The countries that have imposed illegal unilateral sanctions against China should listen to the international call for justice and immediately lift all of them, a Foreign Ministry spokesman said on Monday.
Spokesman Wang Wenbin made the comments at a press briefing in Beijing in response to the latest visit to China by Alena Douhan, United Nations Special Rapporteur, on the negative impact of unilateral coercive measures on the enjoyment of human rights.
At China's invitation, Ms. Douhan paid a visit to China from May 6 to 17. She went to Beijing, Shenzhen and Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, where she talked with government officials and representatives from enterprises, industry associations and social organizations, Wang said.
"At the end of her trip, Ms. Douhan held a press conference in Beijing to brief the media on her visit to China. She noted that unilateral sanctions should not be used as a foreign policy tool and a means of economic coercion. Unilateral sanctions imposed by relevant countries against China violate international law and have a negative impact on human rights and they should be removed," said the spokesman.
Wang stressed that China firmly opposes unilateral sanctions, which gravely violate the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and the basic norms governing international relations. They constitute serious human rights violations and undermine international efforts in development cooperation, said the spokesman.
"We urge relevant countries to take seriously the international call for justice and immediately lift all illegal unilateral sanctions. China stands ready to strengthen exchanges with all parties including the UN human rights mechanisms to further enhance the international community's awareness of the illegality and harm of unilateral sanctions, and work together to eliminate the negative impact of unilateral sanctions on countries on a global scale, and jointly promote the sound development of international human rights cause," Wang said.
China urges immediate lifting of all illegal unilateral sanctions: spokesman
On his second official visit to China, Prime Minister of the Republic of Vanuatu Charlot Salwai expressed admiration for China's remarkable ability to balance preserving its cultural heritage with embracing innovative transformation.
Salwai paid an official visit to China from July 7 to 12. During his trip, he toured the southern province of Guangdong and explored the megacities of Beijing and Shanghai. His visit included tours of high-tech companies, a ride on a high-speed train, and a performance of traditional Cantonese opera.
In an interview with China Central Television Network (CCTV) aired on Friday, Salwai recounted his journey starting with a warm welcome that included enjoying Beijing Roast Duck, also known as Peking Duck -- a culinary delight introduced to him by the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu.
"Many had to say. Peking Duck. Because we had it here on our arrival, so it was very tasty. And I understand that the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu brought us to one of the traditional restaurants, small but beautiful," he said. The prime minister sees China's preservation of its culture as a vital lesson in understanding one's roots and the journey to the present day, acknowledging China's efforts to integrate cultural preservation with modernization.
"It's going to be my second official visit to China. I'm always impressed to see big changes and especially innovations made by China and especially the cities. Because a big impression is to see how China continues to maintain and keep its culture. Because I think it's the basis of everything -- to know where you come from and to understand where we are today. I feel that China is doing a lot to maintain its culture, but at the same time, doing, innovating to transform its culture,” Salwai said.
He also emphasized the importance of learning from China's sustainable development strategies.
"Today, it comes from a long way, some hardship, the government, and also the people of China. So, I'm impressed to see what is done, especially how China associates infrastructure development with nature. That's meant to keep, continue to keep the environment. It takes effort with the climate change by maintaining the ecosystem. I think it's something that, for a small country like Vanuatu, is important to learn. So, we are here. I'm here with my delegation to learn," Salwai said.
Vanuatu's PM commends China's cultural preservation, innovation amid fast growth
