China published a white paper on Thursday about the country's progress in human rights. The release of the document marks a milestone for China as it recently rid itself of extreme poverty. But experts say it also responds to some of the criticisms from the West about the path the country has taken. CGTN's Sun Ye has the details.

The white paper published by China's State Council Information Office breaks down the last four decades, as it says Beijing has "completed the historic transformation from poverty to moderate prosperity".

The document marks progress across the spectrum, from overcoming extreme hardship to lifting some 770 million people out of poverty since 1978. And it shows how social, economic and cultural rights are now better protected.

The document has been called an "holistic" picture of China's growth over the decades.

WANG XIGEN Head of the Institute of Human Rights Law Huazhong University of Science and Technology "The white paper comes as China meets the centennial goal of becoming a moderately prosperous society. The milestone is historic and also holds lessons for now, as the process of meeting this goal is also how China advances human rights. With facts and statistics, the document gives a holistic picture of our progress."

Wang says the document shows China's path means always "putting people first" and that the white-paper could also clear up some misgivings.

WANG XIGEN Head of the Institute of Human Rights Law Huazhong University of Science and Technology "The facts in the document will dispel rumors from some western countries. These documented facts are themselves enough to hit back at groundless attacks."

SUN YE Beijing "The white paper closes with a statement saying, 'There's no end to improving human rights.' And as China enters a new phase of human rights development, it's promising to make even bigger contributions to their global advance."

Sun Ye, CGTN, Beijing.