What Is China's Response to International Criticism Over Crackdown on Peaceful Protests?

Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs: "Must Exercise Within the Framework of Rights and Legal System"

China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that "any rights or freedoms must be exercised within the framework of the law" in response to international calls not to suppress domestic protests opposing the high-intensity COVID-19 quarantine measures.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Gyumin] In response to international calls not to suppress domestic protests opposing China’s stringent COVID-19 measures, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that "any rights or freedoms must be exercised within the framework of the law."

On the 29th, Zhao Lijian, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said at a regular briefing in response to questions about the international community’s stance urging not to arrest protest participants and to guarantee peaceful demonstrations, "China is a country governed by law, and the legitimate rights and freedoms enjoyed by the Chinese people are fully protected by law."

Regarding China’s zero-COVID policy, Spokesperson Zhao said, "We have protected the safety and health of the people at the highest level and minimized the impact of COVID-19 on economic and social development to the greatest extent possible," adding, "It has been proven to be scientific, correct, and effective."

Zhao also reacted strongly to British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s criticism concerning BBC reporter Ed Lawrence, who was detained and beaten by local police while covering anti-COVID-19 protests in China before being released, calling it "a distortion of facts and a violent interference in internal affairs."

He claimed that reporter Lawrence did not cooperate, refusing to comply with the Chinese police’s identity verification requests.

Previously, there were international concerns about the suppression of protests within China. Jeremy Lawrence, spokesperson for the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), told reporters on the 28th (local time), "We urge Chinese authorities to respond to protests in accordance with international human rights laws and standards."

Frank-Walter Steinmeier, President of Germany, also called on Chinese authorities to respect freedom of thought and assembly in an interview with a media outlet. James Cleverly, UK Foreign Secretary, stated, "It is right for the Chinese government to listen to what its people have to say."