Books of the Spanish-Chinese version of Xi Jinping on Respecting and Protecting Human Rights are seen at a reader's colloquium on Xi Jinping: On Respecting and Protecting Human Rights, held in Madrid, Spain, June 26, 2025.

Experts on Thursday praised the important contribution of Chinese wisdom to global human rights governance at a reader's colloquium in Madrid, Spain. 

The reader's colloquium on Xi Jinping: On Respecting and Protecting Human Rights brought together more than 80 participants from the political, economic and cultural sectors, including Chinese and Spanish experts, scholars and heads of social organizations.

A reader's colloquium on Xi Jinping: On Respecting and Protecting Human Rights is held in Madrid, Spain, June 26, 2025.

Scholars and experts called the book a window into China's evolving human rights philosophy, helping dispel longstanding biases and misunderstandings.

Marta Montoro, manager and director of Institutional Relations of "Catedra China" in Spain, said the book offers readers a clear and rational lens through which to understand China's human rights practices, moving beyond preconceived notions.

Chinese Ambassador to Spain Yao Jing speaks at a reader's colloquium on Xi Jinping: On Respecting and Protecting Human Rights in Madrid, Spain, June 26, 2025.

Chinese Ambassador to Spain Yao Jing emphasized that President Xi's discourses on human rights are rich in content and profound in thought, showcasing the Communist Party of China's firm commitment to protecting human rights and its active efforts to build a community with a shared future for mankind.

Jose Luis Centella, president of the Communist Party of Spain, speaks at a reader's colloquium on Xi Jinping: On Respecting and Protecting Human Rights in Madrid, Spain, June 26, 2025.

Jose Luis Centella, president of the Communist Party of Spain, gave an in-depth analysis of how Xi's important discourses on respecting and protecting human rights have been integrated into the political practice of socialism with Chinese characteristics. He highlighted seven key areas: the right to development and poverty alleviation, building the rule of law in China, whole-process people's democracy and grassroots democracy, gender equality, ecological civilization, ethnic unity and multicultural identity, and multilateralism with a global human rights perspective.

According to Centella, Xi's human rights thought forms a multidimensional and closely interconnected system. "It is not an abstract concept or a mere political slogan, but a pragmatic response by a country representing more than one-sixth of the world's population to real-world challenges," he pointed out.

Carlos Bielsa Martin, spokesperson for the Center for Studies and Work on the New Silk Road Association, speaks at a reader's colloquium on Xi Jinping: On Respecting and Protecting Human Rights in Madrid, Spain, June 26, 2025.

Carlos Bielsa Martin, spokesperson for the Center for Studies and Work on the New Silk Road Association, expressed the hope that the publication of Xi Jinping: On Respecting and Protecting Human Rights would provide an opportunity for people around the world to gain deeper insights into Xi's important statements on human rights. 

He said he believes this could further promote exchanges and cooperation between China and European countries, enhance mutual understanding and trust in both social and economic spheres, and foster greater respect, friendship, and people-to-people connections among nations.

Eddy Sanchez Iglesias, director of the Foundation of Marxist Research, speaks at a reader's colloquium on Xi Jinping: On Respecting and Protecting Human Rights in Madrid, Spain, June 26, 2025.

Eddy Sanchez Iglesias, director of the Foundation of Marxist Research, said China's approach to human rights, based on its unique historical and cultural context, offers valuable insights for the world, especially for developing countries seeking tailored and effective models of human rights protection.

Spanish universities and educational institutions have also embraced the book as a key teaching resource, helping students better understand China's human rights path and the diversity of global rights discourses. Professor Blanca Rosa Garcia Henche emphasized that intercultural dialogue and mutual learning are essential for advancing human rights understanding worldwide.

Maria Sabas Elias, head of Spain's CSB Education Group, pointed out that the human rights protected by China are grounded in its specific historical realities and resonate with the diverse cultural backgrounds of different countries. She emphasized that the book serves as both a bridge and a foundation for China-Spain cultural exchange.  

It helps Spanish-speaking readers better understand China's human rights philosophy and practice, while also providing a valuable resource for Spanish-speaking countries to learn from, reference and share China's approach to human rights – thus deepening dialogue and cooperation between China and the Spanish-speaking world, she added.

Miguel Bravo Gomez, a young Spanish translator, speaks at a reader's colloquium on Xi Jinping: On Respecting and Protecting Human Rights in Madrid, Spain, June 26, 2025.

Miguel Bravo Gomez, a young Spanish translator, urged readers to move beyond Western-centric perspectives and understand China's values within its own historical and cultural framework. He stressed that just as Western countries have developed rights systems suited to their societies, China has found a path that works for its people.