UN expert calls for lifting of restrictions

A United Nations expert on Friday called on countries to lift all sanctions and other restrictions against China, saying that unilateral sanctions, being contrary to international law and ultimately resulting in human rights violations, must not be used as a foreign policy tool and means of economic coercion.

Speaking at a news conference in Beijing on Friday, Alena Douhan, the UN special rapporteur on the negative impact of unilateral coercive measures on the enjoyment of human rights, shared her preliminary findings following a 12-day official visit to China.

"During my visit, I received numerous reports on the unilateral sanctions' adverse impact and the consequent socioeconomic implications affecting people's lives," she said.