China, US to continue human rights dialogue

WASHINGTON - Both China and the United States are willing to continue their talks about human rights on the basis of equality and mutual respect, the Chinese delegation to the latest round of China-US human rights dialogue said?in?Washington on Wednesday.

Both sides believe that the just-concluded dialogue, held in Washington DC on Monday and Tuesday, was "candid, open and constructive," and helped "improve mutual understanding and reduce misunderstanding," said a statement from the Chinese delegation.

During the talks, the two sides briefed each other on the new progress they have achieved in the human rights field, and exchanged views on issues like international human rights cooperation, the rule of law, freedom of expression, media responsibilities, racial discrimination and discrimination against aboriginals, according to the statement.

The Chinese side introduced its recent efforts to improve legislation, judicial justice and people's livelihood, including amendments to the Criminal Procedure Law, the development of the Internet and grassroots elections, and the expansion of the social security network.

It also expressed hope that the US side will respect China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, existing political and legal systems, and self-chosen development path, and take a comprehensive, objective and unbiased look at China's human rights situation, so as to promote the Sino-US cooperative partnership of mutual respect and mutual benefits for a win-win end.

The US side, among others, elaborated on recent measures to fight racial discrimination. It also spoke positively of China's new progress in the human rights field, and expressed readiness to enhance communication and understanding with the Chinese side on human rights issues through continued dialogue.

The US side is also willing to work with the Chinese side to properly address differences, boost mutual trust, strengthen cooperation, and develop a new pattern of relationship between the two major countries in the world, said the statement from the Chinese delegation.

The two-day dialogue in the US capital was co-chaired by Chen Xu, director-general of the Department of International Organizations and Conferences under the Chinese Foreign Ministry, and Michael Posner, US assistant secretary of state for democracy, human rights and labor.

The previous round of human rights talks between the two countries took place in Beijing in April last year.