China relied on old political allies to win the motion

Using a procedural ploy, its delegates succeeded in convincing African, Asian and Arab countries to vote for no action to be taken.

The reasons for this repeated success are complex. The 53-nation commission is heavily dominated by developing countries who resent the imposition of Western human rights values.

They argue China has made progress in improving its record and that any criticism could set back these efforts.

US interference

Many countries also expressed anger at what they see as US interference in a country's internal affairs.

China accused the US of applying double standards, describing the resolution as slanderous and absurd.

The resolution had denounced Beijing's repression, harsh sentencing policies and other restrictions against political dissidents, Tibetans and followers of the Falun Gong spiritual movement.

Western governments maintained that no country was exempt from scrutiny and expressed disappointment that China had managed to avoid examination of its human rights record.