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China calls for human rights dialogue

BEIJING: China and the U.S. should hold dialogue to solve their disputes on human rights and religious issues, said the Chinese Foreign Ministry on Thursday.

Spokesperson Qin Gang made the remarks with reference to the speech of U.S. President George W. Bush in Thailand, in which he criticised China on both fronts. “As for disputes between China and the U.S. on human rights and religious issues, we always stand for dialogues and exchanges based on an equal-footing and mutual respect, so as to enhance mutual understanding and minimise disputes,” said Mr. Qin in a press release.

China firmly opposed words and deeds which interfered in other countries’ domestic affairs under the guise of human rights and religious issues, he said, adding that the government is devoted to the safeguarding and promotion of citizen’s basic rights and freedom.

The citizens enjoy freedom of religious belief according to the law, and these facts are there for all to see, he added. Speaking highly of the stable development of Sino-U.S. relations in recent years, Mr. Qin said the two nations had carried out fruitful dialogue, exchanges and cooperation in bilateral fields, and major international and regional issues.

“Facts have proved that the two countries have a broad common interest and a basis for cooperation despite some disputes. A good Sino-U.S. relationship is in the fundamental interests of the two countries and peoples, as well as the peace, stability and development of the Asia-Pacific region and the world,” he said.

China is willing to work with the U.S. to strengthen the dialogue and cooperation and handle disputes and sensitive issues so as to promote a lasting and stable development of relationship of cooperation, he added.

Mr. Bush arrived in Beijing on Thursday for the opening ceremony of the Olympics. — Xinhua

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