The State Council Information Office (SCIO) issued a white paper on Sept. 22, 2019, on China's advancement of human rights since its founding.
The white paper, titled "Seeking Happiness for People: 70 Years of Progress on Human Rights in China," reviewed China's history of human rights protection, analyzed its people-centered approach, and summarized its participation in global governance and contribution to the global human rights endeavor.
It reaffirmed the original aspiration of the Communist Party of China (CPC), which is to "work for the wellbeing of the people of China, for national rejuvenation and for human progress." Such efforts have been further renewed since the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012.
"Over the subsequent seven decades, the Chinese nation has stood up and grown prosperous and is becoming strong; all basic rights of the people are better respected and protected; and China has made regular contributions to the international cause of human rights," the document said.
According to the white paper, China has integrated universal principles of human rights with its unique national conditions in practicing socialism with Chinese characteristics. "Both history and present circumstances attest that China has opened a new path of human rights protection based on its national conditions, and increased the diversity of human civilization," it said.
It also noted that while promoting human rights through development, China has always adhered to peace, cooperation and mutual benefits as a key member of the international community.
"In this new era, China will continue to uphold cultural diversity, communicate with and learn from other civilizations, and work with the international community for common development and prosperity, for progress in human rights worldwide and for building a global community of shared future," the white paper concluded.