A man is known by the company he keeps. So is a country.

Earlier this week, China's human rights record came under scrutiny before the U.N. Human Rights Council. As expected, China denied that it censors the news media, maintain hidden prisons, persecutes minorities or gives an excessive number of prisoners the death penalty. This surprised no one.

What's perhaps most interesting, though, is the litany of nations that came forth to congratulate China, and laud its social policies - censorship, death penalty and beyond. From Tim Johnston: 

The Egyptian envoy said "we understand the need of China to keep the death penalty and recognize that in China it is strictly controlled and applied with extreme caution.” He praised the fact that pregnant women and minors are not executed.

Iran congratulated China's "efforts to promote and protect human rights for all" but in referring to the internet added that "its negative impact can never be underestimated.” It encouraged China to tighten censorship to prohibit "defamation of religion" and “pornographic websites.”

Cuba praised China for being an "exceptional country," and urged it to enforce "strict compliance with law. . . to prevent people disguised as human rights activists from trying to destroy the state."  

Singapore said China’s sustained economic growth is little short of a miracle.

Pakistan suggested foreign countries butt out of China’s affairs: “China does not require external advice on securing the rights of its people.”

Sri Lanka said his country “rejects the malign criticisms of China made by the same quarters … who tore China into little pieces during the period of colonialism and … actually forced the habit of opium upon the Chinese people.”

If you're keen to watch the entire three-hour session, you can do so here.