4th UPR Session – Statement of Japan
Review of China – 9 February 2009

The delegation of Japan would like to thank the Government of China for submitting a comprehensive national report. 

Since its adoption of the policy of reform and opening up in 1978, China has focused its efforts on national economic development to enhance the quality of people’s lives and has made significant achievements toward ensuring the economic and social rights of its people.  Japan applauds the achievements gained so far in the country. At the same time, the promotion of civil and political rights is also essential, and we hope that China will continue its efforts to further enhance the promotion and protection of the civil and political rights of its people, including the ratification of the ICCPR. 

Japan also notes that China, as a multi-ethnic nation, has adopted various preferential measures for ethnic minorities including Tibetans and Uighurs, and has extended various economic and social assistance to minorities as the country aims to realize a “harmonious society.”  In this connection, Japan recommends that China continue its efforts to further ensure ethnic minorities the full range of human rights including cultural rights.   

Japan takes note of the concrete steps for the freedom of the press and the disclosure of information under the policy of “placing people first.”  For instance, China is trying to ensure and expand the freedom of the press, as seen in the establishment of new regulations on reporting activities by foreign journalists. We hope that China will fully implement these regulations and will further advance its policies and measures in this regard.

As China pursues the construction of a nation under the rule of law, the Information Office of the State Council published for the first time a white paper on China’s rule of law in February 2008. Japan appreciates China’s efforts to make steady progress on the disclosure of information in this field.