Foreign Ministry spokesperson Kong Quan yesterday expressed resolute opposition to comments contained in the annual report of the US Congressional-Executive Commission on China, released Tuesday, which he said were on China's internal affairs.

Kong said this year's commission report distorted facts and continued to attack China on the issues of human rights, religion, Tibet, Xinjiang, Hong Kong and women's rights, disregarding achievements in human rights protection and legislation.

"The report wantonly interferes in China's internal affairs and we express resolute opposition to it," Kong said.

He said China has undergone great changes over the past 56 years, especially since the reform and opening-up drive began 26 years ago.

China has maintained sustained, fast and healthy economic development and people of all ethnic groups have enjoyed their full legal rights and basic freedoms, he said.

He said Hong Kong continues to enjoy stability and prosperity with the full implementation of the policy of "one country, two systems" and the Basic Law.

Kong suggested that the US Congress focus more on the affairs of its own country and contribute more to mutual understanding and cooperation between China and the US.

He urged the US to stop interfering in China's internal affairs and take effective measures to eliminate the negative impact of the report.

According to the commission's website, it was set up in October 2000 with a legislative mandate to monitor human rights and the development of the rule of law in China, and to submit an annual report to the US president and Congress.

(Xinhua News Agency October 13, 2005)