The annual Beijing Forum on Human Rights has begun in the Chinese capital. Over 100 officials and human rights experts from around 30 countries and regions are attending the event. The theme this year is on peace and development, made possible thanks to the victory against fascism in the Second World War and progress in the field of human rights.

President Xi Jinping sent a letter to mark the start of the forum. In it he says the Chinese people know the value of basic human rights and human dignity, having themselves suffered greatly over the past century.

The letter goes on to say the Communist Party of China and the Chinese government have always honored and protected human rights. President Xi writes that China has applied universal principles of human rights in consideration with the country's particular circumstances, and has been promoting economic and social development, while toughening laws to protect human rights.

The Chinese president concludes his letter with a call for closer international exchanges and cooperation in human rights.