Diplomats say China barred the U.S. from streaming an informal U.N. Security Council discussion on North Korean human rights abuses on Wednesday.
The 15 council members must agree to broadcast the Friday meeting. Diplomats said broadcasts are rarely stopped.
Since 2014, the Security Council has publicly and privately examined North Korean human rights. However, China and Russia have long argued that the council should not consider North Korean human rights.
“Won’t provide any advantage, and we have been against the hosting of this… meeting from the very beginning,” China warned council members in an email obtained by Reuters on Wednesday.
“Therefore, we must protest to U.N. WebTV webcasting this conference,” China stated.
Pyongyang denies human rights abuses and blames sanctions for North Korea’s humanitarian crisis. Since 2006, the U.N. has sanctioned the nation for its missile and nuclear programs.
“Why is China so terrified of talking human rights publicly?” said an anonymous U.N. ambassador.
According to a statement to council members last week from the U.S. and elected council member Albania, which is co-hosting the meeting, the informal council discussion would highlight North Korean rights abuses and “suggest options for the international community to achieve accountability.”
North Korea tensions are high.
Pyongyang launched dozens of ballistic missiles last year, including intercontinental ones.
China and Russia argue that further Security Council pressure on North Korea would be counterproductive. Last May, they blocked a U.S.-led effort to impose new U.N. sanctions on North Korea.
