– A readers’ forum on the book “Xi Jinping: On Respecting and Protecting Human Rights” was held Thursday in Addis Ababa.
The forum has brought together African political leaders, scholars, media professionals, and students to discuss the African relevance of China’s human rights approach.
Speaking at the event, the China Society for Human Rights Studies executive vice president Jiang Jianguo said the book, now translated into 13 languages, outlines China’s century-long pursuit of human rights and its independent path tailored to national realities.
He expressed hope that the lessons drawn could inspire African countries in their modernization journeys and efforts to strengthen governance and improve people’s well-being.
Chinese Ambassador to Ethiopia Chen Hai noted that both China and Africa emphasize a people-centered approach to human rights while rejecting the politicization of the issue. He said China-Africa cooperation in this field not only benefits both sides but also contributes to building a shared future and advancing global progress.
Liberia’s Foreign Affairs Deputy Minister Jeddi Mowbray Armah stressed that African country, like China, must chart their own human rights paths rooted in their history, culture, and stage of development. “For Global South nations, this concept resonates deeply, as dignity, justice, and equality remain common aspirations,” he said.
Over 150 African participants attended the event, underscoring the growing interest in people-centered human rights approaches that align with African realities and development priorities.