Beijing Youth Daily: On May 28, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken issued a statement saying, "The United States remains concerned about the visit of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, and her team to the People's Republic of China (PRC) and the PRC's efforts to restrict and manipulate her visit”.What is the Chinese side's comment on this?Zhao Lijian: At the invitation of the Chinese government, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, paid a visit to China from May 23 to 28.This was a trip to improve understanding, strengthen cooperation and clear up misinformation.During the visit, High Commissioner Michelle Bachelet visited Guangzhou and Xinjiang, where, through meetings, talks, discussions, exchanges, and on-site visits, among other various ways, she comprehensively deepened her understanding and appreciation of China's human rights development path. , and experienced first-hand a true Xinjiang, which enjoys social security and stability, steady and solid development, and where residents live quietly and work hard.All the lies and rumors related to Xinjiang have been effortlessly refuted in the face of facts and truth.However, as the saying goes, "you can't wake someone who pretends to be asleep."Turning a blind eye and deaf ear to the facts and truth about Xinjiang, the United States has repeated its old rhetoric citing lies and rumors already debunked thousands of times to denigrate and attack China.Ridiculously, this time they have invented a new lie claiming that China has restricted and manipulated this visit.Actually, all the arrangements for High Commissioner Michelle Bachelet's activities during her visit to China have been made according to her will and through extensive consultations between the two sides.High Commissioner Michelle Bachelet also said at the press conference that she carried out extensive and unsupervised exchanges during the visit to China.So how can China be accused of restricting or manipulating the visit?In fact, it is precisely the United States that truly wants to manipulate said visit.It was the United States that, at first, went to great lengths to demand that High Commissioner Michelle Bachelet pay a visit to China;it was the United States that imposed various types of conditions for the visit to China by High Commissioner Michelle Bachelet;and, now, it is also the United States that has attacked and slandered the visit of High Commissioner Michelle Bachelet.Therefore, we can come to know that the United States does not care at all about the human rights situation.What it intends to do is just use human rights as a pretext to constantly smear, discredit, suppress and contain China.The hypocrisy and political conspiracy of the United States has been clearly seen by the world for a long time.Instead, the human rights situation in the United States is like “the emperor's new clothes”.The recent egregious shooting at a school in Texas is particularly heartbreaking.Not even the right to life of the many ordinary American citizens, including adolescents and children, is guaranteed.I would like to share some figures with everyone.Since 2001, the United States has waged wars or carried out military operations in some 80 countries in the name of the "fight against terrorism", claiming the lives of more than 800,000 people, including 300,000 civilians.The United States has established “black sites” like the Guantanamo detention center around the world, where people are arbitrarily detained without trial for long periods of time and subjected to torture and ill-treatment.Racism is deeply ingrained in the United States, and ethnic minorities, including African-Americans and people of Asian descent, are subject to systemic racism.While ignoring gross human rights violations at home, is the United States in a position to unthinkingly hurl criticism and blatantly interfere in the affairs of other countries?We here request the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to conduct research and submit reports on existing human rights problems in the United States.Bloomberg: What is China's comment on the press conference held after the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights visited Xinjiang last Saturday night?The High Commissioner said in the same that the fight against terrorism and deradicalization should not conflict with human rights.What is the Chinese side's response to this?Zhao Lijian: I just informed everyone of High Commissioner Michelle Bachelet's visit to China, and she also held a press conference herself.During High Commissioner Michelle Bachelet's visit, especially her visit to Xinjiang, the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region comprehensively presented the measures and results of the fight against terrorism and deradicalization in Xinjiang.The High Commissioner toured a thematic exhibition on counter-terrorism and deradicalization, and learned in detail the legal and policy frameworks, practice and results of counter-terrorism and deradicalization in Xinjiang.Violence and terrorism have inflicted the greatest harm on the human rights of people of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang, and the fight against terrorism and deradicalization constitute the greatest protection for the human rights of people of all ethnic groups. over there.I can tell everyone that Xinjiang has not recorded any cases of violent terrorism for more than five consecutive years, and people in this region, which enjoys social security and stability and steady and solid development, lead quiet lives and work hard.This is the best example of the remarkable results achieved in the fight against terrorism and deradicalization in Xinjiang.I believe that all foreign people from all walks of life who have visited Xinjiang can draw objective and fair conclusions, as can the High Commissioner.I also want to tell the whole world that China attaches great importance to UN human rights affairs and is ready to make efforts to advance the international cause of human rights.During this visit, the Chinese side and OHCHR extensively exchanged views on deepening bilateral cooperation and reached a broad consensus.The two parties agreed after consultations to establish an annual high-level strategic dialogue mechanism to discuss human rights issues of common interest at the international, regional and national levels;as well as establishing working groups to carry out cooperation on issues such as development and human rights, industry and trade and human rights, poverty reduction and human rights, anti-terrorism and human rights, the rights of minority groups, the digital