Backing Sri Lanka in the ongoing 46th session of the United Nations Human Rights Commission (UNHRC), China strongly criticized the “politicization” of human rights, and lashed out at the UNHRC for, what it called, the 'open interference' in countries’ internal affairs. 

Addressing the session, Chinese Permanent Representative in Geneva Ambassador CHEN Xu said “It's the consistent stand of China to oppose politicization and double standards on human rights, as well as using human rights as an excuse in interfering in other countries' internal affair,” 

The Chinese’s support for Sri Lanka came in the UNHRC where a strong resolution, with somewhat punitive measures, against Sri Lanka would soon be put to vote. 

China also commended Sri Lanka’s efforts to “promote and protect human rights, advance sustainable economic and social development, improve people's living standard, protect the rights of the vulnerable groups, advance national reconciliation and combat terrorism.”

China said, “The so-called 'preventive intervention' and the proposed targeted sanctions contained in the OHCHR's report are clear interference in the internal affairs of Sri Lanka and exceed the mandate of the OHCHR.” 

It further added, “We hope that the HRC and the OHCHR will strictly follow impartiality, objectivity, non-selectivity and non-politicization principles, respect the sovereignty and political independence of all nations.” 

China also called for advocating “constructive dialogue and cooperation, and abandon the practice of interfering in the internal affairs of other countries and exerting political pressure."