Representatives of various countries on Tuesday lavished praise on the human rights development and progress made by China and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region over the years, saying China's efforts have protected human rights and bridged the poverty gap.

The comments came at the 45th Session of Universal Periodic Review Working Group meeting of the United Nations Human Rights Council. The UPR, which is its fourth cycle of review of all 193 member states, is a mechanism established under the council to peer review each UN member state's human rights record every 4.5 years.

Chen Xu, head of China's delegation to the meeting, said human rights protection is an important part of China's governance and China has forged a path of human rights development that keeps up with the times and is in line with its national condition.

He told the working group that China is willing to engage in dialogue with all parties on the basis of equality and mutual respect, to strengthen exchanges, to complement each other's strengths and to make progress together.

Eric Chan Kwok-ki, chief secretary for administration for the HKSAR government, attended the meeting as deputy head of China's delegation with officials from the SAR government as members of China's delegation.

"With the implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law and an improved electoral system, the days of social disturbance and fear are now over," Chan said in his opening remarks.

Hong Kong residents can continue to enjoy the legitimate rights and freedoms guaranteed by the country's Constitution, the Basic Law of the HKSAR, as well as the relevant provisions of international covenants that apply to Hong Kong, he noted.

A total of 163 countries have registered to give a peer review at the meeting.

A Jamaican representative noted the significant social and economic progress achieved by China, especially the improvement in the economic situation of nearly 100 million people in rural areas.

A member representing Indonesia appreciated China's commitment to the ongoing development of the Human Rights Action Plan of China (2021-25).

The Iranian representative hailed China's economic program and the adoption of the human rights action plan.

The Palestinian representative believed that China's sharing allowed others to learn about their latest progress in human rights, and commended the country for promoting and protecting human rights.