China resolutely opposes the US congressional report issued in Washington on Tuesday, which “ignores the facts and makes preposterous accusations on human rights, religion, Tibet, Hong Kong and other issues,” said Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Kong Quan in a statement that appeared on the ministry’s website late Wednesday.

“It grossly interferes in China’s internal affairs,” he said.

Kong denied the accusations, saying that the Chinese people enjoy “full human rights and basic freedoms,” particularly in light of the country’s economic and reform initiatives of recent years.

The US Congressional Executive Commission on China prepared the report.

“We urge the US Congress and the committee members to address more their own domestic problems instead of always making wanton and irresponsible remarks on the affairs of other countries,” he said.

“We demand that the US side end its interference in China’s internal affairs and take effective measures to eliminate the negative impact of the report,” said Kong.

(China Daily, China.org.cn October 8, 2004)