Foreign and Military Affairs

China, US hold human rights dialogue in Beijing

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2011-04-29 13:14

BEIJING - China and the United States held a new round of human rights dialogue in Beijing on Wednesday and Thursday, discussing issues of common concern including new developments in both countries on human rights.

According to a news release from the Chinese Foreign Ministry on Friday, the dialogue was co-chaired by Chen Xu, director-general of the Department of International Organizations and Conferences of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, and Michael Posner, assistant secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor of the United States.

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The two sides had in-depth exchange of views on issues regarding bilateral cooperation in UN human rights field, the rule of law, labor rights, freedom of expression. Both agreed that the talks were frank, open and constructive, according to the release.

The Chinese side introduced the country's measures and achievements in improving and safeguarding people's livelihood, advancing the construction of democracy and legal system, and developing grass-roots democracy.

The Chinese side said the Chinese people are most qualified to speak on China's human rights situation, and the Chinese judicial organs would continue to handle cases in accordance with law. The Chinese side said that only through abiding by a spirit of equality and mutual respect can the human rights dialogue achieve positive progress, according to the release.

The US delegation also called upon relevant Chinese departments during their stay in Beijing, including the United Front Work Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, the Ministry of Justice, the State Council's Information Office, the State Administration For Religious Affairs and All-China Federation of Trade Unions.

They also had discussions with experts of the Party School of the CPC Central Committee.