China expressed "strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition" to arbitrary sanctions imposed by the United States on China North Industries Corporation (CNORINCO) and related sectors.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Kong Quan made the remarks in response to a report about the US government's sanctions.

Kong said the Chinese government has always opposed the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery.

China has introduced export regulations and worked with countries such as the United States to control the movement of such weapons, he said.

"We would like to maintain such cooperation on the basis of mutual understanding and trust," Kong stressed.

He said the US government had provided no proof or explanation for the sanctions, which affect not only individual companies but the development and production of all missiles, aircraft, spacecraft, electronics and warplanes in China.

The sanctions have made China doubt the sincerity of the US' cooperation with China to limit weapons proliferation and to suspect its motives, Kong said.

"We demand the US side corrects its wrongdoings and lift the sanctions," he said.

In response to a journalist's question about the recent criticism of the US side on China's human rights status, Kong Quan said that the differences existing between China and the United States on the human rights issue should be narrowed through peaceful dialogue.

Kong said the Chinese government always attaches great importance to and makes great efforts for the promotion and protection of the human rights and fundamental freedom in China, and also endeavors to advance the socialist democratic and legal development in the country. At present, China has made some achievements that have been recognized by the international community.

According to Kong, there are some differences between China and the United States on the issue of human rights, but the Chinese side held that such differences can best be narrowed through peaceful dialogue.

Upon the specific cases mentioned by the US side, Kong said China is a country ruled by law, and such cases have been treated in line with the specific laws and fact.

(Xinhua News Agency September 24, 2003)