China and Australia started their ninth round of human rights talks in Beijing Monday morning.  

The Chinese delegation was led by Assistant to Foreign Minister Shen Guofang and the Australian delegation by Deputy Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Geoff Raby.

Shen said at the opening of the talks that China and Australia have maintained close contacts in the human rights field. Since 1997, the two countries have held eight rounds of dialogues on human rights.

"Over the eight years, the two sides have conducted human rights dialogues on the basis of equality and mutual respect, which helped enhance mutual understanding and trust and establish regular, effective communication channels," Shen said.

He said that up to now, the Sino-Australian human rights talks have embarked on a development track featuring "openness, pragmatism and vitality."

"The dialogue is part and parcel of Sino-Australian relations, and also helps enrich the connotation of bilateral ties," he added.

By press time, the talks are still going on.

The bilateral dialogue was initiated in 1997 to strengthen mutual understanding, discuss human rights issues and identify practical means of cooperation.

(Xinhua News Agency June 27, 2005)