The 13th human rights dialogue between China and the United States,
which was held from Dec.16 to 17 in Beijing, was constructive and
produced positive results, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu
Jianchao said in Beijing Tuesday.
Liu said at a routine press conference that the dialogue helped
improve mutual understanding, narrow differences and expand
consensus between the two sides.
The two sides briefed each other on each country's human rights
situation, and discussed issues of common concern such as judicial
reform, religious freedom and exchanges on human rights, Liu
said.
He
said both sides agreed that the dialogue, which was held in a
candid and friendly manner, was constructive and produced positive
results. He added that they also agreed to continue the dialogue
and exchanges on human rights, based on the principle of equality
and mutual respect.
The dialogue was co-chaired by Li Baodong, director of the
International Department of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, and Lorne
W. Crane, assistant secretary for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor
of the US State Department. Chinese Vice-Foreign Minister Li
Zhaoxing met with the US delegation, he added.
During their stay in Beijing, the delegation members visited the
United Front Work Department of the Central Committee of the
Communist Party of China, Ministry of Justice, State Administration
of Religious Affairs, and China Youth Political College.
Liu said the delegation would also visit northwest China's Xinjiang
Uygur Autonomous Region.
(Xinhua News Agency December 18, 2002)