US urged to end rights dispute through talks

(China Daily)
Updated: 2008-08-08 07:56

China and the US should hold talks on equal footing and mutual respect to resolve their disputes over human rights and religion, the Foreign Ministry said Thursday.

Responding to US President George W. Bush's criticism of China on the two issues, Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said China firmly opposes "words and deeds" that interfere in other countries' internal affairs in the guise of human rights and religion.

During his visit to Bangkok Thursday, Bush said: "The US believes the people of China deserve the fundamental liberty that is the natural right of all human beings."

Qin responded that the Chinese government is committed to safeguarding and promoting people's basic rights and freedom. Chinese citizens enjoy freedom of religion, and the facts are there for all to see.

Speaking highly of the stable development of Sino-US relations in recent years, Qin said the two countries have carried out fruitful dialogues, exchanges and cooperation in a wide range of fields and major international and regional issues.

"A good Sino-US relationship is in the fundamental interest of the two countries and their peoples, as well as for peace, stability and development of the Asia-Pacific region and the world," Qin said.

Bush reached Beijing Thursday night, and will attend the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games August 8, 2008.