On October 13, 2020, China was elected as a member of the UN Human Rights Council for the term 2021-2023. It had previously served as a member of the Council for four terms.

After its election, China states it will continue to firmly uphold multilateralism and the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. It will participate in depth in the work of the Human Rights Council, actively promote international exchange and cooperation on human rights, and oppose the politicization of human rights issues and wrong practices of double standards to make greater contributions to the healthy development of international human rights.

What is the implication of China's seat on the UN Human Rights Council? Closer to China speaks with Professor Zhang Wei from institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, China University of Political Science and Law.

According to Professor Zhang Wei, the UN Human Right Council has become a very important forum for the exchange of many facets of human rights knowledge. Human rights have always been a political issue, Professor Zhang says, and developing countries are always criticized by developed countries. Criticism does not help improve the situation and cooperation is needed in the field of human rights. The Chinese government is putting effort into enhancing international cooperation in human rights through the UN Human Rights Council.