China's Attempt to Shield North Korea from Human Rights Accusations Condemned by US and West

The US accused China of trying to hide North Korea's human rights abuses by blocking the webcast of an informal meeting of UN Security Council members on the issue. China and Russia argue that the Security Council should not discuss human rights issues, but the US says North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile programs are "inextricably linked to the regime's human rights abuses." Despite China's move, the meeting was still public and media attended. The UN Security Council is likely to hold a formal meeting on Monday over North Korea's launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile.