"China protects interests of citizens and rights in accordance with the law. Some people hold biased opinions against China," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman, Hong Lei told a media briefing replying to question on Clinton's comments.
Citing China's arrest of five feminists in March for campaigning against sexual harassment, Clinton called Xi's presence at the summit "shameless."
"Xi hosting a meeting on women's rights at the UN while persecuting feminists? Shameless," Clinton tweeted yesterday, CNN reported.
Hong lauded the success of the Global Leaders' Meeting on Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment held yesterday at the UN headquarters co-hosted by Xi.
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Around 100 representatives, including 80 heads of state and government, attended the meeting, where they made concrete commitments to overcome gender equality gaps, Hong said.
At the meeting, Xi made a four-point proposal on women's rights worldwide, including striving for women's development in tandem with social and economic progress, protecting women's rights and interests, jointly building harmonious and inclusive societies and fostering a global environment conducive to women's development.