Robert Besser
18 Mar 2023, 16:41 GMT+10
UNITED NATIONS: China has blocked the United States from broadcasting over the internet an informal United Nations Security Council meeting on human rights abuses in North Korea.
Diplomats said it is rare for a broadcast to be blocked.
The meeting was scheduled for Match 17, but the 15 council members have to unanimously agree to allow it to be webcast.
China told its council colleagues this week, in an email seen by Reuters, that the discussion "won't bring any benefit, and we have been against the holding of this ... meeting from the very beginning," China said.
Pyongyang rejects accusations of human rights abuses and blames sanctions for a dire humanitarian situation in North Korea. The country has been under U.N. sanctions over its ballistic missile and nuclear programs since 2006.
"Why is China so afraid of discussing human rights publicly?" asked a U.N. diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity.
The aim of the informal council discussion is to spotlight rights abuses in North Korea and "identify opportunities for the international community to promote accountability," according to a note to council members last week from the United States and elected council member Albania, which is co-hosting the meeting.
The discussion comes amid increasing international tensions over North Korea.
Get a daily dose of Long Beach Star news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Long Beach Star.
More InformationChina has slammed a State Department report that claims the country has been spending billions to manipulate information worldwideBeijing has ...
pristina, kosovo - Kosovo demanded Saturday that Serbia withdraw its troops from their common border, saying it was ready to ...
(Photo credit: Kirthmon F. Dozier / USA TODAY NETWORK) Andy Ibanez, Akil Baddoo and Carson Kelly drove in two runs ...
(Photo credit: Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK) Natus Vincere made quick work of Monte while MOUZ needed three ...
WASHINGTON - The U.S. House of Representatives voted Saturday to fund the federal government for 45 days, potentially averting a ...
(Photo credit: Kirthmon F. Dozier / USA TODAY NETWORK) Andy Ibanez, Akil Baddoo and Carson Kelly drove in two runs ...
HONIARA, Solomon Islands: Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare revealed that he opted out of a Pacific Islands leaders' summit at the ...
SACRAMENTO, California: Intending to raise some US$160 million per year to help prevent gun violence, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed ...
MANILA, The Philippines: The Philippines remains steadfast in its resolve not to yield to Chinese efforts to obstruct its fishermen ...
VICTORIA, Texas: This week, U.S. District Judge Drew Tipton in Victoria, Texas, ruled that President Joe Biden did not have ...
WASHINGTON D.C.: The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said it is investigating a JetBlue flight on Monday that experienced sudden ...
SEOUL, South Korea: Marking a tougher stand against North Korea, South Korea held its first large-scale military parade in over ...