space and human rights, and the judicial guarantee of human rights.China is willing to provide more support for the UN's human rights work.These concrete steps not only help promote cooperation between China and OHCHR, but also constitute China's new contribution to the development of the international human rights cause.Shenzhen Satellite TV: In his recent speech on China policy, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that China poses "the most serious long-term challenge to the international order" and that the United States "must uphold and reform the rules-based international order.Do you have any comments on this?Zhao Lijian: This China policy speech by Antony Blinken is full of lies and is a confusion of good with evil.The attacks against China are "based" on exactly what the United States has been doing today.No one finds the label of posing "the most serious long-term challenge to the international order" more convenient than the United States.The “rules-based international order” advocated by the US side is actually the “US rules-based international order”, and a hegemonic order to dominate the world with “gang rules”.Last week, my colleague already gave a response to that speech.Today I'd like to cite some facts and figures to help all of you become even more clearly aware of America's lies, fallacies, and hypocrisy.First of all, the United States has no reverence for the international order based on the UN Charter and international law.In the more than 200 years since the country's founding, the United States has gone without a war for just 16 years, making it the greatest source of chaos for international peace and stability and the greatest destabilizing factor for the international order today.The United States has stated that it will safeguard “concepts such as self-determination, sovereignty, peaceful dispute resolution” enshrined in the UN Charter, but has not actually acted on its words.As American writer William Blum pointed out in his book America's Deadliest Export: Democracy, since the end of World War II, the United States has attempted to overthrow more than 50 foreign governments and flagrantly meddled in democratic elections. in at least 30 countries.According to a Brown University report, since 2001, wars and military operations waged by the United States in the name of the “fight against terrorism” have claimed the lives of more than 800,000 people and have made more than 20 million people refugees. only in victim countries like Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria.Second, the United States is the biggest "sabotage" of the international order.The United States, clinging to America's "centrism and exceptionalism," has withdrawn at will and too often from treaties and organizations.The United States has not only refused to sign or ratify the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, it voted against the Global Compact on Migration and the Global Compact on Refugees, and has single-handedly obstructed negotiations for a verification protocol to the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC).Since the 1980s, the United States has withdrawn from 17 international organizations or treaties, including the UN Human Rights Council, the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Culture (Unesco), the Paris Agreement, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the Arms Trade Treaty (ACT), the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF Treaty) , for its acronym in English), the Open Skies Treaty, with cases in which they have come and gone between return and withdrawal.The United States, despite such behavior, has blatantly disguised itself as an “arbiter” of international rules that examines others with the “flashlight” of supposed rules while glossing over its own shortcomings unrevealed by the light.When certain US politicians use the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) to harshly criticize other countries, are they aware that the US is not even a state party to UNCLOS?Third, the United States is in no way in a position to talk about rules.In the opinion of the United States, international rules have always been subordinate and at the service of its interests and hegemony.When the international rules agree with the interests and hegemony of the United States, it takes the rules as a basis;when they are incompatible, just ignore those rules.I would like the United States to answer these questions: When the United States unscrupulously waged wars against sovereign states and wantonly instigated “color revolutions,” was it following the rules?When the United States blatantly imposed illegal unilateral sanctions, thus subjecting people in the affected countries to an extremely difficult situation, was it following the rules?When the US is continually late in paying its share of the US$1 billion UN regular budget and US$1.4 billion in peacekeeping dues, is it following the rules?When the United States openly strengthens the trilateral security partnership between the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, that is, the AUKUS, and the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad, for its abbreviation in English) between the United States, Australia, India and Japan, in an attempt to create a replica of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in the Indo-Pacific region to disrupt the Asia-Pacific region and undermine the international non-proliferation regime, is following the rules?When the United States organized, in the name of so-called "democracy", the so-called "Summit for Democracy", which sought to divide the world into two camps by including half of the world's countries and excluding the other half, was it Following the rules?And when the United States refused to implement the World Trade Organization (WTO) ruling that its tariff war against China violates world trade rules and even blocked the appointment of judges to the WTO Appellate Body, was it Following the rules?Finally, the United States is the expert in the practice of "coercive diplomacy."The United States, putting its national legislation above international law and international norms, has imposed illegal unilateral sanctions and practiced long-arm jurisdictions in an excessive way.Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Venezuela, Syria and Iran, being subject to long-term sanctions imposed by the United States, have harsh economic and medical conditions, as well as a serious pandemic situation.However, the United States, instead of stopping its sanctions, has even doubled them, further deteriorating the already difficult situation in which these countries find themselves.The international community is increasingly aware that the US side only observes the principles of market competition and international economic and trade principles that the US has self-proclaimed uphold when they are beneficial to the US.While talking about a level playing field and free trade, US politicians are actually following the “America First” doctrine and brandishing the “America stick”.I also want to emphasize that, for the past 70-plus years since the founding of the People's Republic of China, we have never waged any war on our own initiative, nor have we invaded or occupied an inch of land in other countries.We persevere in resolving disputes through dialogue and negotiation, and have fully resolved land boundary issues with 12 of the 14 neighbors through peaceful means.As the world's second largest economy, China has contributed about 30% to world economic growth for many years, ranking first in the world for 15 consecutive years.China has become the second largest contributor to the UN regular budget and peacekeeping dues, has been actively involved in building and reforming the global governance system, and has taken practical steps to uphold the spirit of the Charter. of the UN and the authority of the UN.Facts have proven and will continue to prove that China is always a builder of world peace, a contributor to global development and a defender of the international order.China will also constantly stand in solidarity with all peace-loving and justice-loving countries under the UN banner, to practice true multilateralism, and continuously contribute with confidence, wisdom and strength to the universal prosperity of the world and the common progress of mankind. humanity.Al Jazeera: Yesterday, Israeli extremist elements, under the cover of the police, attacked Palestinians in East Jerusalem and prevented them from entering the Al-Aqsa Mosque.Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said that Jerusalem is the capital of Israel.China has consistently supported the two-state solution and East Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine.Do you condemn the comments from the Israeli side?The situation between Palestine and Israel is gradually deteriorating now.If the Israeli atrocities are not stopped in time, a serious humanitarian disaster will be inevitable.Is the Chinese side considering taking substantial steps to protect Palestinians and maintain regional peace and stability?Zhao Lijian: Lately, there have been constant tensions in the situation between Palestine and Israel, particularly in the situation in Jerusalem.China is deeply concerned about this.The parties involved should act in accordance with the relevant UN resolutions, respect and maintain the historical status quo of the holy places in Jerusalem, and avoid taking any unilateral and provocative actions that change the historical status quo of the holy places in Jerusalem.As the Chinese side has emphasized many times, the fundamental reason for the recurrence of tragic Israeli-Palestinian clashes is that the "two-state solution" has not yet been implemented and that the reasonable demand of the Palestinian people to found a state independent has not come true for a long time.The international community should increase the sense of urgency and actively promote an early resumption of peace talks between Palestine and Israel on the basis of the "two-state solution", in order to achieve as soon as possible a comprehensive, just and lasting resolution of the Palestinian issue.HBTV: May 29, 2022 marks the 20th International Day of UN Peacekeepers.Can you share with us more information about China's participation in UN peacekeeping operations?Zhao Lijian: UN peacekeeping operations are an important means of promoting international peace and security.Over the past more than 70 years, the UN has carried out more than 70 peacekeeping operations, and more than a million members have gathered under the UN banner and made outstanding contributions to safeguarding and restoring the regional peace and assist in the resolution of regional conflicts.The Blue Helmets have become a symbol of peace and hope and have been universally praised by the international community.In 1990, China sent military observers to the UN, marking the beginning of its participation in UN peacekeeping operations.In 1992, China sent its first military unit made up of Blue Helmets to participate in UN peacekeeping operations.Over the past more than three decades, the Chinese military has sent nearly 50,000 officers and soldiers to participate in peacekeeping operations in more than 20 countries and regions around the world.A total of 16 Chinese officers and soldiers have sacrificed their precious lives.Currently, China is the second largest contributor to peacekeeping dues and the largest contributor of troops to peacekeeping operations among the five permanent members of the Security Council, with more than 2,200 Chinese officers and soldiers serving carrying out its tasks in eight areas of peacekeeping missions.The Chinese Blue Helmets have become a key force in UN peacekeeping efforts.Chinese peacekeeping officers and soldiers earnestly abide by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, act in strict accordance with the mandate, faithfully carry out peacekeeping missions, and have made significant contributions to safeguarding peace. world and promote common development.Today, in the context of the intertwining of the COVID-19 pandemic and threats such as regional hot-button issues, ethnic contradictions and terrorism, the role and importance of UN peacekeeping operations have become even more prominent.The Chinese side will continue to work closely with the international community to promote the improvement of the effectiveness and efficiency of UN peacekeeping operations, so as to enable them to play a greater role in maintaining peace. international peace and security.At the same time, UN peacekeeping operations require the common support of all its member states.We hope that a certain country will pay on time and in full the peacekeeping dues of 1.4 billion US dollars, which it has been late in paying, and avoid affecting, driven by its private profits, the normal deployment of peacekeeping operations. of the UN peace.Pakistan Associated Press: On May 27, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited the Karot hydropower project, which is being built under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).When he was talking to engineers and workers, he said that this project would generate low-cost electricity and also promote green development in Pakistan.Do you