He told a press conference that the Chinese government has reinforced poverty relief efforts in the past year, carried out the strategy of developing the western regions and has taken a series of effective measures to provide re-employment for lay-offs, improve the social security system, improve the minimum level of the living standards of urban citizens, promote housing and educational reforms and improve economic, social and cultural rights for its people.

Moreover, the Chinese government has paid close attention to promoting and protecting political rights for its citizens, Sun said, adding that promoting the rule of law in China has been inked in the Constitution, and the Chinese government has also intensified grass-root democratic construction, increased judicial transparency, promoted enforcement supervision and taken measures to crack down on graft and corruption.

He said that thanks to joint efforts made by the government and the people, China's human rights condition has improved, and the Chinese government will make further efforts in this regard.

(People’s Daily 11/21/2000)