falun Gong is a cult group against humanity, the society and science, and has long been banned by the Chinese government in accordance with the law.

In the meantime, the Canadian side is in no position to lecture others on human rights issues. The Canadian side itself is plagued with human rights problems, including systematic racial discrimination and unfair treatment of the indigenous people, the lack of protection for the rights of homeless persons, the proliferation of drugs and racial discrimination against Black civil servants. China urges the Canadian side to reflect more on what itself has done, effectively improve its human rights situation, stop interfering in China’s internal affairs with the pretext of human rights issues, and immediately revoke the illegal unilateral sanctions against Chinese individuals. China will take resolute measures to safeguard its national sovereignty, security and development rights and interests.