China clashed with the U.N. special envoy on North Korean human rights at the ongoing U.N. Human Rights Council Session in Geneva on Monday, with Beijing denying that North Koreans entering China should be protected as refugees.

Presenting her latest report to the council, U.N. special rapporteur Elizabeth Salmon said “escapees from the DPRK who are forcibly repatriated by other states, including China, continue to face the risk of torture and other human rights violations.” 

“The international community, particularly this council, cannot remain silent on such pressing concerns,” she added. 

But China’s delegation strongly objected to Salmon’s remarks, repeating its