Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said at yesterday's regular press conference that both China and the US should conduct dialogues on human rights issue based on equality and mutual respect.

 

Qin said this in reply to a reporter's question concerning President Hu Jintao's visit to the US.

 

He said Hu will explain China's position and opinions on human rights issue if the topic is brought up during his US visit.

 

"We oppose confrontation and interference in other countries' internal affairs under the pretext of human rights," Qin said.

 

He said China and the US share common ground on the human rights issue, which focuses on the protection and promotion of human rights, noting that China is willing to have dialogue with other countries, including the US.

 

(Xinhua News Agency April 19, 2006)