China’s concerning new strategy on human rights: unite the world behind a ‘selective’ approach

China is seeking not merely to resist but to dismantle a foundational idea of the post-Cold War international order – the universality of human rights. [...]

[The government’s new strategy “Global Civilisation Initiative"] represents a kind of modern-day tribute system in which an all-powerful China sits atop a hierarchy of like-minded states from the Global South.

In exchange for kowtowing to Beijing, the Chinese government offers developing countries lucrative trade and investment opportunities and the ability to emulate its authoritarian political model.