China will engage with partners on human rights issues and work to continue to improve and protect the lives and rights of all humanity, the country's ambassador to the UN in Geneva has said.

Addressing the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, Chen Xu said China was engaged in a long term effort to improve human rights.

The endeavor of the Chinese people to realize the Chinese dream of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, is in nature the endeavor to realize social equity and justice as well as to constantly advance the cause of human rights," he said.

China's human rights record has become a divisive issue at the UN, with many countries supporting its policies but the U.S. and European countries accusing Beijing of abuses particularly in Hong Kong and Xinjiang.

Chen observed that China has created opportunities and greater prosperity in its own country and beyond by growing its economy, while at the same time reducing carbon intensity to protect the environment. He added that advances in healthcare, particularly for the most vulnerable, increases in life expectancy and the creation of the world's largest social security system were all indications of the improving situation.

Nevertheless, he recognized that more can still be done.

"The promotion and protection of human rights is an ongoing journey with which there is always room for improvement," Chen said. "China will carefully study the constructive advice on relevant topics, and is willing to translate helpful ideas into policies and measures that are in line with its national realities."

Chen and his colleagues also faced questions from the UN's rapporteur around the introduction of a security law in Hong Kong and the country's COVID-19 policies.