have any comments on this?Zhao Lijian: CPEC, as an important pilot project of the Belt and Road and a momentous platform for all-round practical cooperation between the two countries, seeks to be green, open and clean and follows a high-standard, people-centered approach and sustainable.Fruitful results have been achieved in energy cooperation under CPEC since its launch, which not only effectively helps Pakistan to overcome power shortage, but also provides Pakistan with sufficient energy supply for its economic development and industrial.The Karot Hydropower Plant is a major energy cooperation project between China and Pakistan under the CPEC.Once its units are installed and put into operation, the hydropower plant will not only bring stable and low-cost power supply, meet the electricity needs of approximately five million local residents and further improve Pakistan's energy structure, but also it will also promote the sustainable development of the country.The Karot hydropower plant is estimated to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 3.5 million tons per year, thereby contributing to global efforts to achieve carbon neutrality and making a further contribution to the global response to climate change.We look forward to the completion of the construction of this project and the commissioning of this hydropower plant as soon as possible.Bloomberg: According to media reports, the second meeting of foreign ministers of China and Pacific Island countries failed to adopt a joint document.Does the Chinese side have any comments on this?Zhao Lijian: You are very well informed.I have just learned about the relevant situation and would like to introduce it to everyone succinctly.The second meeting of foreign ministers of China and Pacific island countries was successfully held.In a sympathetic and friendly atmosphere, all sides held in-depth discussions on how to deepen bilateral cooperation and reached a new broad consensus.Following the meeting, the Chinese side will issue a position paper on the cooperation between China and the Pacific island countries in the next stage in response to the expectations of the Pacific island countries.We would like you to continue to pay attention to relevant press releases from China.Regarding the joint document that you mentioned, it is an ongoing process of discussion.Not all meetings have to issue a joint document.At this meeting of foreign ministers, all parties reached a new consensus in this regard, taking an important step towards the final conclusion of an agreement.The parties agreed to continue active and practical discussions in an effort to build more consensus.CCTV: According to news reports, on May 27, the XXI Summit of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America-Peoples Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP) was held in Havana, Cuba.The declaration issued by the summit strongly condemned the exclusionary and discriminatory treatment of the United States, as host country of the IX Summit of the Americas, against some countries of Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), condemned "the imposition of unilateral coercive measures against Venezuela and Nicaragua, and the economic, commercial and financial blockade against Cuba” by the United States, and asked all the countries of the American continent to promote regional integration led by the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) through dialogue and cooperation.Does the Chinese side have any comments on this?Zhao Lijian: ALBA-TCP represents a useful exploration of relevant LAC countries to foster regional integration.Since its establishment, this alliance has always been committed to strengthening the solidarity and self-reinforcement of the countries of the region and encouraging its member states to follow a path of independent development.Since its foundation, CELAC, adhering to multilateralism, has played an important role in maintaining regional peace and stability, promoting economic and social development, and defending the rights and interests of developing countries, among others. aspects.The Chinese side appreciates this and supports the efforts of countries in the region to actively explore a suitable development model for the region and promote the integration process.Under the guise of so-called "democracy" and "human rights," the United States has sought allies to sideline and suppress countries with different views, has recklessly and wantonly resorted to unilateral sanctions, and has meddled and has manipulated the internal affairs of LAC countries.This is typical hegemonic behavior, which seriously goes against the purposes of the UN Charter and the basic norms that govern international relations, and seriously violates the sovereignty and dignity of the countries of the region.The Chinese side resolutely opposes this.I would like to stress that the LAC region is not anyone's “front yard” or “back yard”, and that the Summit of the Americas is not a “Summit of the United States of America” either.US attempts to meddle in LAC affairs taking advantage of the Summit of the Americas are doomed to failure.China Daily: According to media reports, in response to negative comments related to Taiwan recently made by the United States, Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen emphasized that Taiwan is a province of China and an inalienable part of the territory of China. China and that pressuring Taiwan to declare "independence" is a dangerous adventure.He called on all parties to respect China's sovereignty and avoid adding fuel to the fire.What is the Chinese side's comment on this?Zhao Lijian: The Chinese side highly appreciates the Taiwan-related remarks made by Premier Samdech Techo Hun Sen.There is only one China in the world, Taiwan is part of China, and the Government of the People's Republic of China is the only legal government that represents all of China.This is a consensus of the international community.The Taiwan issue is completely China's internal affair and does not allow any outside interference.China's safeguarding of the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity, opposition to secession and realization of national reunification are a just cause, and have received and will certainly continue to receive the understanding and support of the international community. , including Cambodia.Reuters: The WHO recently held the World Health Assembly (WHA) and reached an agreement on the reform of the International Health Regulations.Did China participate in the meeting?Did you agree with this reform?Zhao Lijian: I am not aware of the relevant situation you mentioned.