China, U.S. human rights dialogue on May 2010

China and the United States wrapped up a two-day dialogue on human rights in Washington on May 14 and agreed to hold the next round of dialogue in China next year.

During the dialogue meetings, the two sides briefed each other on new progress made in the field of human rights in their respective countries and had an in-depth exchange of views on issues of mutual concern, including cooperation on human rights at the United Nations, the rule of law, freedom of expression, labor rights and anti-racism, according to a press release by the Chinese delegation.

Both sides shared the view that the dialogue has been candid, open and constructive.

The Chinese side briefed U.S. officials on China's efforts in recent years to promote democracy and the rule of law and improve people's well-being, and stressed that judicial authorities in China will continue, as always, to handle cases according to law.

The Chinese side said China is ready to have further dialogue and exchanges with the United States on the basis of equality and mutual respect so as to increase mutual understanding, narrow differences and expand consensus.

The U.S. side spoke positively of the new progress China has made in human rights, saying that the United States is ready to strengthen dialogue and exchanges with China on the issue.

The two-day dialogue in Washington is the first of its kind between the two countries since the Obama administration took office. The Chinese delegation was led by Chen Xu, director-general of the Department of International Organizations and Conferences of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, while the U.S. side was headed by Mike Posner, assistant secretary of state for democracy, human rights and labor.