Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and 35 other states have written to the United Nations supporting China's policies in its western region of Xinjiang on Friday, according to the copy of the letter, in contrast to strong Western criticism.
As well as Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, the letter was signed by ambassadors from many African countries, Russia, North Korea, Venezuela, Cuba, Belarus, Myanmar, the Philippines, Syria, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.
China has been accused of detaining a million Muslims and persecuting ethnic Uighurs in Xinjiang, and 22 ambassadors signed a letter to the UN Human Rights Council this week criticizing its policies.
But the letter supporting China commended what it called China's remarkable achievements in the field of human rights.
"Faced with the grave challenge of terrorism and extremism, China has undertaken a series of counter-terrorism and deradicalization measures in Xinjiang, including setting up vocational education and training centers," the letter said.
The letter said security had returned to Xinjiang and the fundamental human rights of people of all ethnic groups there had been safeguarded. It added there had been no terrorist attack there for three years and people enjoyed a stronger sense of happiness, fulfillment and security.
Beijing has denied any human rights violations in the region and Chinese Ambassador Xu Chen, speaking at the close of the Council's three-week session on Friday, said China hiteva sandalsghly appreciated the support it had received from the signatories.
Since last October, China’s local government has also organized tours of the camps for diplomats and media outlets.
UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet has requested a fact-finding mission to Xinjiang. Beijing has said she is welcome, but the rights office has stressed that a visit will be only possible on certain conditions - including unfettered access to key sites.
