In response to a request for comment on the committee's first annual report, Spokeswoman Zhang Qiyue said the so-called US Congress-executive Committee on China's report, which is full of arrogance and prejudices, attacked China and interfered in China's internal affairs by using the issues of human rights, religion and the Falun Gong cult in disregard of China's great achievements in the fields of human rights and legislation.

China expresses strong displeasure and resolute opposition and has made solemn representations to the US side over the issue, Zhang said.

The Chinese Government has always been dedicated to the promotion and protection of human rights and basic freedom of its people of all nationalities, she said. It is obvious to all that China's human rights condition and legal system are in the best period for continued improvement.

It is just for the protection of the basic human rights that the Chinese Government has banned the Falun Gong cult in accordance with the law and has cracked down on the "East Turkistan" terrorist organizations, Zhang said.

The moves have been welcomed and supported by the broad masses of the people, she said.

Zhang urged US Congress and relevant organizations to change over to new ways, stop interfering in China's internal affairs, and do more things beneficial to Sino-US relations and the mutual understanding between the two peoples.

The US administrative authorities should take the solemn position of the Chinese side seriously, reject the so-called proposals set forth in the report and take effective measures to eliminate the negative impact of the report, the spokeswoman said.

(Xinhua News Agency October 5, 2002)