Q: The US State Department lately released the 2004 Human Rights Country Reports, in which China's human rights situation was criticized. What's China's comment?

A: The US State Department made irresponsible criticism on China's human rights situation in its so-called Human Rights Country Reports. We are strongly dissatisfied with and firmly opposed to it.

The Chinese people have the best say in their human rights situation. The Chinese Government adheres to the principles of putting people in the first place and governing for the people. It has done a great amount of work in expanding democracy and enhancing the rule of law. The human rights enjoyed by the Chinese people have improved in various aspects.

We hope the US side would pay more attention to its own human rights problems and do more work conducive to the resumption of the Sino-US human rights dialogue and exchanges.