Oct. 18, 2021 -- Chinese officials say human rights in the country have vastly improved over the past three decades. At a forum in Beijing, authorities reviewed progress made since 1991, the year when China released its first white paper on the issue. They say over the years, the Chinese government has stayed committed to a people-centered philosophy and emphasized ensuring people's right to a better life. An official from the National Health Commission pointed out life expectancy has risen from 70 years in 1991 to over 77 years in 2019 in China. China has eliminated absolute poverty on its way to becoming what it calls a moderately prosperous society. Earlier this year, President Xi Jinping announced that the final nearly 99 million people had been lifted out of poverty. As China continues participating in global human rights governance, officials acknowledge there is more work to be done and room for improvement. But they stress China will not tolerate intervention from Western countries such as the U.S., under the banner of human rights and democracy.