China to talk with US on human rights

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-02-21 14:38

BEIJING - China will conduct dialogues on human rights issues with the US on the basis of mutual respect and noninterference in each other's internal affairs, said Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi on Saturday.

Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi shows the way to US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton (L) in Beijing February 21, 2009. [Agencies]

"Although differences exist, China is willing to conduct the dialogues with the US to push forward the human rights situation on the premise of mutual respect and noninterference in each other's internal affairs," Yang said.

He made the remarks while meeting the press with visiting US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton after their talks.

Yang said Chinese constitution ensures the basic human rights of its people, and China would exchange views with the US in this regard.

On climate changes, Yang said the two sides agree to push for the success of the Copenhagen conference to be held in December 2009.

"The cooperation on energy resources and environmental protection is significant to the bilateral ties," he said.

Clinton said the US and China will build "an important partnership" to develop clean energy technologies and speed up the transition to a low carbon economy.

She said useful cooperation includes renewable energy, carbon dioxide capture and storage, and energy efficiency.

"We will hold regular consultations between senior officials of our governments on all elements on this broad collaboration," Clinton said.

China is Clinton's last stop of her Asian tour. She is scheduled to meet with Chinese President Hu Jintao, Premier Wen Jiabao and State Councilor Dai Bingguo later Saturday.