The Foreign Ministry yesterday denounced a report from the US
Congressional-Executive Commission on China, saying its accusations
are "groundless."
"China is strongly dissatisfied with and resolutely refutes the
US accusations about China's social and judicial system, ethnic and
religious policies as well as human rights situation in its
report," ministry spokesman Qin Gang said in a statement.
Qin's comments came in the wake of a report by the US
Congressional-Executive Commission on China, which was released
last week.
The annual report ignores China's progress and achievements made
in the fields of human rights and the legal system, Qin said.
The Chinese government suggested the US Congress and other
institutions pay more attention to their own problems, stop
interfering in China's internal affairs and focus on issues more
conducive to bolstering Sino-US relations.
"We demand that the US government seriously treat the solemn
stance of China and take substantive measures to eradicate the
adverse impact of the report," he added.
China has witnessed steady, rapid and sound economic
development, and democratic and legal construction has progressed
steadily since the People's Republic of China was founded 57 years
ago -- especially since the reform and opening-up drive began, Qin
said.
"The Chinese people enjoy unprecedented human rights and basic
freedoms," he noted.
The principles of "one country, two systems" and "Hong Kong
people governing Hong Kong" have been fully implemented in Hong
Kong, he said, adding: "Hong Kong's constitutional development and
the development of a democratic system have progressed
steadily."
Qin said Hong Kong continues to maintain its stability and
prosperity.
"It is obvious to all that the Chinese people are pursuing a
path of peaceful development and making concerted efforts to build
a harmonious society," he said.
(Xinhua News Agency September 26, 2006)