Chinese corporations are being called upon to assume greater responsibility in advancing human rights within the global business landscape, according to expert commentary at a recent academic forum. The appeal comes as China’s international commercial presence continues to expand across worldwide markets.
Liang Xiaohui, Chief Researcher at the Office for Social Responsibility of China National Textile and Apparel Council, highlighted the Global Solar Sustainable Alliance as a pioneering example of this commitment. Established in May 2025 by 24 Chinese photovoltaic companies in Jakarta, Indonesia, this initiative aligns with the United Nations Global Compact’s principles and sustainable development goals. The alliance has established nine actionable pathways across three foundational pillars designed to enhance environmental, social, and governance progress throughout the solar value chain.
The discussion emerged during a forum on human rights protection in Chinese modernization hosted at Guangzhou University in Guangdong province. Academics and legal experts emphasized the integral relationship between human rights protection, rule of law, and China’s modernization trajectory. Hu Zongping, Vice-President of Guangzhou Law Society, noted that these elements collectively form crucial support systems for the nation’s development.
Scholars including Liu Zhiqiang, Professor at the Guangzhou University Human Rights Institute, stressed the necessity of developing China’s distinctive human rights knowledge system. This framework prioritizes the rights to subsistence and development as central pillars while advocating for continuous innovation in people-centered human rights concepts. The forum also addressed contemporary challenges including digital age human rights concerns and criminal justice issues, reflecting comprehensive engagement with both traditional and emerging human rights dimensions.