Over the past decade, China has expanded its international economic relationships while also intensifying political and policy pressure to advance Beijing’s position on human rights. Despite international legal standards to the contrary, China has promoted a human rights discourse that elevates stability and economic accumulation over political and civil rights. China’s increased assertiveness over its particular human rights standards and conduct is evident in its trade and investment relationships. Examining case studies of regional (including Belt and Road) and bilateral relations (including the recent imbroglio with Canada), this talk will examine how trade and investment relationships reflect and promote China’s evolving position on human rights.

Video of Pitman B. Potter's presentation on 03/28/19 at East-West Center:

Pitman B. Potter  is Professor of Law at the Allard School of Law of the University of British Columbia and currently a Visiting Scholar of the East-West Center. He has published 16 books and more than 100 articles examining a wide range of issues in business law and human rights. Dr. Potter has served on the Boards of Directors of several public institutions, including the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada where he is currently a Distinguished Fellow.  He is also a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada. In addition to his academic work, he has been deeply involved in policy advising and legal practice on China.

Over the past decade, China has expanded its international economic relationships while also intensifying political and policy pressure to advance Beijing’s position on human rights. Despite international legal standards to the contrary, China has promoted a human rights discourse that elevates stability and economic accumulation over political and civil rights. China’s increased assertiveness over its particular human rights standards and conduct is evident in its trade and investment relationships. Examining case studies of regional (including Belt and Road) and bilateral relations (including the recent imbroglio with Canada), this talk will examine how trade and investment relationships reflect and promote China’s evolving position on human rights.

Video of Pitman B. Potter's presentation on 03/28/19 at East-West Center:

Pitman B. Potter  is Professor of Law at the Allard School of Law of the University of British Columbia and currently a Visiting Scholar of the East-West Center. He has published 16 books and more than 100 articles examining a wide range of issues in business law and human rights. Dr. Potter has served on the Boards of Directors of several public institutions, including the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada where he is currently a Distinguished Fellow.  He is also a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada. In addition to his academic work, he has been deeply involved in policy advising and legal practice on China.