A Chinese envoy to the United Nations said on Tuesday that China opposes the “politicization” of Myanmar’s human rights issues, calling instead for efforts to reduce tensions and promote dialogue.
Sun Lei, China’s deputy permanent representative and ambassador to the United Nations, made the statement at an informal General Assembly session convened to hear a briefing from UN Secretary-General’s special envoy on Myanmar, Julie Bishop.
The meeting was mandated by General Assembly Resolution 79/182, adopted in December 2024. The resolution addresses the human rights situation of Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar, calls for a high-level conference in 2025, demands the immediate release of those arbitrarily detained on political grounds, including opposition figures, and raises alarm over the continued lack of protection for the Rohingya.
Sun told the meeting that China had formally dissociated itself from the consensus adoption of the resolution, signaling its opposition while not blocking the measure.
“We oppose the politicization and instrumentalization of human rights issues, and reject the practice of exerting public pressure on such matters,” he said.
Sun said that as a “friendly neighbor”, China supports Myanmar in “pursuing a development path suited to its national conditions, and in safeguarding its sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, and national stability while steadily advancing its domestic political agenda”.
He emphasized China’s support for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as the key mediator, and expressed hope that the bloc’s Five-Point Consensus would align with Myanmar’s own Five-Point Roadmap.
“The international community should focus its efforts on bridging differences and resolving issues, rather than intensifying tensions or further complicating the situation,” said Sun.
He claimed that China has been actively engaged in promoting peace talks in Myanmar and has achieved “positive results.”
China has recently faced growing criticism over its interventions in Myanmar. Under Beijing’s pressure, the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA)—an ethnic Kokang armed group—was forced to return the strategic northern city of Lashio to the junta, after capturing it with the help of allied resistance groups.
The Ta’ang National Liberation Army, one of the MNDAA’s allies, also revealed recently that it had come under increasing pressure from the Chinese government to stop fighting the junta.
Anti-regime activists have urged Beijing to stop backing the Myanmar military regime and interfering in Myanmar’s internal affairs.
Many Myanmar netizens have expressed the view that while China’s concerns over border stability and its interests in Myanmar are understandable, China should not put pressure on Myanmar’s popular revolt against the regime.
Despite the criticism, Sun reaffirmed China’s commitment to “play a constructive role” in helping Myanmar achieve “stability and reconciliation”.
“We will continue to play a constructive role in helping Myanmar achieve stability and reconciliation. And we hope the international community will work in the same direction,” the Chinese diplomat said.
On the Rohingya refugee crisis, Sun said the return of refugees to Myanmar’s Rakhine State from Bangladesh must ultimately be resolved through dialogue and consultation between the two countries, while adding that China has long been engaged in active diplomatic efforts in this regard.
Jonathan Shrier, the US representative to the UN Economic and Social Council, stressed the need for inclusive consultation on repatriation efforts including with the Arakan Army, which now controls nearly all of Rakhine State.
Bishop said at the Tuesday meeting that violence in Myanmar has worsened significantly despite the Myanmar military junta’s announcements of ceasefires.
She added that Myanmar’s ethnic armed organizations and civilian National Unity Government do not regard the junta’s ceasefires as genuine, citing continued airstrikes, artillery attacks and abuses against civilians.
Bishop also warned that the junta’s proposed election—backed by its main ally China—could fuel further resistance and instability if not preceded by an end to violence and a truly inclusive, transparent process.
“Key national leaders are among the more than 22,000 political prisoners still in detention,” Bishop said. “It is inconceivable how an election could be inclusive.”
She reiterated the UN Security Council’s call in Resolution 2669 for the immediate release of all those arbitrarily detained, including jailed President U Win Myint and State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.
