China, on Thursday at the ongoing 60th session of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights in Geneva, refuted accusations of the United States and suggested Washington to reflect upon its own violations on human rights.  

In response to the statement of the US delegation to the meeting, head of the Chinese delegation Ambassador Sha Zukang exercised the right to reply and delivered a very brilliant speech.

"We are not surprised about the US accusations against China. What surprised my delegation is that there is no reference of American violations of human rights in his statement," he said.

"The United States is well known for its racial discrimination, police brutality and mistreat of detainees," he added.

Ambassador Sha said if the United States is really honest and concerned about human rights, it should table a resolution to name and shame itself.

"We'll suggest the United States to buy a mirror and look at itself in it. China is a poor developing country, but if you don't have a mirror, we can buy one for you." His humorous words won applause and laughter of all participants at the meeting.

"We have prepared China's white paper on the human rights of the United States. Anyone of you who have interest can read it. But my delegation strongly advise you not to read it, particularly not before you going to bed, because you might have a nightmare."

The whole assembly hall burst into applause and laughter again.

The Chinese ambassador reiterated that the Chinese government attaches great importance to the human rights and has determination, confidence and capability to solve China's human rights issues.

"China has achieved a lot in the field of human rights. This is a fact known to the whole international community. China's achievement cannot be written off by the accusation of the US delegation," he said.

(Xinhua News Agency March 26, 2004)