Australia has joined the US, Japan and nine European nations in condemning China's deteriorating human rights record at the United Nations Human Rights Council, saying China had violated its own laws and international commitments. 
In a joint statement delivered on Thursday in Geneva, the countries expressed concern over the ongoing crackdown on human rights activists and lawyers operating on the mainland, where many individuals have not been granted access to legal counsel or visits from their family.
The statement also highlighted the case of five Hong Kong publishers and booksellers critical of China's leadership who went missing in Hong Kong and Thailand, only to reappear in detention in the mainland. The cases have troubled international observers who fear the disappearances are evidence of China's security apparatus operating covertly outside the mainland.
"We remain concerned about the unexplained recent disappearances and apparent coerced returns of Chinese and foreign citizens from outside mainland China," the statement, delivered by American ambassador to the council Keith Harper, read.
Thursday's joint statement drew a sharp rejection from China's representative to Geneva, Fu Cong, who accused the United States of hypocrisy and crimes including the rape and murder of civilians.
China has also previously criticised Australia's refugee policies and treatment of its indigenous population.