Foreign and Military Affairs

Sino-US human rights talks start today

(chinadaily.com.cn/Xinhua)
Updated: 2011-04-27 09:46

The two-day China-US Human Rights Dialogue starts Wednesday in Beijing.

China has made great progress in human rights and the Chinese government is willing to continue exchanges and cooperation on human rights on the basis of mutual respect and equality, Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei told reporters at a briefing on Tuesday.

The lead participants are Chen Xu, director-general of the department of international organizations and conferences of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, and Michael Posner, US assistant secretary for democracy, human rights and labor.

During the dialogue, the two sides will exchange views on issues of common concern. They will discuss new developments in both countries concerning human rights, as well as their cooperation on human rights at the United Nations.

Regarding China-US differences on human rights issues, Hong said the two sides can enhance mutual understanding through dialogue based on equality and mutual respect.

"We oppose that any country interferes in China's internal affairs under the pretext of human rights issues," said Hong.

Adhering to the people-oriented policy, the Chinese government has implemented the "China respects and protects human rights" principle of its Constitution, said Hong, adding that China has made remarkable progress in human rights.

"China is willing to carry out dialogues with related parties based on equality and mutual respect to pursue common progress and development," said Hong.