From discord to cooperation

China and US should hold dialogues to build mutual trust on human rights issues, democracy and the rule of law

China and the United States have wrapped up their 17th round of dialogue on human rights in Washington. The Chinese side presented the recent measures it has taken to improve legislation, judicial justice and people's livelihood, including amendments to the Criminal Procedure Law, development of the Internet and grassroots elections, and expansion of the social security network.

The US, however, continues to find fault with China's "restrictions on free expression and Internet freedom, on religious and ethnic minorities, and on internationally recognized labor rights". US Assistant Secretary of State Michael Posner, who hosted the dialogue, said the overall human rights situation in China continues to "deteriorate".